Senate Resolution No. 5416

BY: Senator JACOBS

CONGRATULATING Tom Dee upon the occasion of his
retirement after many years of dedicated service as
President of Erie Canal Harbor Development
Corporation

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those distinguished citizens of this great Empire State who have
devoted themselves to faithfully serving the best interests of their
community and the needs of its residents; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Tom Dee upon the occasion of his retirement after many
years of dedicated service as President of Erie Canal Harbor Development
Corporation; and

WHEREAS, Tom Dee currently serves as President of Erie Canal Harbor
Development Corporation (ECHDC), an organization in Buffalo dedicated to
the revitalization of the city's waterfront, working to make Canalside
and the Outer Harbor a leading symbol of the New Buffalo; he will
officially retire from this esteemed position on Friday, June 29, 2018;
and

WHEREAS, For nearly five decades, Tom Dee has been a dedicated and
valuable leader of the ECHDC team and a tireless champion for Buffalo's
waterfront; he has worked with his staff to transform Canalside from a
bleak brownfield site into the vibrant and attractive destination it is
today; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious tenure, Tom Dee has been
instrumental in the truly remarkable transformation of the waterfront
which includes programming and the construction of multiple Canalside
projects now attracting more than 1.5 million people each year; and

WHEREAS, The Commercial Slip, Connecting Terminal Grain Elevator
Lighting, Boardwalk, the Historically Aligned Canals, One Canalside,
Queen City Bike Ferry and Harborcenter are among the many waterfront
success stories established under the able leadership of Tom Dee; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, on the Outer Harbor, visitors are enjoying
Buffalo Harbor State Park, Wilkeson Pointe, numerous trails, and
upgraded boating facilities; and

WHEREAS, As a native Buffalonian, Tom Dee shares all Western New
Yorker's love and pride for the waterfront and its importance in the
city's history; he counts the success of Canalside as a highlight of his
nearly 50-year career; and

WHEREAS, The success of ECHDC is in direct correlation to the
efforts of Tom Dee, 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 organization and the community it serves; and


WHEREAS, In his capacity as President, Tom Dee served with loyalty,
honor and distinction, earning the admiration, esteem and affection of
his colleagues; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout has been his wife, Rosanne, who has
shown him love and support and rejoices in his many achievements; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate
blending of strength, leadership, intellect, and commitment as that
demonstrated by Tom Dee over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication to
others; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Tom Dee upon the occasion of his retirement after many
years of dedicated service as President of Erie Canal Harbor Development
Corporation, and to wish him continued success in all of his future
endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Tom Dee.