LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Bill Sigrist upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the 2014 Citizen of the Year Award by the
Seneca County Chamber of Commerce

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, Bill Sigrist has given not only of his time and energies but
also of his competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently has
been designated for special honor; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Bill
Sigrist upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the 2014
Citizen of the Year Award by the Seneca County Chamber of Commerce, to
be celebrated at its Annual Dinner Meeting on Friday, January 23, 2015,
at Ventosa Vineyards, Geneva, New York; and
WHEREAS, Born December 25, 1955, to Herman and Hope Brand Sigrist in
Seneca Falls, New York, Bill Sigrist graduated from Waterloo Central
School in 1974; he went on to earn a degree from Cayuga Community
College in 1984; and
WHEREAS, Bill Sigrist honorably served the United States Navy as a
Seabee from 1974 to 1979; he was employed by the Seneca Army Depot for
more than a decade before buying Nugent Hardware in 1994; and
WHEREAS, Under the luminous direction of Bill Sigrist, Nugent Hardware
was a steadfast supporter of Habitat for Humanity through the generous
donation of supplies, tools, home goods and paint for use in its ongoing
endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Bill Sigrist has stood constant in
dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, As President of the Waterloo Business Association, Bill
Sigrist resurrected the Waterloo Business and Professional Association
after a prolonged stretch of inactivity; he was instrumental in bringing
interest back into downtown, and established "The Real Christmas" as an
event to incorporate the story of Christmas with downtown retailers; and
WHEREAS, A valued and involved member of his community, Bill Sigrist
served as President of the Waterloo Library and Historical Society; he
co-chaired an aggressive campaign to raise funds to repair the library;
and
WHEREAS, In addition, he led the Board and staff as the library moved
to become a fixture of information sharing in the community through
community outreach, and organizational restructuring with a strong
desire to revitalize the Terwilliger Museum and increase its attendance;
and
WHEREAS, A fifteen year member of the Celebrate Commemorate Committee,
Bill Sigrist took the initiative, along with his son, to install elec-
tric in Lafayette Park; this valuable resource has been used for several
events throughout the years and ensures vendors can provide community
members access to various forms of entertainment and activities during
the Memorial Day celebration and beyond; and
WHEREAS, Bill Sigrist has served as Waterloo Rotary President twice,
and has chaired both the Membership and Foundation Committees; a four-
time Paul Harris Fellow, he continues to fund initiatives pertaining to
the eradication of Polio, improving education around the world, and
providing clean water in underdeveloped countries, among other projects;
and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, he served as a Board member of the Seneca County
Cornell Cooperative Extension, and Advisory Board member for NBG/Five
Star Bank; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Kathy, and their two
children, Michael and Erin, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of
his life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Bill Sigrist has displayed through-
out his life; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Bill Sigrist upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the 2014 Citizen of the Year Award by the Seneca County Chamber of
Commerce; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Bill Sigrist.