Assembly Resolution No. 1234

BY: M. of A. McDonald

CONGRATULATING Michele Vennard upon the occasion
of her retirement after many years of dedicated
service as President and CEO of the Albany County
Convention & Visitors Bureau

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those distinguished citizens of this great Empire State who have
devoted themselves to faithfully serving the best interests of their
community and the needs of its residents; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Michele Vennard upon the occasion of her retirement after
many years of dedicated service as President and CEO of the Albany
County Convention & Visitors Bureau; and

WHEREAS, Michele Vennard began her distinguished career with the
Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau in January of 1992; and

WHEREAS, Throughout her illustrious tenure, Michele Vennard climbed
the ranks to become President and CEO; in this capacity she oversees and
directs all bureau operations, which focus on promoting Albany as a
convention, group tour and leisure travel destination; and

WHEREAS, Prior to this most esteemed position, Michele Vennard was
appointed Deputy Commissioner for Tourism Development, New York State
Department of Economic Development and Division of Tourism, where she
managed all operational and marketing functions related to tourism
statewide; and

WHEREAS, In addition, she oversaw active domestic and international
tourism development and marketing programs all designed to increase
tourism activity statewide; and

WHEREAS, A true asset to her profession, Michele Vennard has served
on the Executive Committee and Board of the National Council of State
Travel Directors and Travel Industry Association of America; she has
also served as a member of the Discover America Implementation Task
Force, was a member of the United States Travel Data Center's industry
review panel for the travel economic impact model, and was a member of
the Appalachian Regional Commission marketing planning committee; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to her
community, Michele Vennard is a member and past Chairperson of the
Albany Local Development Corporation and past President of New York
State Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus; she is also a member
of the Albany Convention Center Authority and currently serves on the
board of the Palace Performing Arts Center; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, she is past chair of the Board of Trustees of
The Sage Colleges in Albany and Troy, and represented Colleges on the
University Heights Association Board of Directors; and

WHEREAS, For the past 26 years, Michele Vennard rendered faithful,
conscientious and valuable service to the Albany County Convention &
Visitors Bureau, earning the admiration, esteem and affection of her
colleagues; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate
blending of strength, leadership, intellect, and commitment as that
demonstrated by Michele Vennard over a lifetime of sacrifice and
dedication to others; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Michele Vennard upon the occasion of her retirement after
many years of dedicated service as President and CEO of the Albany
County Convention & Visitors Bureau; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Michele Vennard.