Assembly Resolution No. 104

BY: M. of A. Simpson

COMMEMORATING the 50th Anniversary of Adirondack
Studios on February 19, 2025

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and pay
tribute to those institutions and organizations whose commitment to
promoting the richness and diversity of the arts and entertainment world
has contributed to the strength, vitality, and cultural enrichment of
their communities and the great State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Adirondack Studios on February 19,
2025; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception, Adirondack Studios (ADKS) has provided
award-winning creative solutions for designers, artists, producers and
owners of entertainment and cultural destinations worldwide; with its
background rooted in theatrical production, ADKS prioritizes
storytelling and guest experience by examining thoughtful design
approaches, innovative methods and materials and out-of-the-box thinking
across the breadth of the project cycle; and

WHEREAS, On February 19, 1975, Christopher Detmer, Tom Lloyd, and
Walter Blake incorporated Adirondack Scenic, relocating their
Off-Broadway operations to a 5,000-square-foot garage on the Hudson
River in Warrensburg, New York; and

WHEREAS, As with most startups, the early years presented
challenges, but partnerships with corporate giants (GE, Avon,
Westinghouse), the opera world (Lake George, Philadelphia, NYC, Miami,
Baltimore), rock 'n' roll tours (Talking Heads, The Rolling Stones, The
Eagles, The Who), and live theater (The Acting Co., Empire St. Youth
Theatre, MSG Productions) helped keep the business afloat; and

WHEREAS, By 1981, the team expanded into larger facilities in Glens
Falls, New York, and growth accelerated from there, moving into ice
shows, Las Vegas magic acts, and international special events; their
expertise led them into the world of amusement parks, starting with
Storytown USA, then Busch Gardens, followed by Universal Orlando and Six
Flags; and

WHEREAS, As the team grew, the company moved to even larger
facilities, ultimately settling in its current global headquarters in
Argyle, New York; furthermore, as the world entered the new millennium,
the value of leisure and experiential activities became more apparent,
fueling Adirondack Studios' global expansion; and

WHEREAS, Today, with production facilities in Argyle, Orlando, and
Dubai, a creative studio in Pasadena, and additional offices in
Singapore and Shanghai, ADKS employs over 300 artisans, managers, and
installers; and

WHEREAS, The company has designed, fabricated, and managed over
5,000 projects for some of the world's most prominent amusement and
cultural attractions; its diverse client list includes industry giants
such as Walt Disney Imagineering, Dubai Parks & Resorts, Genting,
Google, Cedar Fair Entertainment, Carnival Cruise Lines, Disney
Theatrical on Broadway, Warner Bros., Hershey Entertainment & Resorts,
One World Observatory, Meow Wolf, Christian Dior, Crayola, Dell, SONY,
Wegmans, Brookfield Properties, San Francisco Opera, Metropolitan Opera,
The Joffrey Ballet, Lincoln Center, National Geographic, Kennedy Center
for the Performing Arts, The National Comedy Center, and The Franklin
Institute; and

WHEREAS, In 2024, ADKS projects reached an audience of over 350
million people globally, and many of these projects have garnered
recognition within the global attractions industry; by March 2025, 26
ADKS projects will have received The Themed Entertainment Association's
Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement, an honor considered the
Oscar-equivalent in the field; additionally, Michael Blau, ADKS' current
president, was named to Blooloop's 2025 Theme Park Influencer List; and

WHEREAS, Adirondack Studios takes great pride in its commitment to
both its employees and the local community; the company engages with
over 1,000 students annually through tours, school visits, recruitment
events, and internships, partnering with BOCES, ECCA, and SUNY
Adirondack; and

WHEREAS, Adirondack Studios has also established scholarship funds
at Warrensburg Central School and Argyle Central School in honor of
Chris Detmer and Tom Lloyd's parents; several team members serve on
regional civic and cultural boards, and the company is a major employer
in the region, particularly for IATSE Local 524; and

WHEREAS, Through its six worldwide locations, Adirondack Studios has
contributed nearly $500 million to local economies; with its marketing
tagline, "Make A Scene," Adirondack Studios continues to impact the
region and the world, and looks forward to doing so for many decades to
come; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Adirondack Studios on February 19,
2025; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Adirondack Studios.