Senate Resolution No. 4247

BY: Senator SEWARD

HONORING Middleburgh Hardware upon the occasion of
its designation as recipient of the 2017 Business of
the Year Award by the Schoharie County Chamber of
Commerce on March 23, 2018

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to take note of
and publicly recognize those businesses within the State of New York
which have positively impacted their communities; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Middleburgh Hardware upon the occasion of its designation as recipient
of the 2017 Business of the Year Award by the Schoharie County Chamber
of Commerce, to be celebrated at its Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony
on Friday, March 23, 2018, in Bouck Hall, at SUNY Cobleskill College,
Cobleskill, New York; and

WHEREAS, Schoharie County Chamber of Commerce's annual business
awards recognize businesses which have been successful in providing
quality products and services to clients and customers, and who have
consistently treated their business associates in a fair and respectable
manner; and

WHEREAS, In 2003, Rich and Heather Vilegi purchased Middleburgh
Hardware from Rich's father; since then, they have expanded the store
offering their customers a large variety of hardware products; they also
sell clothing, boots, gifts, greeting cards, pickles, maple syrup,
snacks, soda-pop, and ice-cream bars; and

WHEREAS, Customers also shop at Middleburgh Hardware for their
impeccable and gracious customer service; Rich and Heather Vilegi and
their employees are always available to lend a helping hand and willing
to offer their clientele some expert advice; loyal customers can often
be found in the back of the store helping themselves to free popcorn,
coffee, tea, and hot chocolate; and

WHEREAS, Middleburgh Hardware is an important and vital part of its
community; through the store, Rich and Heather Vilegi generously support
many worthy causes and local organizations by organizing raffles; they
also hold holiday photo shoots for children to take pictures with Santa
Claus or the Easter Bunny; and

WHEREAS, Middleburgh Hardware is involved with the Quilt Barn Trail;
the first video, narrated by Rich Vilegi gives a brief history of the
store, and its recovery from Hurricane Irene in 2011; and

WHEREAS, The store also takes great pride in decorating their store
front with seasonal displays, helping to make the Village of Middleburgh
a better place to live, work and play; and

WHEREAS, The success of Middleburgh Hardware is in direct
correlation to the efforts of its staff, whose involvement is, and
always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled

enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all
endeavors on behalf of the business and the community it serves; and

WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body
acknowledges this exceptional business and its contributions to the
local and State economies, fully confident that it will continue to
enjoy the sparkling successes it has experienced thus far; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Middleburgh Hardware upon the occasion of its designation as the
2017 Business of the Year by the Schoharie County Chamber of Commerce;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Rich and Heather Vilegi, Owners, Middleburgh Hardware.