LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Ursula Garreau-Rickenbacher upon the
occasion of receiving the Third Age Achievement Award in the category of
Business from the Senior Services of Albany Foundation on November 17,
2009

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the senior
citizens of the Empire State who, as they reach the fullness of years,
continue to be active and vital participants in the life of their commu-
nity; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Ursula Garreau-Rickenbacher upon the occasion of receiving the Third Age
Achievement Award in the category of Business from the Senior Services
of Albany Foundation on November 17, 2009; and
WHEREAS, A native of Zurich, Switzerland, Ursula Garreau-Rickenbacher
came to the United States 50 years ago, began a multi-million dollar
business with 48 cents and continues to live the American dream today;
she currently resides in Waterford, New York, near the location of her
factory/store, Ursula of Switzerland; and
WHEREAS, Ursula Garreau-Rickenbacher began her business in New York
City, creating hats for Henri Bendel and Saks Fifth Avenue; in 1965,
romance took her to Upstate New York, where her first dress making
venture was born in Schenectady with 15-20 employees; and
WHEREAS, In 1967, Ursula of Switzerland was founded, and later incor-
porated in 1969; at the same time, Ursula of Switzerland, Inc. retail
shops opened with four locations in Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Sara-
toga; in 1972, the wholesale business moved to an historic 19th century
former ribbon factory on the banks of the Hudson / Mohawk Rivers in
Waterford; and
WHEREAS, Ursula of Switzerland started focusing mainly on mom and pop
stores and other specialty stores in 1994, and separates and informal
bridal dresses were added to the line over the years; and
WHEREAS, An internationally acclaimed designer, Ursula Garreau-Ricken-
bacher is a visionary businesswoman whose focus on mother-of-the-bride
has found her a winning niche in over 5000 better specialty stores and
major clientele, including Macy's, Lord and Taylor, Dillard's,
Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom's and Dayton-Hudson, as well as beyond Ameri-
ca's borders to Mexico, Canada, England and Australia; and
WHEREAS, Ursula Garreau-Rickenbacher is committed to producing her
garments in the United States, and understands the local retail market,
pricing her garments below typical retail and offering senior discounts;
the Ursula of Switzerland, Inc.'s "Made in America" collections are
renowned internationally for the consistent quality, fit, styling and
value along with the recognizable aura of femininity and elegance; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when seniors of
such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they
should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of the great
State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Ursula Garreau-Rickenbacher upon the occasion of receiving the
Third Age Achievement Award in the category of Business from the Senior
Services of Albany Foundation on November 17, 2009, and to wish her
continued success in all of her future endeavors; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Ursula Garreau-Rickenbacher.