LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Woman of Distinction Maria Rios upon
the occasion of her designation for special recognition in celebration
of Women's History Month 2009

WHEREAS, Women's History Month, celebrated each year in March, is a time
to reflect upon and pay tribute to the women of our State and Nation for
their contributions to their communities and their professions; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that women of every
economic, ethnic, and religious background have made significant
contributions to their community and to the State of New York, and it is
appropriate to recognize them and to publicly acknowledge their endeav-
ors which have enhanced the basic humanity among us all; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Woman of Distinction Maria Rios upon the occasion of her designation for
special recognition in celebration of Women's History Month 2009, at a
special ceremony to be held on March 27, 2009, at the Bronx Library
Center, Bronx, New York; and
WHEREAS, A lifelong Bronx resident, Maria Rios is the President of
Classico Building Maintenance, Inc., a full service janitorial cleaning
company located in the Allerton Avenue section of the Bronx; and
WHEREAS, Since founding the company seven years ago, Maria Rios has
guided it through extraordinary growth and is now the proud employer of
more than 50 employees; and
WHEREAS, Maria Rios is affiliated with several local business organ-
izations including: the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, the National Hispanic
Business Group, the Yonkers Federation of Hispanic Chambers of Commerce,
Inc. and the New York Women's Chamber of Commerce; she is also a member
of the New York National Bank's Business Development Board; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of her many accomplishments, Maria Rios was
honored by the City of New York Department of Small Business Services
for running a certified Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise
(M/WBE); she has also received the St. Pius Excelsior Corporate Award in
May 2008, and was named the Hispanic Business Woman of the Year in
November 2007; and
WHEREAS, Maria Rios is a successful entrepreneur who serves as a
pioneering role model for any woman who dreams of opening her own busi-
ness; and
WHEREAS, New York State is home to countless women, strong and color-
ful threads vital to the fabric of our rich heritage, who have and
continue to contribute to the advancement of our society; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when women 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
commend Woman of Distinction Maria Rios upon the occasion of her desig-
nation for special recognition in celebration of Women's History Month
2009; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Maria Rios.