Senate Resolution No. 344

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of Empire
Recycling Corporation on October 27, 2016

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those corporate enterprises throughout the State of New
York which have substantially contributed to the economic vitality of
their communities; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Empire Recycling Corporation which
was celebrated on Thursday, October 27, 2016, at Historic Hotel Utica,
Utica, New York; and

WHEREAS, Founded in 1916, before the importance of recycling was
recognized, Empire Recycling Corporation's creators, Robert, Morton and
Louis Kowalsky, believed that simple items such as rags, paper and
metals could be re-used; and

WHEREAS, William Kowalsky joined Empire Recycling Corporation in the
late 1940s, and Charles Weitzman in the late 1950s; William eventually
became company president, serving until he passed away in 1981; Weitzman
then served as president until his retirement in 1990; and

WHEREAS, Today, recycling's impact on the environment is making a
healthier, more industrious place for us to live, and Empire's services
and commitment are a tremendous component in making that happen; and

WHEREAS, Continuing in the family tradition, Steven Kowalsky now
serves as president of this vital and growing company with his brother
Ed serving as executive vice president; under the brothers' leadership,
Empire has acquired four other companies and recently completed
acquisition of a fifth in the Binghamton, New York area; and

WHEREAS, Empire Recycling Corporation has expanded throughout the
last 100 years to include recycling of all types of ferrous and
non-ferrous metals, plastic recycling, and confidential document
destruction through its Confidata division as well as non-confidential
paper recycling through its SMR Fibre division; and

WHEREAS, Over its distinguished 100 year history, Empire Recycling
Corporation has demonstrated continuous service to the residents and
communities which it serves; and

WHEREAS, The success of Empire Recycling Corporation is in direct
correlation to the efforts of its staff, whose involvement is, and
always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled
enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all
endeavors on behalf of the business and the community it serves; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents an opportunity for this
Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to Empire Recycling
Corporation; and


WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body
acknowledges the Empire Recycling Corporation's contributions to the
local and State economies, and extends its highest commendation to this
corporate enterprise, fully confident that it will continue to enjoy the
sparkling success it has enjoyed thus far; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Empire Recycling Corporation on
October 27, 2016; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Empire Recycling Corporation.