LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Richard Sands upon the occasion of being
named Mr. Canandaigua by the Canandaigua Area Chamber of Commerce

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay
tribute to those individuals and organizations which have shown a long-
standing commitment to improving the quality of life in their communi-
ties; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Richard Sands upon the occasion of being named Mr. Canandaigua by the
Canandaigua Area Chamber of Commerce; and
WHEREAS, Born and raised in Canandaigua, New York, Richard Sands is a
strong advocate of education, he earned his bachelor's degree in
psychology from the University of Vermont in 1974; he later received his
master's and doctorate degrees in social psychology from the University
of North Carolina; and
WHEREAS, After graduation, Richard Sands returned home to Canandaigua
to work for the family business; he spent time learning the business
from his father from the ground up and after holding various positions,
he was appointed executive vice president in 1982; and
WHEREAS, As a business leader, Richard Sands has always been willing
to share his expertise, knowledge, and skills to help others grow and
develop professionally; he also developed the family business through a
number of acquisitions in the 1980s and 1990s; this growth has lead to
Constellation Brands, Inc. being the world's leading wine company; and
WHEREAS, Richard Sands's father did not just teach him how to run the
business, but both he and his mother instilled in him a love and commit-
ment to the Canandaigua community that is hard to surpass; and
WHEREAS, Exemplifying a unique combination of citizenship and philan-
thropy, Richard Sands has helped to elevate the entire Canandaigua
region with his selfless, tireless efforts in business, recreation,
education, and the arts; and
WHEREAS, In 2006, Richard Sands took on the role of General Chairman
of the YMCA's expansion; he recruited a campaign team to raise a signif-
icant amount needed for the project; and
WHEREAS, Richard Sands then simultaneously developed a brilliant
financing plan that allowed for the expansion to begin right away and
for the YMCA to save for their future; he continues his commitment to
the YMCA, meeting with them on a regular basis to review and modify
their long-range financial plan helping to ensure that the Canandaigua
YMCA will be around for generations to come; and
WHEREAS, In addition to the Finger Lakes Performing Arts Center, now
known as CMAC, Richard Sands has also given his time and support to the
New York Wine & Culinary Center, Finger Lakes Community College, Canan-
daigua Area Development Corporation, and making The Inn on the Lake
Hotel a viable part of the community; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Jennifer, and his
family, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice
in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to society, Richard Sands's distinguished record
merits the recognition and respectful tribute of this Legislative Body;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Richard Sands upon the occasion of being named Mr. Canandaigua by
the Canandaigua Area Chamber of Commerce; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Richard Sands.