Assembly Resolution No. 998

BY: M. of A. Cook

HONORING Frantz Coutard upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition at the Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Visionary Awards Gala on
March 22, 2026

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those extraordinary individuals whose humanitarian service,
visionary leadership, and global advocacy reflect the enduring
principles of justice, equality, and peace championed by Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr.; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Frantz Coutard upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Visionary Awards Gala on
Sunday, March 22, 2026, at Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury, New
York; and

WHEREAS, Frantz Coutard is an award-winning entrepreneur, innovator,
and community leader who has distinguished himself by creating
technology-driven solutions and social impact initiatives that empower
individuals and uplift communities; and

WHEREAS, Born in Haiti, Frantz Coutard immigrated to the United
States at the age of 15, embodying the resilience, determination, and
entrepreneurial spirit that define the American Dream; and

WHEREAS, In November 2018, Frantz Coutard founded TrendCatch Digital
Advertising LLC, a trailblazing enterprise providing affordable and
effective advertising solutions to small businesses throughout the New
York Metropolitan area and Long Island, thereby expanding economic
opportunity for local entrepreneurs; and

WHEREAS, Demonstrating exceptional ingenuity, Frantz Coutard is the
inventor of the Trend Catch Player, a proprietary digital signage system
integrating hardware and software technology to transform any television
into a remotely managed live billboard, revolutionizing access to
advertising for small and minority-owned businesses; and

WHEREAS, Further advancing economic empowerment, Frantz Coutard
created the B.E.S.T. Program (Billboard Expert Specialist Training), an
innovative workforce development initiative that equips individuals with
the skills and tools necessary to become local billboard brokers,
enabling them to generate sustainable income while supporting community
businesses; and

WHEREAS, Guided by a profound commitment to service, Frantz Coutard
founded Trend Catch Gives Back Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated
to uplifting underserved communities through English education, food and
health outreach, youth mentorship, and job training programs; and

WHEREAS, His additional initiatives include UnlockaCause.org, a
platform mobilizing sponsors to co-fund hyper-local awareness campaigns,

and the Rise Entrepreneur Mentorship Program, launched in January 2024
to mentor aspiring entrepreneurs aged 17 and older in financial
literacy, public speaking, sales, marketing, and community service; and

WHEREAS, Through his pioneering ventures-including the Trend Catch
Player, the B.E.S.T. Program, UnlockaCause.org, and his nonprofit
leadership- Frantz Coutard has woven together innovation,
entrepreneurship, and social responsibility, building pathways for
economic mobility and community empowerment; and

WHEREAS, His numerous accolades, including recognition from Joe
Biden and the Kedner Stiven Foundation, stand as testament to a mission
deeply rooted in service and the belief that when communities control
their visibility, they unlock their future; and

WHEREAS, Frantz Coutard's steadfast dedication to innovation,
equity, and community advancement embodies the principles of justice,
opportunity, and collective progress championed by Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr.; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Frantz Coutard has displayed
throughout her life; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Frantz Coutard upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Visionary Awards Gala on
March 22, 2026; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Frantz Coutard.