Senate Resolution No. 704

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING President and CEO Rudy C. D'Amico upon
the occasion of his retirement after more than 10
years of distinguished service to the Central
Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired
(CABVI)

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality of life in the communities across this great State of New
York is enriched by the diligence and compassionate commitment of those
individuals whose singular purpose is the care and welfare of others;
and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend President and CEO Rudy C. D'Amico upon the occasion of his
retirement after more than 10 years of distinguished service to the
Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI); and

WHEREAS, This auspicious milestone will be celebrated at a
Retirement Party held in his honor on Thursday, May 23, 2019, at Twin
Ponds Golf and Country Club in New York Mills, New York; and

WHEREAS, Upon earning his bachelor's degree in finance from Rider
University, Rudy C. D'Amico proudly served his country as a member of
the New York Army National Guard; after 21 years of service, he retired
in 1993 with the rank of Major; and

WHEREAS, During this time, Rudy C. D'Amico founded and held the
title of CEO of Express Systems Integration (ESI), a computer systems
integration company with offices in both New Hartford and Syracuse, New
York; and

WHEREAS, In 1985, Rudy C. D'Amico first became involved with CABVI
as a member of its Board of Directors; after eight years of service, he
began to work for this vital organization, first as Vice President of
Operations and then Executive Vice President; in these capacities, he
oversaw manufacturing operations, sales and customer services, new
product development, base supply center operations and information and
technology; and

WHEREAS, In May of 2008, Rudy C. D'Amico was appointed President and
the third Chief Executive Officer of CABVI in its 79-year history, the
position from which he will officially retire in August of 2019;
throughout his tenure, he has accomplished numerous goals such as
expanding employment services into Onondaga County, adding more than 100
employees, for a total staff of 270, half of whom are blind; opened four
Base Supply Centers on military bases; and created additional vision
rehabilitation services; and

WHEREAS, In addition, under the luminous leadership of Rudy C.
D'Amico, CABVI is in the process of constructing a state-of-the-art
vision health and wellness center in downtown Utica, New York, and is

recognized across the country as one of the best private agencies for
the blind; and

WHEREAS, Devoted to his profession and community, Rudy C. D'Amico
has served on numerous non-profit Boards of Directors including the
National Association for the Employment of People Who Are Blind, the New
York Vision Rehabilitation Association, the Community Foundation of
Herkimer and Oneida Counties and Upstate Cerebral Palsy; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout has been his wife, Anne, who has shown
him love and support and rejoices in his many achievements; and

WHEREAS, A visionary leader, Rudy C. D'Amico is synonymous with
CABVI; he will fondly be remembered for his tenacity, compassion and
boundless energy; he continuously displayed initiative and an
unrelenting commitment when pursuing the highest of goals, and has
served as a role model of leadership to be emulated by all; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, 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 President and CEO Rudy C. D'Amico upon the occasion of his
retirement after more than 10 years of distinguished service to the
Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI), and to
wish him continued success in all future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Rudy C. D'Amico.