Senate Resolution No. 500

BY: Senator BRESLIN

COMMEMORATING the 60th Anniversary of the Ravena
Cement Plant

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor those
businesses within the State of New York which distinguish themselves
through outstanding professional behavior, corporate innovation, and
enduring commitment to the community; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Ravena Cement Plant; and

WHEREAS, Ground was broken in Southern Albany County on May 19,
1961, on a $64 million facility which at the time, was owned by the
Atlantic Cement Company, now known as the Ravena Cement Plant, part of
the Holcim family of companies in the United States; and

WHEREAS, At the groundbreaking ceremony, attended by 1,000
dignitaries, elected officials, and local residents, then Governor
Nelson A. Rockefeller predicted that jobs and economic opportunity
would flourish; and

WHEREAS, The Ravena Cement Plant, which opened in 1962, spent the
next six decades contributing significantly to the local and state
economy and giving back to the surrounding communities; and

WHEREAS, Cement manufactured at the Ravena plant is the foundation
of New York's built environment, and is featured in iconic landmarks
across the Northeast, including the One World Trade Center Memorial, the
Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, and MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New
Jersey; and

WHEREAS, In 2017, the Ravena Cement Plant completed a three-year,
multimillion-dollar modernization project which significantly improved
efficiency, producing up to 800 construction jobs and generating $170
million to the local economy; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, the modernization project focused on a new
kiln line which exceeds strict state and federal emissions limits,
striving toward improving its operations to align with the net-zero
goals of the state, the nation and its parent company, Holcim; and

WHEREAS, Like its parent company, the Ravena Cement Plant is leading
the way toward more efficient, sustainable, and effective building
products and practices, and a development environment which is better
for builders, communities, and the planet; and

WHEREAS, The Ravena Cement Plant is both the largest property
taxpayer and largest employer in Southern Albany County, with
approximately 160 full-time workers, the vast majority of whom are
unionized, and dozens more are vendors and contractors; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to the
communities which it serves, the plant and its dedicated employees
contribute thousands of dollars and volunteer hours to local
organizations, events, and causes to improve the region in which they
live and work; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents a unique opportunity for
this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to the Ravena Cement
Plant; and

WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body
acknowledges this exceptional business and its contributions to the
local and State economies, fully confident that it will continue to
enjoy the sparkling success it has experienced thus far; now, therefore,
be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Ravena Cement Plant; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Ravena Cement Plant, Ravena, New York.