Senate Resolution No. 154

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Stewart's Shops upon the occasion of its
designation as recipient of the Advancement of Women
in the WERCplace Award from the Capital District
Women's Employment & Resource Center on October 4,
2016

WHEREAS, The quality and character of life in the communities across
New York State is reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of
those organizations and individuals who would devote themselves to the
advancement of the community and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Stewart's
Shops upon the occasion of its designation as recipient of the
Advancement of Women in the WERCplace Award by the Capital District
Women's Employment & Resource Center, to be celebrated at its 12th
Annual Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, October 4, 2016, Hilton Garden Inn,
Troy, New York; and

WHEREAS, The Women's Employment & Resource Center (WERC) is a
not-for-profit organization which assists women in improving significant
self-attributes in order to successfully rejoin the workforce; every
year, this vital organization provides services to at least 300 women in
the Capital District; and

WHEREAS, The Advancement of Women in the WERCplace Award is
presented to an organization in recognition of its long-standing efforts
to remove barriers which keep women from achieving financial
independence and success; and

WHEREAS, Founded in 1945, Stewart's Shops is an employee and
family-owned convenience store chain based in Saratoga Springs, New
York; for over seven decades, the business has offered milk, ice cream,
coffee, easy food, gasoline, and convenience items to its loyal
customers; and

WHEREAS, Today, there are over 330 Stewart's Shops located in 31
counties across upstate New York and southern Vermont; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception, Stewart's Shops has created a culture
which allows women to thrive and provides many opportunities for women
to be promoted to management positions; currently, 3,500 women are
employed throughout their shops, manufacturing plant, distribution
center, and corporate offices; notably 50% of Shop Managers and 85% of
Assistant Shop Managers are women; and

WHEREAS, The people who work at Stewart's Shops are heavily invested
in the company's success; these employees are called partners because
they own nearly 40% of the company through an Employee Stock Ownership
Plan (ESOP); this level of ownership allows for a sense of pride,
involvement, and long term security; and

WHEREAS, Stewart's Shops are also committed to the communities it
serves; the shops and related family foundations support local
charities, donating significant funds annually; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by a company
for the benefit of others which Stewart's Shops has displayed throughout
its long and sustained history; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are
brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by
all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Stewart's Shops upon the occasion of its designation as recipient
of the Advancement of Women in the WERCplace Award from the Capital
District Women's Employment & Resource Center; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Stewart's Shops.