Senate Resolution No. 387

BY: Senator STEC

HONORING Behavioral Health Services North, Inc.
upon the occasion of its designation as recipient of
the 2023 Business of the Year Award by the North
Country Chamber of Commerce

WHEREAS, In the course of the evolving development of this Empire
State, if the ingredients of shared concern and responsive endeavor
combine in the commitment to society, there have emerged among the
distinguished citizens of the State of New York certain organizations
which warrant special recognition; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commend those
illustrious organizations of the State of New York whose focus and
intent have made a substantial impact on the quality of life in their
communities; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Behavioral Health Services North, Inc. upon the occasion of its
designation as recipient of the 2023 Business of the Year Award by the
North Country Chamber of Commerce, which was celebrated at its 111th
Annual Awards Dinner, "A Winter Wonderland," on Friday, January 27,
2023, at the West Side Ballroom in Plattsburgh, New York; and

WHEREAS, Behavioral Health Services North (BHSN) is receiving this
prestigious award for its steadfast and unremitting commitment to its
Plattsburgh, New York, and North Country communities; and

WHEREAS, A progressive not-for-profit organization, Behavioral
Health Services North is committed to strengthening individuals,
families, and community life by delivering a behavioral health care and
human service system which provides an integrated continuum of
essential, responsive, and cost-effective services; and

WHEREAS, Originally established in 1874, by Margaret Platt, as a
home caring for orphans and abandoned children within the community, the
home later evolved into the Northern New York Center and grew over its
first 125 years in response to the needs of the region; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception, this vital organization has evolved
into one of the most diverse and distinguished regional suppliers of
behavioral services in the State and Nation, with more than 20 sites and
programs committed to supporting the residents of North Country; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, its innovative endeavors range from support
services and housing to BHSN University, providing team members with
educational and growth opportunities; and

WHEREAS, Located along the shores of Lake Champlain, Behavioral
Health Services North continues to reflect on its principles which were
founded nearly 150 years ago; and

WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of its President and CEO Mark
Lukens, Behavioral Health Services North has experienced astounding
growth in its capacity and efforts; over the last five years, its
revenue has increased from $8 million to $37 million, enabling historic
new levels of service and support for the local community; and

WHEREAS, In addition to its President and CEO, the remarkable
success of Behavioral Health Services North is in direct correlation to
the efforts of its dedicated staff and board, 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, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are
brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by
all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Behavioral Health Services North, Inc. upon the occasion of its
designation as recipient of the 2023 Business of the Year Award by the
North Country Chamber of Commerce; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Behavioral Health Services North, Inc.