LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Block Club upon the occasion of its
designation as recipient of the 2014 Trailblazer Award by the Amherst
Chamber of Commerce

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are enhanced by the concerned and dedicated efforts of business organ-
izations and individuals that generously contribute to the welfare of
the community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Block Club upon the occasion of its designation as recipient of the 2014
Trailblazer Award by the Amherst Chamber of Commerce; this momentous
occasion will be celebrated at the Chamber's Annual Small Business
Awards Luncheon and Showcase, to be held on Friday, May 16, 2014, at
Samuel's Grande Manor, Williamsville, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Amherst Chamber of Commerce is one of the 10 largest
chambers in New York State due to its steadfast commitment to providing
services members need to grow their business and prosper; each May, the
Chamber hosts a luncheon to honor seven outstanding small businesses in
Western New York for their vast contributions to the region; and
WHEREAS, A branding and marketing agency in Buffalo, New York, Block
Club, with its team of designers, writers, marketing and entrepreneurs,
works to help forward-thinking businesses and organizations strengthen
their brands and reach new customers; and
WHEREAS, Established in 2007 by Patrick Finan, founder and principal,
and Brandon Davis, co-founder and creative director, Block Club began as
BLOCK CLUB MAGAZINE, a quarterly publication, and has developed into a
premier branding and marketing agency; it was recently recognized as one
of Western New York's fastest growing businesses; and
WHEREAS, Known for its originality, authenticity and ability to
provide a unique high quality experience for its clients, Block Club has
worked alongside TED, The United Nations, 43 North, The University at
Buffalo, Freed Maxick, Say Yes to Education, lnsyte Consulting, The
Buffalo City Mission, and a number of progressive and forward-thinking
businesses throughout New York and the United States; and
WHEREAS, Under the luminous direction of Patrick Finan, Block Club has
pushed some of the region's most visible and stylish products and
campaigns, in addition to work for their own brands and businesses,
including BLOCK CLUB MAGAZINE and City Dining Cards; and
WHEREAS, In 2011, Patrick Finan was the youngest person to be named to
BUSINESS FIRST'S 40 Under 40 list, and was named a Rising Star in adver-
tising by the Advertising Club of Buffalo; Patrick is a regular speaker
at the University of Buffalo, Buffalo State College, Canisius College,
the University of Pittsburgh and recently presented at TED Buffalo; and
WHEREAS, Block Club's work has been recognized nationally for excel-
lence, featured on top design blogs, as well as in THE BOSTON HERALD,
PHILADELPHIA MAGAZINE and THE WASHINGTON POST; they have also won
regional and national awards for marketing and product design, including
top awards from Graphic Design USA; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents a unique opportunity for
this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to Block Club; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, it should be recognized and applauded by all the citizens of this
great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Block Club upon the occasion of its designation as recipient of
the 2014 Trailblazer Award by the Amherst Chamber of Commerce; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Block Club, Buffalo, New York.