Assembly Resolution No. 1043

BY: M. of A. Miller

HONORING Eve Van de Wal upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the Businessperson of
the Year Award by the Greater Utica Chamber of
Commerce

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend the leaders of commerce and industry whose accomplishments
contribute to the economic health and prosperity of the communities of
the State of New York, and whose purposeful endeavors as involved
members of the community serve to enhance the quality of life therein;
and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Eve Van de Wal upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the
Businessperson of the Year Award by the Greater Utica Chamber of
Commerce, to be celebrated on Thursday, May 16, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Eve Van de Wal is a proud life-long resident of the Mohawk
Valley, creating and maintaining strong relationships with key community
leaders through her work with Excellus BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS); she
joined the company in 1998 and held numerous administrative positions
prior to her current role of regional president; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the course of her over 40-year career, she
generously shared her extensive and diverse experience in healthcare
delivery and health insurance, having enjoyed a successful career as a
critical care and coronary care nurse before joining the health plan;
and

WHEREAS, In addition to her volunteer efforts at hundreds of
community events throughout her career, Eve Van de Wal has served her
hometown and Excellus BCBS by serving on numerous boards including:
Adirondack Bank, Economic Development Growth Enterprises Corporation
(EDGE), The United Way of the Mohawk Valley and Greater Utica Area, The
Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, Health Workforce
New York (HWNY), Northern Area Health and Education Center (NAHEC),
Utica First Insurance Company, and YWCA of the Mohawk Valley; and

WHEREAS, The recipient of numerous awards and accolades, Eve Van de
Wal has received the following honors: Women of Distinction by the New
York State Senate, On Point for College Foundation of Hope, American Red
Cross Great Hero, The Genesis Group Joseph R. Carucci Legacy Award, Boys
and Girls Club Living Legend Award, YWCA Salute to Outstanding Women for
Healthcare, Oneida County Historical Society Hall of Fame Living Legends
Award, Boy Scouts of America Public Service Leadership Award, Rotary
International Paul Harris Fellow Award, and Successful Women in Business
Award by the Mohawk Valley; and

WHEREAS, Receiving the esteemed honor of Businessperson of the Year
is a testament to all the hard work and positive contributions Eve Van
de Wal has so selflessly demonstrated on behalf of her community; this
distinction comes at a meaningful time in her life as Eve Van de Wal is

retiring from her cherished position as regional president on Tuesday,
April 30, 2024; and

WHEREAS, For the past 40 years, Eve Van de Wal rendered faithful,
conscientious, and valuable service to Excellus BlueCross BlueShield,
the greater Utica area, and, as a result, the communities of New York
State at large; and

WHEREAS, In her capacity as regional president, Eve Van de Wal
served with loyalty, honor and distinction, justly earning her this
honor; and

WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband, Dale, their two
grown children and their spouses, and her grandchildren, all of whom
feel privileged to be a part of her life and rejoice in her
achievements; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body seeks to acknowledge those
individuals whose professional lives and civic endeavors serve to
enhance the stature of the State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Eve Van de Wal upon the occasion of her designation as recipient
of the Businessperson of the Year Award by the Greater Utica Chamber of
Commerce; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Eve Van de Wal.