Senate Resolution No. 437

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMEMORATING the 30th Anniversary of Steet Toyota
of Yorkville, New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
achievements of those individuals and businesses which substantially
contribute to the economic vitality of their communities and the entire
Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 30th Anniversary of Steet Toyota of Yorkville, New York,
celebrated on Thursday, February 13, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Steet Toyota of Yorkville is a family-owned Toyota
dealership situated in the heart of Central New York; and

WHEREAS, The Steet family has been involved in the automotive
industry since 1945 and is now in its third generation of ownership and
operation, with both the Steet and Ponte families continuing the legacy;
the locally operated auto group serves the Central New York region,
including Oneida, Herkimer, and Fulton Counties; and

WHEREAS, With over 65 years in business, the Steet Auto Group began
with United Auto Sales in Utica, now located at 4994 Commercial Drive in
Yorkville; established in 1945 by brothers Joseph G. and Thomas Steet,
United Auto is now led by Joseph A. and Joseph T. Steet, a father-son
team, continuing the family's legacy of dedication and strong work
ethic; and

WHEREAS, For more than 20 years, Joseph A. Steet envisioned owning
the Toyota dealership across the street from United Auto; on February 7,
1995, he partnered with Steven M. Ponte to purchase the Toyota
dealership at 4991 Commercial Drive, which eventually became Steet
Toyota Scion of Yorkville, marking the beginning of the Steet Auto
Group's expansion; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception, the dealership has grown from
employing 13 people to its current 55 workers - including two employees
who have been with the dealership since 1995; and

WHEREAS, Steven M. Ponte, a Herkimer, New York resident, recognized
an opportunity at a local Chevy dealership, which they acquired, now
known as Steet-Ponte Chevy at 3036 State Route 28; by 2003, they
expanded further with Steet-Ponte Ford Lincoln, renovating the building
at 5074 Commercial Drive; in 2007, Toyota invited them to open a
dealership in Johnstown, New York, helping the local economy and
providing jobs, which led to the opening of Steet Toyota Scion of
Johnstown Gloversville; and

WHEREAS, In 2011, Steet and Ponte added Volkswagen and Mazda brands
to their portfolio; the Steet-Ponte Volkswagen dealership was built in
2013 at 5046 Commercial Drive in Yorkville, and their existing
locations-Steet Toyota Scion of Yorkville, United Auto Sales, and

Steet-Ponte Chevy-were all renovated into state-of-the-art facilities;
Steet Ponte Mazda moved to its own location in late 2020, and Steet
Ponte Nissan was acquired in late 2021; and

WHEREAS, Customer satisfaction is the top priority at Steet Toyota
of Yorkville, and they work hard to ensure that each sales experience is
smooth and enjoyable; their commitment extends beyond the sale, aiming
to provide exceptional service long after customers have driven off the
lot; and

WHEREAS, This remarkable milestone is a testament to the dedication,
hard work, and exceptional service that has earned the trust and loyalty
of customers throughout Central New York; over the past three decades,
Steet Toyota has continued to grow, evolve, and set the standard for
excellence in the automotive industry; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 30th Anniversary of Steet Toyota of Yorkville, and to
wish them many more years of success, providing top-quality vehicles and
outstanding service to the community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Steet Toyota of Yorkville, New York.