Senate Resolution No. 301

BY: Senator RITCHIE

COMMENDING President and Chief Executive Officer
James Allen upon the occasion of his retirement
after many years of distinguished service to the New
York Apple Association

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body seeks to acknowledge those
individuals whose professional lives and civic endeavors serve to
enhance the stature of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in New York State is reflective of the
concerned and dedicated efforts of those individuals who are devoted to
the welfare of the State and its citizens; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend President and Chief Executive Officer James Allen upon the
occasion of his retirement after many years of distinguished service to
the New York Apple Association; and

WHEREAS, James "Jim" Allen joined the New York Apple Association in
1996 as the Retail Program Director, and four years later, in 2000, was
named Senior Executive; and

WHEREAS, During his tenure as President of the Apple Association,
Jim Allen earned the reputation as a passionate industry supporter and
advocate for nationwide industry cooperation; he successfully formed
alliances with the New York Farm Bureau and the New York Horticultural
Society, ushered in consumer advertising as part of the Association's
marketing, and founded the Core Report, an apple grower newspaper; and

WHEREAS, Among his many accomplishments, Jim Allen served three
times as Chair of the United States Apple Export Council; currently, he
serves on several committees working to advance both the New York and
United States apple industry and agriculture; and

WHEREAS, The recipient of numerous awards and accolades, Jim Allen
was named the 2002 Apple Person of the Year, was selected as one of the
top 25 agricultural leaders in the United States in 2008 by The Packer,
and received the 2007 Produce Industry Advocate of the Year by the
United Produce Industry; and

WHEREAS, Jim Allen's tenure has been marked by his committed
leadership, hard work and dedicated service to the Apple Association;
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
commend President and Chief Executive Officer James Allen upon the
occasion of his retirement after many years of distinguished service to
the New York Apple Association; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to James Allen.