Senate Resolution No. 4986

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Michele Vennard upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the Third Age
Achievement Award for Business by the Senior
Services of Albany

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; 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
Third Age Achievement Award for Business by the Senior Services of
Albany, to be celebrated at its 22nd Annual Awards Luncheon on Friday,
May 18, 2018, at Wolferts Roost Country Club, Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, Each year, this auspicious event recognizes the
contributions that area residents and professionals have made in their
communities during the Third Age of their lives; Michele Vennard will
receive this award for her valuable achievements and devoted service to
her community after the age of 60; and

WHEREAS, Michele Vennard began her illustrious 30-year career in the
New York State travel and tourism industry as the first Tourism Director
for the Albany County Convention and Visitors Bureau in 1981; and

WHEREAS, Three years later, Michele Vennard went on to become the
Marketing Director for New York State Destinations, a private
destination marketing firm, and in 1987, she was named Deputy
Commissioner of Tourism for the I Love New York program of the New York
State Department of Economic Development; and

WHEREAS, In 1992, Michele Vennard became the President and CEO of
Discover Albany, where she has endeavored to build important programs
that add to the economic vitality and quality of life of Albany County
and the surrounding region; and

WHEREAS, Michele Vennard is a Board member of the Albany Convention
Center Authority and was instrumental in the successful completion of
the Albany Capital Center project; and

WHEREAS, A true asset to her profession, Michele Vennard has served
on the Executive Committee and Board of the National Council of State
Travel Directors and Travel Industry Association of America; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, Michele Vennard has served as a member of
TIA's Discover America Implementation Task Force; she was also a member
of the United States Travel Date Center's industry review panel for the
travel economic impact model as well as a member of the Appalachian
Regional Commission marketing planning committee; and

WHEREAS, Locally, Michele Vennard is a member and past Chairperson
of Capitalize Albany Corporation and past President of New York State
Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus; additionally, she is
past Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Sage Colleges in Albany and
Troy, and represented Colleges on the University Heights Association
Board of Directors; and

WHEREAS, This extraordinary woman is currently on the Boards of the
Palace Performing Arts Center, the New York State Canal Recreationway
Commission and is Vice-Chair of Canal New York; and

WHEREAS, A highly visible and influential voice in the business
community, Michele Vennard enjoys sports and the arts, and is looking
forward to spending time during retirement traveling throughout New York
State; and

WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband of 26 years,
Gordon, and two children, as well as five grandchildren, who have all
shown her love and support and rejoice in her many achievements; and

WHEREAS, It has always been the objective of this Legislative Body
to honor and support those individuals who have displayed their
commitment to the betterment of their communities, and it is the intent
of this Legislative Body to inscribe upon its records, this tribute to
Michele Vennard, that future generations may know and appreciate her
admirable character, her many benevolent deeds, and the respect and
esteem in which she is held by her peers; 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 Third Age Achievement Award for Business by the Senior Services
of Albany; and be it further

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