Senate Resolution No. 2650

BY: Senator O'MARA

COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of the Central
Steuben Chamber of Commerce

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
achievements of those organizations which substantially contribute to
the economic vitality of their communities and the entire Empire State;
and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Central Steuben Chamber of
Commerce; and

WHEREAS, Formerly known as the Bath Chamber of Commerce, the Central
Steuben Chamber of Commerce was issued a charter of incorporation on
April 30, 1924; on May 2, 1924, the Board of Directors were finalized
and the first chamber officers were established on the third floor of
the Castrilli Building; and

WHEREAS, Engaging the community, the Central Steuben Chamber of
Commerce held events like a fair and carnival, participated in
activities such as the Annual Farmer's Picnic on the Steuben County
Fairgrounds, launched Dollar Day promotions, concerts, and formed an
Automobile Camp Site near Lake Salubria; and

WHEREAS, In the early 1900s, the Central Steuben Chamber of Commerce
joined the United States Chamber of Commerce; and

WHEREAS, A driving force in community initiatives, the number of
members and the treasury increased significantly throughout the years;
the Central Steuben Chamber of Commerce helps merchants to comply with
regulations, as seen when the Chamber helped businesses during the
passage of the National Recovery Act (NRA) and fought to keep the
Temporary Relief Administration transient relief division in the area;
and

WHEREAS, The Central Steuben Chamber of Commerce has aided in flood
control measures on the Conhocton River, the VA hospital dedication, and
replaced antiquated bridges; also, the Chamber was instrumental in
bringing five new industries to employ residents: Steuben Silk Mills,
Barnes Retinning Company, Bath Creamery Company, Lyntex Paper Products,
and Lane Pipe Corporation; and

WHEREAS, During times of war, the Central Steuben Chamber of
Commerce supported the effort by sending representatives to campaign,
working with the Red Cross, and arranging women to train at Mercury
Aircraft; and

WHEREAS, In the 1950's, the Central Steuben Chamber of Commerce
advocated for community enhancing projects such as a municipal parking
lot, decorations for holidays, and industrial expansion in the Bath
Village; in the 1960's, the Chamber built a Tourist Booth in the
community and "Welcome to Bath" signs; and


WHEREAS, In the next coming decades, the Central Steuben Chamber of
Commerce became the primary sponsor for many anticipated events in the
community like the Dairy Festival and facilitated more events for
recreation in the Bath community, including the Ladder Day Sale,
Halloween window decorating contests and Grape Harvest Days, sweetheart
contests for the Heart Fund, George Washington's Birthday sale days,
Music in the Park, Oktoberfest, and Christmas in July; and

WHEREAS, For the past century, this vital organization has served to
encourage and support new businesses and professional opportunities,
facilitate new partnerships, and promote the growth of current
businesses in the community; and

WHEREAS, The Central Steuben Chamber of Commerce is comprised of
members of the community and local business leaders working together to
support economic growth and prosperity; and

WHEREAS, Over its distinguished 100-year history, the Central
Steuben Chamber of Commerce has demonstrated continuous service to the
residents and communities which it serves; and

WHEREAS, The success of the Central Steuben Chamber of Commerce is
in direct correlation to the efforts of its Board of Directors,
officers, and its members, 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 organization and the community it serves; and

WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body
acknowledges this exceptional organization and its contributions to the
local and State economies, fully confident it will continue to enjoy the
sparkling success it has experienced thus far; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Central Steuben Chamber of
Commerce; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Central Steuben Chamber of Commerce.