LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 70th Anniversary of Watson's
Chocolates

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 reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those busi-
nesses and individuals that are devoted to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, It is also the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize
and commend those who work to better their local community and work hard
to keep a local tradition alive; 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 70th Anniversary of Watson's Chocolates; and
WHEREAS, In 1946, two brothers, Louis and John Watson, and their
respective wives, Ellen and Mary, began making chocolates in the back
room of their soda fountain and luncheonette on Delaware Avenue in
Kenmore, New York; and
WHEREAS, Using old-fashioned methods and recipes shared by their rela-
tives, the Watsons quickly established a reputation for producing fine
confections and began selling small amounts of chocolates in the front
of their store; and
WHEREAS, In 1971, Jim Watson, son of Louis and Ellen, joined the fami-
ly business, and in 1987, took over the chocolate part of the company,
adding three new retail and production facilities; and
WHEREAS, Whitney Watson, Jim's daughter, was hired in 1993, making it
possible for the business to expand; five additional stores were opened
which greatly increased the Watson's Chocolates product line; and
WHEREAS, Today, the Watson family recipes are still made by hand, and
in small batches, including the famous sponge candy; the candy makers
and chocolatiers are all part of the extended Watson family, and there
is enormous pride in using only the highest quality ingredients in the
creation of the products, including only Fair Trade Certified chocolate;
and
WHEREAS, Watson's Chocolates uses only the freshest, costliest, and
purest ingredients; no shortcuts are taken, no compromises are made and
their single most important priority is guaranteeing their customer's
satisfaction; and
WHEREAS, Recently, Watson's Chocolates has established a catalog and
internet sales presence and partnered with Anderson's Ice Cream and
Resurgence Brewery, assuring that the Watson's Chocolates brand will be
represented worldwide and throughout the Buffalo, New York, area; and
WHEREAS, As the Watson family celebrates their 70th Anniversary, they
look to the future by introducing new products and continuing to service
their loyal customers; in addition, they look forward to opening up
additional markets as new customers grow to appreciate the same Watson
chocolate products that Western New Yorkers have enjoyed for 70 years;
and
WHEREAS, The success of Watson's Chocolates is possible because of the
hard work and vision that started 70 years ago by the Watson brothers,
and passed through the generations and on to the generations to come;
and
WHEREAS, Watson's Chocolates continues to maintain the promise made 70
years ago to ensure that customers receive the same or better quality
that has become their trademark since its humble beginnings in 1946; and
WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a

long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 70th Anniversary of Watson's Chocolates; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Watson Family.