2015-J1026
LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the Century House upon the occasion of
its designation as recipient of the Hospitality Excellence Award by the
Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau on March 19, 2015
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to take note of and
publicly recognize those businesses within the State of New York which
have positively impacted their communities; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor the
Century House upon the occasion of its designation as recipient of the
Hospitality Excellence Award by the Albany County Convention & Visitors
Bureau, to be celebrated at its Annual Meeting and Strategies Presenta-
tion on Thursday, March 19, 2015, at the Century House, Latham, New
York; and
WHEREAS, The hospitality industry is an essential component of the
Capital Region's economic vitality; this auspicious award is the only
honor developed solely to recognize excellence in travel and tourism and
represents the best of Albany's hospitality culture; and
WHEREAS, The history of the renowned Century House is a true
reflection of the history of Albany, New York; in 1790, Stephen Van
Rensselaer purchased several acres of the Latham property which then
became part of the Rensselaerwyck Patroonship; and
WHEREAS, During this time, the land extended to Cohoes Falls and was
rented to tenant farmers for an annual rent of wheat and fat fowl; and
WHEREAS, Purchased by Jim and Dorothy O'Hearn in 1949, the Century
House, provides an excellent meal at a great value, as well as the expe-
rience of comfort and care for the body and soul; and
WHEREAS, Since its inception, the Century House has served as a true
"Public House" where guests and staff have become part of the family;
and
WHEREAS, Over the years, the O'Hearn family grew the Century House to
include larger dining rooms, banquet facilities and ultimately the Hotel
and Conference center with pool, tennis court, wonderful half mile
nature trail and more of the experience of the true spirit of service;
and
WHEREAS, The Century House continues its family owned and operated
traditions under the able leadership of the O'Hearn children, Tim and
Susan, along with their cousin Colin DeMers, who became Managing Partner
in 1999; and
WHEREAS, In June of 2009 the Century House solidified its commitment
to the local community by developing its "Enjoy One Share One Program",
whereby a meal is provided in their guests' honor to those in need
through the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York; the donation
for every meal that is served and for every hotel room provided now
totals more than 500,000; and
WHEREAS, In addition, the Century House team are regular participants
in the kitchens of countless regional shelters; and
WHEREAS, The Century House, with its steadfast dedication to giving
back to the community, epitomizes the spirit of hospitality which is the
hallmark of our great State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, Businesses such as the Century House exert a strong, positive
influence on the communities they serve and are a crucial element in the
economy of New York State; and
WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body acknowl-
edges the Century House's success, recognizes its contributions to the
local and State economies, and extends its highest commendation to the
corporation and its employees, fully confident that, in its future, it
will enjoy the same success which has so characterized its past; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the Century House upon the occasion of its designation as recipi-
ent of the Hospitality Excellence Award by the Albany County Convention
& Visitors Bureau on March 19, 2015; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Century House, Latham, New York.