Senate Resolution No. 1768

BY: Senator BRESLIN

COMMENDING Pamela Clark Robbins upon the occasion
of her designation as recipient of the Business
Person of the Year Award by the Bethlehem Chamber of
Commerce

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve
the best interest of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration
and cannot be sufficiently extolled; and

WHEREAS, Pamela Clark Robbins has given not only of her time and
energies, but also of her competence, intelligence and leadership and
consequently has been designated for special honor; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Pamela
Clark Robbins upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the
Business Person of the Year Award by the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce
to be celebrated at its Annual Dinner on Friday, April 28, 2017, at the
Colonie Golf and Country Club in Voorheesville, New York; and

WHEREAS, Established in 1957, the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce
works on a local and regional level to advance economic development and
foster a positive business environment; it offers resources for
residents, business, recreation and relocation in Bethlehem and the
surrounding region; and

WHEREAS, In 1987, Pamela Clark Robbins founded Policy Research
Associates (PRA); the organization was started to create positive social
change for people who are disadvantaged through technical assistance,
research and training; over the years, she has become its Chief
Executive Officer; and

WHEREAS, Under Pamela Clark Robbins' luminous leadership, PRA is now
a national leader in behavioral health and research; this vital
organization has been awarded numerous grants over the years, funding
research which helps organizations and individuals in the complex areas
of behavioral health, homelessness, benefit access, criminal justice,
juvenile justice, veteran services, recover support and trauma as well
as wellness; and

WHEREAS, PRA employees are encouraged to give back and volunteer in
the Bethlehem community, and actively recruits staff members in the
area; in 2013, it was named one of the Best Workplaces by the Times
Union; and

WHEREAS, Pamela Clark Robbins has been actively involved in various
committees and organizations; she was a member and subcommittee Chair of
the Bethlehem 20/20 Advisory Committee which developed the Town's
Strategic Plan; in addition, she served on various subcommittees of the
Bethlehem Industrial Development Agency, which evaluates and promotes
economic development along with the incentive funding for business; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, Pamela Clark Robbins has been a longtime Board
of Directors member and Vice Chair of the Bethlehem Youth Court and held

the title of President of the Board of Directors for School's Out, Inc.;
and

WHEREAS, Throughout her many endeavors, Pamela Clark Robbins has led
numerous fundraising initiatives including Caring Together, Inc.'s
Run/Walk for ovarian cancer; the Delmar Dash, as a founding organizer
and longtime sponsor; Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless and the
Bethlehem Community Fund; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Pamela Clark Robbins has stood
constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by
individuals for the benefit of others which Pamela Clark Robbins has
displayed throughout her life; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Pamela Clark Robbins upon the occasion of her designation as
recipient of the Business Person of the Year Award by the Bethlehem
Chamber of Commerce; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Pamela Clark Robbins.