LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Anthony C. Conte upon the occasion of
his retirement after 15 years of distinguished service as President of
Shea's Performing Arts Center

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body seeks to acknowledge those individuals
whose professional lives and civic endeavors serve to enhance the
cultural life of their communities and the stature of the 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 honor
Anthony C. Conte upon the occasion of his retirement after 15 years of
distinguished service as President of Shea's Performing Arts Center; he
will officially step down at the end of the 2015-16 season, but will
remain as a part-time consultant working on special projects; and
WHEREAS, For the past 15 years, Anthony C. Conte has rendered faith-
ful, conscientious and valuable service as President of Shea's Perform-
ing Arts Center; during this time, he oversaw the theatre's restoration
and helped transform the former movie palace into one of Western New
York's most successful arts venues; and
WHEREAS, As a graduate of The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of
Science degree in Finance, and SUNY at Buffalo with an MBA, and a former
M&T Bank Executive and co-Owner & President of Larry Smith Office,
Anthony C. Conte volunteered at Shea's Performing Arts Center in the
1970s, and later, assumed leadership, in 2001 during a difficult time
for the historic Buffalo theater which was first opened in 1926; and
WHEREAS, During his illustrious tenure, President Anthony C. Conte
oversaw the authentic restoration of this cultural landmark's facili-
ties; in addition, his exceptional guidance and vision have helped place
the theatre on outstanding financial footing with a 310% increase in the
number of season tickets sold annually; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed man has also helped expand Shea's Performing
Arts Center to include not only the historic 3,000-seat theatre which
presents touring Broadway musicals, concerts, educational productions
and other programs, but also the 230-seat Shea's Smith Theatre for off-
Broadway musicals and comedies and the 625-seat Shea's 710 Main Theatre,
which shows dramatic plays; and
WHEREAS, In his official acts, President Anthony C. Conte displayed
tremendous vision, creativity, kindness, and collaborative spirit,
making Buffalo one of the best midsized theater destinations and Broad-
way subscription markets in the country; and
WHEREAS, Anthony C. Conte has been called upon to contribute his time
and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always
given of himself unstintingly; he has served as president of the Theatre
District Association, and is a member of both the Road Labor and Legis-
lative Committees of The Broadway League, and the Advisory Council of
the Wehle School of Business at Canisius College; and
WHEREAS, The recipient of countless awards and honors, Anthony C.
Conte has been named BUFFALO BUSINESS FIRST'S Most Influential Business
Leader, Western New York, three years straight; on May 3, 2016, he was
presented with the Visit Buffalo Niagara's Tim Russert Award and entered
the Buffalo Ambassador's Hall of Fame and THE BUFFALO NEWS' 2012
Outstanding Citizen; he was also presented with the 2011 Leadership
Buffalo Community Impact Award; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his loving wife, Linda, their
three children, and eight grandchildren, all of whom feel privileged to
be a part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, 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
honor Anthony C. Conte upon the occasion of his retirement after 15
years of distinguished service as President of Shea's Performing Arts
Center; and be it
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Anthony C. Conte.