Senate Resolution No. 1783

BY: Senator O'MARA

COMMEMORATING the 75th Anniversary of the Watkins
Glen Area Chamber of Commerce

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across the great
State of New York is reflective of certain exemplary organizations whose
purpose is dedicated to serving the community and the needs of its
citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of
Commerce on Saturday, March 2, 2024, to be celebrated at a Diamond Gala
at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel; and

WHEREAS, Since its founding 75 years ago, the Watkins Glen Area
Chamber of Commerce has spoken to the needs of the business community,
creatively promoting and advocating for business in the community; and

WHEREAS, In addition to its role as the Chamber of Commerce for
Watkins Glen and Schuyler County area, it is also the Tourism Promotion
Agent, operating two visitor centers in Watkins Glen that welcome more
than 100,000 visitors each year; and

WHEREAS, The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce has over 400
members, with many businesses fueling tourism in the area; the
international auto racing facility and the Finger Lakes wine industry
being perhaps the most notable economic engines in the region; and

WHEREAS, In the late 1940s, Cameron Argetsinger, a law student at
Cornell University, proposed an amateur road race, the Watkins Glen
Grand Prix, and reached out to the then newly-formed Watkins Glen Area
Chamber with the idea of a road race in Watkins Glen to bring tourists
to the area; this eventually led to Watkins Glen International, which
now hosts NASCAR, and an array of other motorsports competitions; and

WHEREAS, As it honors its history, the Chamber looks to the future
with a vision of advancing the Watkins Glen area as a premier
destination that intertwines its unique scenic beauty with economic
diversity and prosperity; and

WHEREAS, The success of the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce is
in direct correlation to the efforts of its dedicated Board of
Directors, staff, and volunteers, whose involvement is, and always has
been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled
enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all
endeavors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves; and

WHEREAS, Steeped in a proud and distinguished history, the Watkins
Glen Area Chamber of Commerce may take just pride in its purposeful
growth, as it looks forward to continuing to serve the business,
cultural, and intellectual needs of the community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of
Commerce; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce.