Senate Resolution No. 1896

BY: Senator STAVISKY

COMMEMORATING Queens Day to be celebrated Monday,
May 8, 2017, in the New York State Legislature

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commemorate
those events of historical significance which add strength, vigor and
inspiration to the cultural diversity and quality of life in the
communities 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
commemorate Queens Day to be celebrated Monday, May 8, 2017, in the New
York State Legislature; and

WHEREAS, On May 8, 2017, the best of the Borough of Queens will be
on display at the Capitol in Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, This event is coordinated by the office of the Queens
Borough President and the Queens Chamber of Commerce which will put the
spotlight on Queens and include an evening reception featuring foods and
beverages as well as a display of Queens' favorite dining
establishments; and

WHEREAS, With 2.3 million people, the Borough of Queens is the most
culturally diverse county in the United States, and has become a tourist
destination for its many cultural attractions including the arts,
businesses, culinary delights and the many charms this vibrant community
has to offer; and

WHEREAS, More than half of all Queens residents are foreign-born, a
much greater concentration than any other borough in New York City, and
many of the neighborhoods reflect the rich cultural heritage of its
residents; and

WHEREAS, Queens' residents come from more than 120 countries and
speak more than 135 languages; and

WHEREAS, The Lonely Planet travel magazine named Queens the Top
Travel Destination in the country for 2015, because of its cultural and
culinary diversity stating that "Queens is quickly becoming its hippest"
and reflects the true image of New York as the global melting pot; and

WHEREAS, Although Queens is home to several large company
headquarters, no single industry dominates its economy; in addition,
two-thirds of all businesses in Queens employ between one and four
people, making small businesses the cornerstone of the borough's
economic vitality; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate Queens Day to be celebrated Monday, May 8, 2017, in the New
York State Legislature; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the office of the Queens Borough President, and the
Queens Chamber of Commerce.