LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Parkway
Drugs, Utica, New York, to be celebrated on December 2, 2015

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 the health of its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 50th Anniversary of Parkway Drugs, Utica, New York, to be
celebrated on Wednesday, December 2, 2015; and
WHEREAS, Parkway Drugs was founded on November 3, 1965, when two high
school friends, Rocco Femia, Sr. and Anthony Chiffy, Sr., opened their
first store on the corner of Culver Avenue and Albany Street in Utica,
New York, after obtaining their degrees from the Albany College of Phar-
macy; and
WHEREAS, Through tremendous hard work and a dedication to customer
service the two founders, who later became brothers-in-law, opened their
second store in the Chanatrys Plaza in 1989, followed by their third
store in 2008, located in the Big Lots Plaza; and
WHEREAS, Over the past five decades, Parkway Drugs and its profes-
sional staff have proudly served the Utica community, becoming a place
where employees take the time to talk to customers and know many of them
on a first name basis; and
WHEREAS, Today, this vital locally owned and operated business fills
nearly 10,000 prescriptions a week, and employs approximately 145
employees, including three generations of Femia and Chiffy family
members who have also chosen to become pharmacists; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to its community, Parkway Drugs will continue to
add to the economic well-being and physical health of Utica area resi-
dents for many years to come; and
WHEREAS, Small business owners exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit
which has fueled our State and Nation since their founding; and
WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body acknowl-
edges 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
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Parkway Drugs; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Parkway Drugs, Utica, New York.