Senate Resolution No. 801

BY: Senator GRIFFO

HONORING the Columbus Public House upon the
occasion of its designation as recipient of the
Rural Small Business of the Year Award by the Small
Business Administration on May 4, 2023

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
achievements of those individuals and businesses 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 honor
the Columbus Public House upon the occasion of its designation as
recipient of the Rural Small Business of the Year Award by the Small
Business Administration to be celebrated at its Award Ceremony on
Thursday, May 4, 2023; and

WHEREAS, As owner of the Columbus Public House, a popular restaurant
in Sherburne, New York, Edsall W. Hodges has given of his time, his
enthusiasm, and his guidance to lift the community to the highest level
possible; and

WHEREAS, Edsall W. Hodges proudly served his country as a member of
the United States Marine Corps from 1983-1987; after returning home, he
worked in local restaurants and ran his own diner, then worked for over
20 years as a carpenter; and

WHEREAS, In 2011, Edsall W. Hodges purchased the historic Columbus
Public House, which was originally built in 1793 as a stop on the
stagecoach line from Cortland to Albany, New York, and spent the next
eight years rehabbing and renovating it; and

WHEREAS, Edsall W. Hodges opened the doors of his business to the
public for the first time in 2019; during the COVID-19 pandemic, he kept
his new business venture alive by offering his customers outdoor chicken
barbeques and 50% occupancy of the indoor seating; and

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

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the Columbus Public House upon the occasion of its designation as
recipient of the Rural Small Business of the Year Award by the Small
Business Administration on May 4, 2023; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Edsall W. Hodges, Owner, Columbus Public House.