LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Raymond J. Durso, Jr. upon the occasion
of his designation as recipient of the 2015 Business Advocate Award by
the Herkimer County 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 reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals that are devoted 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
Raymond J. Durso, Jr. upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of the 2015 Business Advocate Award by the Herkimer County Chamber of
Commerce, to be celebrated at its 47th Annual Membership Meeting and
Luncheon on Thursday, April 30, 2015, at Francesca's Banquet Facility,
Ilion, New York; and
WHEREAS, A native of the Mohawk Valley region, Raymond J. Durso, Jr.
was born in Herkimer, and raised in Utica, New York; and
WHEREAS, Today, Raymond J. Durso, Jr. is the Executive Director of The
Genesis Group of the Mohawk Valley Region; he has been involved in this
civic organization since its inception in 2000, serving as a Board
Member before being promoted to Executive Director; and
WHEREAS, Now in its 15th year, The Genesis Group serves diligently to
unite business and community leaders working to advance regional econom-
ic, social, and culture interests, and to foster unity and cooperation
in the Mohawk Valley region; and
WHEREAS, Raymond J. Durso, Jr. is responsible for the day to day oper-
ation of the Genesis organization; he relishes working with many dedi-
cated individuals who give their time and energies to help create a
better community; he also works side by side with community leaders and
professionals in education including all area colleges, as well as
healthcare, tourism, economic development, and various other quality of
life projects; and
WHEREAS, Active in his community as well as his profession, Raymond J.
Durso, Jr. has served on the Board of Directors for the Greater Utica
Chamber of Commerce, and the Utica Zoological Society; currently, he
serves as President of the Chamber Alliance of the Mohawk Valley; and
WHEREAS, Previously, Raymond J. Durso, Jr. served as an on-air
consultant for WKTV, a columnist for the Observer-Dispatch, and an
on-air radio host for WIBX; and
WHEREAS, Raymond J. Durso, Jr. was the recipient of the 40 Under 40
Award by the Mohawk Valley Business Journal, and was featured in an
article entitled "Meet Mr. Positive"; he also was recognized as a "Home-
town Hero" by WUTR TV; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Diana, and their
three children, Gennaro, Gianna, and Alexa, all of whom feel privileged
to be a part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Individuals and organizations devoted to improving the quali-
ty of life for others, enabling them to build lives of dignity and self-
worth are deserving of the highest praise and recognition; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense 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
honor Raymond J. Durso, Jr. upon the occasion of his designation as

recipient of the 2015 Business Advocate Award by the Herkimer County
Chamber of Commerce; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Raymond J. Durso, Jr.