Assembly Resolution No. 913

BY: M. of A. Bologna

HONORING Paul Stephen II of Clarence Creative
Kitchen upon the occasion of being recognized as the
Clarence Chamber of Commerce's 2026 Innovator of the
Year

WHEREAS, Individuals who give their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and

WHEREAS, Paul Stephen II has given not only his time and energies
but also his competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently
has been designated for special honor; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Paul Stephen
II of Clarence Creative Kitchen upon the occasion of being recognized as
the Clarence Chamber of Commerce's 2026 Innovator of the Year at the
53rd Annual Awards Gala on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at Samuel's Grande
Manor in Williamsville, New York; and

WHEREAS, Paul Stephen II has been called upon to contribute his time
and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always
given himself unstintingly; and

WHEREAS, Born and raised in Clarence, New York, Paul Stephen II now
lives in Williamsville, New York; and

WHEREAS, Paul Stephen II earned a BA in International Affairs and
East Asian Studies from George Washington University in 2012, then he
earned his MS in Chinese-English Translation from New York University in
2015; he is a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and Certified Anti-Money
Laundering Specialist (CAMS); and

WHEREAS, Possessing a strong sense of justice, Paul Stephen II lived
in New York City, Singapore, and Beijing while working as a consultant
on diverse engagements including anti-money laundering, anti-bribery and
corruption, sanctions monitoring, and pre-litigation investigations
before returning to Clarence to join the family business; and

WHEREAS, Paul Stephen II is the founder of Clarence Creative Kitchen
(CCK), an innovative shared commercial flex kitchen and the first of its
kind in Clarence, New York; and

WHEREAS, Under Paul Stephen II's supervision, CCK provides a fully
certified state-of-the-art kitchen facility for food startups of every
type, and now it includes more than 50 members, making it the
fastest-growing food service facility in Western New York; and

WHEREAS, CCK's primary mission is to make the food industry
accessible to small business owners through innovation and
affordability, and in doing so to add to the unique spirit of
community-oriented entrepreneurship that defines Clarence; members
include food trucks, caterers, bakers, meal prep services, and food
manufacturers; and


WHEREAS, Paul Stephen II also serves as a Director at Stephen
Development, a Clarence-based family-owned real estate development and
property management firm; and

WHEREAS, In his role at Stephen Development, Paul Stephen II
primarily oversees new development projects and new business
initiatives, such as CCK and the Main Stage coworking space, as well as
commercial leasing and sales; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Paul Stephen II has stood constant
in dignity, good grace and humor; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Diana, their
children, Scarlett and Everett who feel privileged to be a part of his
life and rejoice in his achievements; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Paul Stephen II has displayed
throughout his life; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Paul Stephen II of Clarence Creative Kitchen upon the occasion of
being recognized as the Clarence Chamber of Commerce's 2026 Innovator of
the Year; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Paul Stephen II.