LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Corey McGowan upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the 2015 Citizen of the Year Award for Busi-
ness Development by the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce on April 28,
2016

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, Corey McGowan has given not only of his time and energies but
also of his competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently has
been designated for special recognition; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Corey McGowan
upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the 2015 Citizen of
the Year Award for Business Development by the Grand Island Chamber of
Commerce to be celebrated at its Annual Awards Dinner on Thursday, April
28, 2016, at Byblos Niagara Resort and Spa in Grand Island, New York;
and
WHEREAS, The Citizen of the Year Award is presented annually to busi-
nesses and individuals whose contributions have made Grand Island, New
York, a better place to live; and
WHEREAS, Born and raised in Grand Island, Corey McGowan graduated from
Huth Road Elementary School, Veronica E. Connor Middle School and Grand
Island High School; at the young age of 11, he became involved in commu-
nity projects when he spearheaded a neighborhood petition drive to build
bridges over tiny creeks that prevented him from being able to ride his
bicycle to Veterans Park in Grand Island; and
WHEREAS, From 2006-2008, Corey McGowan served as Grand Island Youth
Ambassador to the Chamber of Commerce where he implemented a High School
Battle of the Bands competition into the popular annual Kid Biz event at
the Town Commons; and
WHEREAS, As a business major at The State University College at
Buffalo, Corey McGowan worked at the Keller Insurance Group in Niagara
Falls, New York, where he learned the business through hands-on experi-
ence in the field; and
WHEREAS, Upon graduating in 2012, Corey McGowan joined Citigroup as a
pricing analyst, feeding traders daily stock price variances, and work-
ing with individuals in New York City, London, Belfast and Singapore;
after 18 months, he returned to Grand Island for a position as Events
Director for Byblos Niagara Resort & Spa; and
WHEREAS, While working for both companies, Corey McGowan remained
active in his hometown by starting the Grand Island Mural program in the
summer of 2012; the project was completed through funds from the first
Taste of Grand Island; and
WHEREAS, After working for many years as both a promoter and entrepre-
neur, Corey McGowan formed his own company entitled Corey McGowan
Productions; beginning this year, the business will fund an annual busi-
ness scholarship for a graduating Grand Island High School senior pursu-
ing a four-year business degree; and
WHEREAS, Passion for his hometown prompted Corey McGowan to bring the
popular Gus Macker 3-on-3 Outdoor Basketball Tournament to Grand Island
in 2015; the Tournament will return to Grand Island Boulevard this year,
and the Tournament Festival will take place at the Town Commons on June
4th and 5th; and
WHEREAS, Corey McGowan has been called upon to contribute his time and
talents to countless charitable endeavors and has always given of
himself unstintingly; he has been recognized for his generosity and
promotion of community events; and

WHEREAS, On weekend nights during the summer, one will find Corey
McGowan at the Town Commons in the heart of Grand Island hosting a
Friday night concert and a free outdoor family movie on Saturday even-
ing; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Corey McGowan has stood constant in
dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Corey McGowan upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the 2015 Citizen of the Year Award for Business Development by the Grand
Island Chamber of Commerce; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Corey McGowan.