Senate Resolution No. 2464

BY: Senator PARKER

CONGRATULATING Michael J. Garner upon the occasion
of his designation as recipient of the Harlem Alphas
Annual Living the Dream Award

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body takes great pride in applauding
associations whose diligence and compassionate commitment help to
improve the quality of life of others, often recognizing events of such
organizations designed to increase awareness of serious debilitating
illnesses which affect the lives of many New Yorkers; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Michael J. Garner upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of the Harlem Alphas Annual Living the Dream Award, on Friday,
January 17, 2020; and

WHEREAS, The Annual Living the Dream Awards ceremony is dedicated to
honoring the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by honoring the
individuals that embody the idea that we are more powerful because we
are educated; and

WHEREAS, Michael J. Garner has been instrumental in creating a more
diverse construction industry in New York State, by empowering small
businesses across this great Empire State through educational
programming and access to increased opportunities; and

WHEREAS, Through Michael J. Garner's MTA Small Business Development
Program, record breaking prime and subcontracts have been awarded to New
York State certified minority, women-owned and MTA certified
disadvantaged business enterprises; throughout his career he has been
responsible for awarding 10 billion dollars in contracts to these
enterprises; and

WHEREAS, Before his work with the MTA, Michael J. Garner served as
Senior Director of Business Development at the New York City School
Construction Authority (SCA), where he was responsible for the short-
and long-term business development of qualified emerging minority,
women-owned and locally based business enterprises (MWLBEs); and

WHEREAS, Under his illustrious leadership, the SCA created one of
the most comprehensive small business development and inclusion programs
in the nation including implementation of a Graduate Mentor Program; and

WHEREAS, Michael J. Garner is an active member of the Canaan Baptist
Church in Harlem, New York, and serves as President of One Hundred Black
Men Inc. of New York, in addition to holding the position of Treasurer
of the New York/New Jersey Minority Supplier Development Council; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, Michael J. Garner serves on the board of
Harlem Hospital and advises numerous U.S. cities and states on their
minority business development and inclusion programs; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Michael J. Garner has stood constant
in dignity, good grace and humor; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Michael J. Garner has
displayed throughout his life; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Michael J. Garner upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of the Harlem Alphas Annual Living the Dream Award; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Michael J. Garner.