Assembly Resolution No. 811

BY: M. of A. Hawley

COMMENDING the William Kent Family upon the
occasion of being named the 2017 Geneseeans of the
Year by the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce

WHEREAS, A great community is only as great as those persons who
provide exemplary service, whether through participation in voluntary
programs, through unique personal achievement in their profession, or
simply through a lifetime of good citizenship; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend the William Kent Family upon the occasion of being named the
2017 Geneseeans of the Year by the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce to
be celebrated at its 46th Annual Awards Ceremony on Saturday, March 3,
2018, at the Quality Inn & Suites in Batavia, New York; and

WHEREAS, William Kent, Inc. of Stafford, New York, is a third
generation local business which conducts thousands of auctions each year
ranging from farm, to antiques and commercial; the company provides
complete service with a large, experienced staff who can ensure every
auction is a success; and

WHEREAS, In 1970, William Kent, a world-renowned purebred cattle
auctioneer, established William Kent, Inc.; today, it is well known as
New York State's leading auctioneer, appraiser, and real-estate broker;
and

WHEREAS, After graduating from St. Bonaventure University with a
degree in accounting, William Kent's son, David, joined the firm in
1976; after learning from the Master, David was named New York State
Auctioneer of the Year in 2004; and

WHEREAS, Two years later, a third generation member of the Kent
family entered the business; David Kent's son, Joshua, joined his father
and grandfather in the company after attending Cornell University; and

WHEREAS, Over the years, each and every member of the Kent family
has worked for the family business; William Kent's wife, Jean;
daughters, Debbie and Connie; grandchildren and great-grandchildren have
worked in various capacities at the auctions or in the office; and

WHEREAS, The William Kent Family has been called upon to contribute
their time and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and
have always given of themselves unstintingly; and

WHEREAS, The Kent Family is truly dedicated to its community; for
more than four decades, they have donated their time and talents to the
Genesee County Fair's Annual 4-H Animal Auction; and

WHEREAS, They also provide their services for many non-profit
organizations including Batavia Business & Professional Women, and the
Stafford and LeRoy Historical Society; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of their community service, a
period of constructive involvement, the William Kent Family has stood
constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence 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
commend the William Kent Family upon the occasion of being named the
2017 Geneseeans of the Year by the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the William Kent Family.