Assembly Resolution No. 1030

BY: M. of A. Palmesano

COMMENDING the United Way of the Southern Tier
upon the occasion of celebrating its Silver
Anniversary

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to recognize
that the quality and character of life in the communities across New
York State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of
those organizations which devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend the United Way of the Southern Tier upon the occasion of
celebrating its Silver Anniversary; and

WHEREAS, For 25 years, the United Way of the Southern Tier has
worked to bring people, organizations and resources together to improve
community well-being; this vital organization strives to give every
person in its community an opportunity to enjoy the highest possible
quality of life; and

WHEREAS, On November 19, 1993, the United Way of Chemung and Steuben
Counties was incorporated, and Douglas Weber was selected President, and
Ann Weiland was appointed Vice President, of the newly formed
organization located in Corning, New York; and

WHEREAS, The first annual meeting of the United Way of Chemung and
Steuben Counties was held in April of 1994, and Joseph Manning was
elected Chair of the Board of Directors; from 1995-2003, Andrew R.
Mazzella held the title of President; and

WHEREAS, Under Andrew R. Mazzella's luminous leadership, the United
Way of Chemung and Steuben Counties implemented its first strategic Plan
"Building CommUnity"; and

WHEREAS, In 1997, the organization was officially renamed United Way
of the Southern Tier (UWST); three years later, the Community Solutions
Committee was formed to guide policy and practice related to desired
impact (children, seniors, health, basic needs, and family stability);
and

WHEREAS, On January 17, 2001, UWST moved to its present location at
300 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 220 in Corning; Impact Teams were soon
formed and the Community Response Fund was established to meet new and
emergent needs; and

WHEREAS, UWST conducted community needs assessment, commissioned
development of a secondary data report, and hosted a day-long forum on
identified community issues to inform strategic planning in 2002; and

WHEREAS, The next year, the Board of Directors approved UWST's first
impact-based Community Solutions Plan, "Mobilizing the Caring Power of

Our Community"; Ron Hatch took on the role of third President of UWST;
and

WHEREAS, In 2006, the Community Response Fund was changed to the
Strategic Investment Fund with the primary purpose to assist United Way
in achieving its strategic goals in the community; and

WHEREAS, UWST assumed administration of the CA$H Volunteer Income
Tax Assistance Program in 2007; six years later, UWST hired Quidoo
Consulting and began Board-led Strategic Planning Process; and

WHEREAS, In spring of 2014, Steve Hughes becomes the fourth
President of UWST; during this time, it was determined through various
studies that early childhood development was the community's most
pressing need; in fall of that year, UWST transitioned administration of
the CA$H program to Arbor Housing and Development; and

WHEREAS, During the winter of 2015, USWT began to implement its new
strategic plan and pursuit of Collective Impact Framework, and in the
spring, it began to focus on early childhood development; and

WHEREAS, USWT then secured funding for the Appalachian Regional
Commission to establish Pathways to School Readiness in Steuben; in the
fall of 2016, USWT holds a week-long Community Change Summit in Toronto
and refined its focus to include Kids on Track, Basic Needs and Senior
Supports; and

WHEREAS, In the beginning of 2017, USWT launches its new website and
acquires Get Connected volunteer management platform; later, the Board
adopts a five-year Strategic Fundraising Plan, and attends a retreat to
deepen volunteer's understanding of declared community priorities and
the role leaders play in moving new business models forward; and

WHEREAS, The success of the United Way of the Southern Tier 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 institution and the community it serves;
and

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

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the United Way of the Southern Tier upon the occasion of
celebrating its 25th Anniversary; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the United Way of the Southern Tier.