LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Cord Meyer Development, George S.
Meyer, and generations of the Meyer Family upon the occasion of their
designation for special recognition by the Queens Botanical Garden on
June 12, 2014

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Cord Meyer Development, George S. Meyer, and generations of the Meyer
Family upon the occasion of their designation for special recognition by
the Queens Botanical Garden; this laudable company and family will be
honored on Thursday, June 12, 2014, at Rose Gala 2014: Commemorating
the 1939 & 1964 World's Fairs; and
WHEREAS, Cord Meyer Development and the Meyer Family have been
selected for this esteemed recognition because of their long-standing
leadership and support of Queens Botanical Garden and the Queens commu-
nity; and
WHEREAS, Since its incorporation in December 1904, the Cord Meyer
Development Company has been a driving force in the progress of Queens,
New York, especially on the neighborhoods of Elmhurst and Forest Hills;
in enacting his vision of positive community growth, the company's first
president, Cord Meyer, Jr., set the stage for what would be a multigen-
erational legacy of extraordinary civic leadership and service; and
WHEREAS, The Meyer family has led the way in championing the creation,
preservation, and improvement of one of Queens' most beloved community
resources, Queens Botanical Garden; and
WHEREAS, In 1946, Charles G. Meyer, Sr., working with other civic
leaders, formally founded the Queens Botanical Garden Society, Inc.,
which was organized to revive the five-acre Gardens on Parade exhibit
that was created for the 1939 New York World's Fair in Flushing Meadows
Corona Park, but had fallen into a state of disrepair during World War
II; on June 5, 1948, this forward looking group was joined by 4,000
local residents, leading citizens, and elected and appointed government
representatives to celebrate the official opening of the recreated
Garden; Charles G. Meyer, Sr., served as Queens Botanical Garden Socie-
ty's first president; and
WHEREAS, Over the decades, the Meyer family has been a steadfast advo-
cate, supporter, and friend of the Queens Botanical Garden, which has
flourished with their involvement, moving to its much larger 39-acre
home in 1961; and
WHEREAS, After Charles G. Meyer, Sr.'s death in 1950, his son, Charles
G. Meyer, Jr., took over as President, continuing in that role through
the late 1970's; his wife, Sally Meyer, was also an ardent supporter of
the Garden and worked behind the scenes for years; in 1986, the Charles
G. Meyer Education Building, named for Charles G. Meyer, Jr. opened to
host the Queens Botanical Garden's burgeoning education program; and
WHEREAS, Charles G. Meyer Jr.'s son, George S. Meyer, continued the
family's involvement with the Garden by serving on the board of trustees
beginning in 1972, becoming chairman in the 1980s, and returning as a
trustee in the 2000s; this committed man was additionally connected to
the Garden, having been employed as a maintenance supervisor in the 1964
World's Fair after being discharged from the United States Navy; and

WHEREAS, George S. Meyer joined Cord Meyer Development in the mid
1960's and enjoyed a 35-year career before retiring as Executive Vice
President in 2001; the family tradition continued when George S. Meyer's
son, Willets, joined the Queens Botanical Garden board in 2006 and went
on to serve as vice chairman; and
WHEREAS, Today, Cord Meyer Development is currently led by Chief Exec-
utive Officer Sal Panico and Chief Operating Officer Anthony Colletti,
continuing the tradition of leadership and service; and
WHEREAS, Clearly, Queens has been abundantly blessed by Cord Meyer,
the firm he founded, and his descendants who have brought so much to the
borough's people; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proudly moved to honor and commend
Cord Meyer Development and the Meyer Family who have labored so
conscientiously to enhance the quality of life for the residents of
Queens, New York, noting the significance of their unremitting efforts
to build a commonality of interest via their support of the Queens
Botanical Garden, affirming the values of community, environmental pres-
ervation, and civic pride; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Cord Meyer Development, George S. Meyer, and generations of the
Meyer Family upon the occasion of their designation for special recogni-
tion by the Queens Botanical Garden; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Meyer Family and Sal Panico, Chief Executive Officer of
Cord Meyer Development.