Senate Resolution No. 34

BY: Senator MONTGOMERY

COMMENDING Marilyn Carlson Nelson upon the
occasion of her designation for special recognition
by ECPAT-USA on November 16, 2016

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are greatly enriched by the compassionate commitment of those
dedicated organizations 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
commend Marilyn Carlson Nelson upon the occasion of her designation for
special recognition by ECPAT-USA, to be feted at its Soiree Celebrating
25 Years Protecting Children, on Wednesday, November 16, 2016, at the
Pace Gallery, New York, New York; and

WHEREAS, For 25 years, ECPAT-USA has been at the forefront of the
fight to end the commercial sexual exploitation of children; this vital
organization goes to the source of the problem by fighting for new and
improved laws, encouraging the private sector to do its part, and
raising awareness among those who may be in a position to identify a
child who is being commercially sexually exploited; and

WHEREAS, Under the able management of Executive Director, Carol
Smolenski, ECPAT-USA and its dedicated team of staff, board members, and
volunteers work tirelessly to fight this inhumane and criminal activity
at the source; and

WHEREAS, ECPAT-USA is proud to recognize and honor Marilyn Carlson
Nelson for her work galvanizing the travel industry to combat human
trafficking; and

WHEREAS, Marilyn Carlson Nelson graduated from Smith College with
her degree in International Economics and studied at the Sorbonne in
Paris, France, as well as the Institut des Hautes Etudes Economiques et
Politiques in Geneva, Switzerland; and

WHEREAS, Marilyn Carlson Nelson is the former Chairman and CEO of
Carlson, a global travel and hospitality company, headquartered in
Minneapolis, Minnesota; with operations in more than 150 countries and
territories, more than 100,000 people work under its numerous well-known
brands; today, she holds the title of co-CEO of Carlson Holdings; and

WHEREAS, Under Marilyn Carlson Nelson's luminous leadership, Carlson
was the first major North American travel and hospitality company to
take a stand against the sexual exploitation of children in the travel
industry; on behalf of the company, she signed the travel industry's
international Code of Conduct to end child prostitution, child
pornography and the trafficking of children for sexual purposes; and

WHEREAS, Moreover, this remarkable woman partnered with the Queen of
Sweden to found the World Childhood Foundation to protect street
children around the world; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of Carlson's initiatives to protect children
at risk from human trafficking, The White House honored the company in
2013 with the inaugural Presidential Award for Extraordinary Efforts to
Combat Human Trafficking; one year later, Marilyn Carlson Nelson was
chosen by a committee of Nobel Prize recipients to receive the Oslo
Business for Peace Award which recognizes individual business leaders
for their leadership in promoting responsible business practices; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the years, Marilyn Carlson Nelson has appeared
on Forbes magazine's list as one of "The World's 100 Most Powerful
Women", and she was named one of "America's Best Leaders" by U.S. News
and World Report, and in 2007, Ethisphere Magazine recognized her as one
of the "100 Most Influential People in Business Ethics"; and

WHEREAS, In 2006, H.E. Jean-David Levitte, French Ambassador to the
United States, inducted Marilyn Carlson Nelson into the French Legion
d'Honneur, which recognizes citizens of France, and a select few others,
for their exemplary leadership and service to humanity; and

WHEREAS, A dynamic woman, Marilyn Carlson Nelson co-Chaired the 2004
World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, and served
as Chair of the National Women's Business Council, a bi-partisan
advisory council to the President and Congress; and

WHEREAS, Marilyn Carlson Nelson also held the title of Chair of the
United States Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, and currently serves on
the boards of the United Nations Global Compact, the Committee
Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy, the National Endowment for Democracy
and holds the position of Vice Chair of the Minnesota Orchestra; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, Marilyn Carlson Nelson is a former board
member of ExxonMobil and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and
served as past Chair of the Mayo Clinic Board of Trustees; and

WHEREAS, This world-renowned philanthropist is also a member of the
Royal Order of the North Star First Class, presented by the King and
Queen of Sweden; the Order of the White Rose, Officer First Class,
presented by the President of Finland; and Commander of the Royal
Norwegian Order of Merit presented by the King of Norway; and

WHEREAS, In addition to her multi-faceted roles of child advocate
and businesswoman, Marilyn Carlson Nelson is the best-selling author of
How We Lead Matters: Reflections on a Life of Leadership; and

WHEREAS, As a true asset to society, Marilyn Carlson's distinguished
records merits the recognition and respectful tribute of this
Legislative Body; in the faithful performance of her duties and
volunteer efforts, her ongoing endeavors and notable achievements have
significantly contributed to bettering the quality of life for children
all over the world; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those
organizations and individuals 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
commend Marilyn Carlson Nelson upon the occasion of her designation for
special recognition by ECPAT-USA on November 16, 2016; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Marilyn Carlson Nelson and Carol Smolenski, Executive
Director, ECPAT-USA.