Senate Resolution No. 3791

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Michele Vennard upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the 2018 Alan P.
Goldberg Patron of the Arts Award by the Palace
Theatre on March 24, 2018

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to publicly
recognize those extraordinary individuals who have made contributions to
the cultural enrichment of the State of New York, and the success and
progress of society in the course of their life's work; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Michele Vennard upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the
2018 Alan P. Goldberg Patron of the Arts Award by the Palace Theatre to
be celebrated at its 5th Annual Backstage Ball on Saturday, March 24,
2018, at the Theatre in Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, Michele Vennard is receiving this auspicious award for her
steadfast and unremitting commitment to her role as an advocate for the
importance of the arts in economic development; and

WHEREAS, For 25 years, Michele Vennard has served as both President
and CEO of the Albany County Convention and Visitors Bureau, the
position from which she will officially retire in 2018; and

WHEREAS, In this capacity, Michele Vennard supervises 41 employees,
oversees a $1.86 million budget, and diligently works to promote Albany
and the Capital Region to potential visitors, residents, and businesses;
and

WHEREAS, Michele Vennard was instrumental in opening the Albany
Capital Center in downtown Albany; for over 20 years, she poured her
heart and soul into this incredible project which has already generated
a tremendous influx of business to the Capital Region; and

WHEREAS, The spectacular, modern building, located around the corner
from the majestic New York State Capitol, is owned by the Albany
Convention Center Authority and managed by SMG, a private firm which
also manages the Times Union Center downtown; and

WHEREAS, In addition to bringing the Convention Center to Albany,
Michele Vennard has made the Albany County Convention and Visitors
Bureau's role more visible, and increased the number of hotels and
tourist attractions in Albany County; and

WHEREAS, Recently, under the luminous leadership of Michele Vennard,
the Bureau unveiled a new website and a branding promotion entitled
"Discover Albany"; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their

profession, 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 Michele Vennard upon the occasion of her designation as recipient
of the 2018 Alan P. Goldberg Patron of the Arts Award by the Palace
Theatre on March 24, 2018; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Michele Vennard.