Senate Resolution No. 788

BY: Senator OBERACKER

HONORING Dave Burrell upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the Chenango County
Distinguished Citizen's Award on May 11, 2023

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those distinguished citizens who would devote their life's work
and purpose to community service, contributing to the welfare of the
citizens of their communities and this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Dave Burrell upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the
Chenango County Distinguished Citizen's Award, to be celebrated on
Thursday, May 11, 2023, at Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich, New
York; and

WHEREAS, Dave Burrell has been the Owner/President of Burrell's
Excavating, Inc. since purchasing the business from his father, Douglas
Burrell, in 1984; this extraordinary man's commitment to family, work
and community was handed down by his father who served as a full-time
firefighter in the City of Norwich, and owning and operating two
businesses; and

WHEREAS, When Dave Burrell purchased the business nearly four
decades ago, he made the decision to concentrate on excavating; today,
along with his son, Matthew, Burrell's Excavating, Inc., employs more
than 40 people with continued growth each year; and

WHEREAS, A dedicated businessman, Dave Burrell's first love is for
his family; he and his beloved wife, Kim, were united in marriage in
1977, and together they raised their two wonderful children, Matthew and
Courtney, in Norwich, New York; and

WHEREAS, Dave Burrell is steadfastly committed to Kim, to Matt and
his wife Alicia and their three children, Alivia, Gavin and Kate, and to
Courtney and her children, Cameron and Vivian, while honoring the memory
of their grandson David who passed away at 14 months old; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, he considers his employees family and
attributes his success to the people he employs and does not take his
success for granted; and

WHEREAS, As a Norwich native, Dave Burrell gives tirelessly of his
time and energies to the local community; he proudly supported Norwich
Youth Sports, including Little League, when his children were young, and
continues the tradition with his grandchildren as a supporter of the
YMCA Camp Thompson, sponsoring the Gus Macker 3-on-3 Tournament and the
YMCA Turkey Trot; and

WHEREAS, Additionally, Dave Burrell supports the annual Toys for
Tots program and Hospice Plant Sale, helping in whatever way is needed;
he was also instrumental in bringing Santa's Hut back to downtown
Norwich for families to enjoy each holiday season; and


WHEREAS, Under his able leadership, Burrell's Excavating was
recognized in 2008 as Small Business of the Year by Commerce Chenango;
Dave was subsequently awarded the Commitment to Community Award in 2011
by Commerce Chenango in recognition of his generosity, leadership,
loyalty and determination; and

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

WHEREAS, It has always been the objective of this Legislative Body
to honor and support those individuals who have displayed their
commitment to the betterment of their communities, and it is the intent
of this Legislative Body to inscribe upon its records, this tribute to
Dave Burrell, that future generations may know and appreciate his
admirable character, his many benevolent deeds, and the respect and
esteem in which he is held by his peers; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Dave Burrell upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the Chenango County Distinguished Citizen's Award, 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 Dave Burrell.