Senate Resolution No. 1257

BY: Senator KAPLAN

CONGRATULATING Joel Harris upon the occasion of
his retirement as President of the Mineola Chamber
of Commerce after 10 years of invaluable service

WHEREAS, It is the sense 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
individuals who would 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
congratulate Joel Harris upon the occasion of his retirement as
President of the Mineola Chamber of Commerce and after serving more than
three decades of invaluable public service; and

WHEREAS, Joel Harris assumed the role of President of the Mineola
Chamber of Commerce on July 12, 2018, during which time he gave
tirelessly of his time and energies to serving the residents of his
community; and

WHEREAS, Prior to holding this esteemed position, Joel Harris worked
in finance for more than 40 years before joining the Mineola Chamber of
Commerce in 2012, previously serving as its Vice President; and

WHEREAS, As President, Joel Harris was instrumental in giving local
businesses their maximum exposure, creating a website where all members
have their own business space; additionally, he made the Mineola Chamber
of Commerce more visible to its residents, getting more people involved
with a common goal of keeping the village beautiful, vibrant and active;
and

WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Joel Harris, the Mineola
Chamber of Commerce has served as the voice of the village's business
community, cultivating and strengthening economic developments in the
area for its merchants, professionals and business people to make
Mineola a better place to work, live, learn and play; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, the chamber has organized countless events
such as the Mineola Street Fair, the Summer Car Show, blood drives and
scholarship programs for high school students, in addition to assisting
local businesses with economic needs; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his
community, Joel Harris has served as a photographer for several village
and town events, mainly shooting for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society,
Ronald McDonald House, Cystic Fibrosis and the Charlie Rose Foundation;
he has also served as Lieutenant Governor for the Kiwanis New York
District, an international service club that focuses on children; and

WHEREAS, The recipient of numerous awards and accolades, Joel Harris
was named Businessman of the Year by the Mineola Chamber of Commerce;
and


WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Joel Harris has displayed
throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom 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
congratulate Joel Harris upon the occasion of his retirement as
President of the Mineola Chamber of Commerce, and to wish him continued
success in all his future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Joel Harris.