Senate Resolution No. 2483

BY: Senator HARCKHAM

CELEBRATING the life of Sharon Julie Feldman Rowe,
devoted wife and mother, entrepreneur, author, and
pioneer of the reusable bag movement

WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who,
through their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better
the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive
impact on the lives of its residents; Sharon Rowe was one such
individual; and

WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Sharon Rowe, noting the
significance of her purposeful life and accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Sharon Rowe of Croton-on-Hudson, New York, died on Monday,
March 25, 2024 at the age of 67; and

WHEREAS, A trained actor, Sharon Rowe's professional career included
productions in New York City, Connecticut, and Maine regional theaters;
and

WHEREAS, In 1989, Sharon Rowe founded Eco-Bags Products, Inc.,
introducing the cotton mesh string bag to the United States with the
goal of "Cleaning up the planet one bag at a time"; launching the
original reusable bag company was a trailblazing move that incited a
movement; and

WHEREAS, As CEO of this exceptional business for 35 years, Sharon
Rowe ran her company without sacrificing personal or professional goals;
she sold worldwide and was recognized as "Best for The World" by
Bcorporation for social and environmental commitments and standards; and

WHEREAS, Sharon Rowe published The Magic of Tiny Business, a book
inspired by her lifestyle, in 2018, telling the story behind her
game-changing company, sharing personal anecdotes which show readers how
to build a focused business that turns a profit without ever conceding
personal or social values for the sake of the bottom line; and

WHEREAS, Recognized as a thought leader in social innovation,
sustainable and responsible production, Sharon Rowe also spoke regularly
on building profitable, mission and value aligned businesses, believing
that business can be a force for good, a currency for ideas that shape
culture; and

WHEREAS, Sharon Rowe's speaking engagements were varied, taking her
wide and far, from Yale University to Sing-Sing Prison, the Nairobi
Center for Innovation in Kenya, to the Social Venture Institute
Conference in the Hudson Valley; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, her vision and her company have been featured
in Time, Glamour, The Wall Street Journal, and Entrepreneur magazine, as
well as on "NPR - Air America," and the award-winning documentary,

"BagIt"; Eco-Bags were also featured on Oprah's first dedicated Earth
Day Show; and

WHEREAS, Sharon Rowe was the proud recipient of numerous awards and
accolades, including the National 2012 Enterprising Woman, CBS Radio
Women's Achievement, Westchester Business Council Entrepreneur of the
Year, 914Inc Westchester Magazine's Most Accomplished Women, the Women's
Enterprise Development Center's Lilian Vernon Award and The Westchester
Collaborative Theatre's Most Valuable Player; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to her
community, Sharon Rowe was an active member of the Social Venture
Network and the Women Presidents' Organization; she also served on the
Hudson River Sloop Clearwater Board and the Westchester Collaborative
Theatre Board; and

WHEREAS, An avid environmentalist, Sharon Rowe found solace in
nature through long swims, walks in the woods with friends, and summer
days at the beach; and

WHEREAS, Sharon Rowe loved her family completely, was incredibly
devoted to her friends, and embraced every day to the fullest; her
welcoming presence had the effect of making everyone around her feel as
if they were her best friend, which was actually true; from book clubs
to non-profits, she was beloved in whatever circles she traveled; and

WHEREAS, Sharon Rowe is survived by her mother, Joan Feldman; her
husband, Blake; children, Julian and Eva; sisters, Ellen (George) and
Heidi (Curtis); and beloved nieces, Carolyn and Allison; and

WHEREAS, Sharon Rowe's infinite selflessness and benevolence will
shine on through her family's vivid and happy memories; her insight and
strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light and hope to the
countless lives she touched; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Sharon Rowe leaves behind a legacy which will long endure
the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all who
were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing woman; she will
be deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this
Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate the life of Sharon Julie Feldman Rowe, and to express its
deepest condolences to her family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Sharon Rowe.