LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION paying tribute to Michael F. Bette posthumously
upon the occasion of his induction into the Tech Valley Business Hall of
Fame by Junior Achievement of Northeastern New York, Inc.

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize the
achievements of citizens who made significant contributions to the
public prosperity of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Michael F. Bette's remarkable career of professional and
personal service to the Capital Region, New York State and the nation
warrants the recognition and commendation of this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to pay tribute to
Michael F. Bette posthumously upon the occasion of his induction into
the Tech Valley Business Hall of Fame by Junior Achievement of North-
eastern New York, Inc. on Wednesday, May 7, 2014, at the Albany
Marriott, Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, Junior Achievement of Northeastern New York (JA) is dedicated
to educating students about issues relating to work readiness, entre-
preneurship and financial literacy through the use of experiential,
hands-on programs; working in partnership with the business and educa-
tion communities, and through the support of community volunteers, JA
brings the real world to students, opening their minds to their poten-
tial; and
WHEREAS, The Tech Valley Business Hall of Fame event is a special
evening that celebrates the accomplishments of remarkable members of the
local community who, in their outstanding careers are role models for
youth, notable not only for their leadership in enhancing free enter-
prise, but also for their contributions to the community; and
WHEREAS, Michael F. Bette was a fixture in the Capital Region's build-
ing industry for nearly 50 years; as a founder of Barry & Bette, Inc.
and Barry, Bette and Led Duke, Inc. (BBL Construction), as well as
Chairman of the Bette Companies, he made his mark on the area's land-
scape and the business community; and
WHEREAS, Born in the Bronx, New York and raised on Long Island, Micha-
el F. Bette attended Chaminade High School and then went on to further
his education at Manhattan College; and
WHEREAS, Upon his graduation in 1959, Michael F. Bette began his
illustrious career with D. Fortunato, a Long Island based contracting
firm; when the company expanded to the Capital District in 1965, he was
selected to co-manage the company's upstate operations with Robert
Barry; and
WHEREAS, Subsequently, in 1973, the two established their own
construction firm, Barry & Bette, Inc.; after ten years of success in
the area construction market, they formed Barry, Bette and Led Duke,
Inc. (BBL); and
WHEREAS, Under the luminous direction of Michael F. Bette over the
next 26 years, BBL grew to become a nationally ranked general contract-
ing firm with divisions in Florida, Texas, and Watertown; and
WHEREAS, In 1999, Michael F. Bette became Chairman of the Bette Compa-
nies and along with his sons formed, Bette & Cring Construction Group,
First Columbia, BBL Florida and BBL Texas, and ensured the continuation
of the family's construction and real estate development business; and
WHEREAS, Over the past five decades, Michael F. Bette was responsible
for the successful delivery of over 8 billion dollars worth of
construction development that include heavy highway, educational facili-
ties, health care facilities, multi-family housing, high rise luxury
condominiums, military facilities and general office buildings those
public and private; and

WHEREAS, A licensed Professional Engineer and an active member of
several regional building organizations, Michael F. Bette completed
major work at The New York World's Fair, Empire State Plaza and numerous
colleges including Siena, SUNY Albany and Albany College of Pharmacy, as
well as several hospitals including work at St. Peter's, Ellis, and
Albany Medical Center; and
WHEREAS, In addition, he changed the skyline of Southwest Florida and
constructed many of the high rise condominiums along the Gulf Coast; in
the Midwest and Texas he specialized in multi-family projects becoming
the fifth largest multi-family builder in the nation; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his distinguished career, Michael F. Bette was
proud of the many close relationships and friendships he formed; he
deeply valued every employee and was truly a mentor to many; and
WHEREAS, Michael F. Bette was elected to the Board of Trustees at both
Manhattan College and Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences,
and was presented with a degree of Doctor of Humane Letters from both
institutions; and
WHEREAS, With a strong dedication and commitment to his community,
Michael F. Bette was involved in many charitable organizations; he was
past Board Member of The Hope House, The Twin Rivers Council, Boy Scouts
of America, Albany College of Pharmacy and his alma mater, Manhattan
College; and
WHEREAS, Michael F. Bette's life was a portrait of service, a legacy
which will long endure the passage of time, and will remain as a
comforting memory to all he served and befriended; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout was his wife of 54 years, Mary Ann, his
five sons, Mark, Matthew, Peter, Kevin and Christopher, his two daugh-
ters, Ann Marie and Suzanne, and 16 grandchildren, all of whom felt
privileged to be a part of his life and rejoiced in his achievements;
and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to reflect upon
those outstanding individuals who have made everlasting contributions on
behalf of their fellow man and have truly left their mark on this great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to pay
tribute to Michael F. Bette posthumously upon the occasion of his
induction into the Tech Valley Business Hall of Fame by Junior Achieve-
ment of Northeastern New York, Inc.; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Michael F. Bette.
.SO DOC S R4759 RESO TEXT 2013