LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Albany Ambassadors upon the occasion of
their designation for special recognition by the Board of Directors of
the Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau on March 19, 2015

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Albany Ambassadors upon the occasion of their designation for special
recognition by the Board of Directors of the Albany County Convention &
Visitors Bureau, to be celebrated at its Annual Meeting and Strategies
Presentation on Thursday, March 19, 2015, at the Century House, Latham,
New York; and
WHEREAS, The Albany Ambassador program began in 1993, when a committee
comprised of members developed criteria and initiated the program with
the first class of honorees in 1994; and
WHEREAS, Each year, Albany Ambassadors bring their association,
sports, and group meetings to Albany and the Capital Region, building
new business and civic pride; these volunteers devote countless hours to
assure their meetings are successful, and are truly committed to the
Albany community; and
WHEREAS, As a direct result of the steadfast dedication of Albany
Ambassadors, more than 11,900 delegates discovered Albany in 2014, and
their meetings filled more than 6,660 hotel room nights in the local
community; and
WHEREAS, Since its inception, more than 100 esteemed volunteers have
made a profound impact on the economy of the Capital Region; their
combined efforts have brought more than 100,000 delegates to Albany; and
WHEREAS, The Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau is proud to
announce the addition of 17 Albany Ambassadors; this year's distin-
guished honorees include: Richard Cole, Marimar Lopez, Ph.D. and Sridar
V. Chittur, Ph.D., Northeast Regional Life Sciences Core Directors;
Reverend Dr. Edward B. Smart, First Israel African Methodist Episcopal
Church; Karl Oestreich, RPI Reunion Class of 1979; Lisa Kissinger and
Alfred Sive, New York State Council for the Social Studies; Pat Miller
and Sharon Putney, Sweet Adelines International-Greater New York/NJ
Region No. 15; Jane Sanders, Women of Reformed Judaism; Rob Salkin,
American Mensa Society/Mensa of Northeastern New York; Beverly Plowucha,
NAFSA: Association of International Educators; Captain Neely Jennings,
New York State Police; Richard McNeal, New York Council of Deliberation;
Heather Courtney, Babe Ruth Middle Atlantic Region; Joseph Marturano
III, Navy MSO Association Reunion; and Bill Kearsing, American Legion
Department of New York State; and
WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body that when indi-
viduals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are
brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by
all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Albany Ambassadors upon the occasion of their designation for
special recognition by the Board of Directors of the Albany County
Convention & Visitors Bureau on March 19, 2015; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the aforementioned Albany Ambassador honorees.