Assembly Resolution No. 768

BY: M. of A. Stec

COMMENDING Putorti's Broadway Market upon the
occasion of celebrating its 90th Anniversary on
September 9, 2017

WHEREAS, Within each community of this great State of New York there
are certain businesses that define the nature of the region and the
people who inhabit it; and

WHEREAS, Such is true of Putorti's Broadway Market, located on 155
Broadway in the Village of Whitehall, New York, which has proudly
provided mayonnaise, onions and Italian meat sandwiches, homemade
sausages, and grocery products, as well as employment for residents in
Washington County for nine prosperous decades; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Putorti's Broadway Market upon the occasion of celebrating its
90th Anniversary at a customer appreciation event on Saturday, September
9, 2017; and

WHEREAS, In addition, a special dinner will be held later in the
evening to commemorate this auspicious occasion; and

WHEREAS, On September 9, 1927, Carolina Putorti, an Italian
immigrant, opened the store in a small, stone house on Mountain Street,
primarily so she could help support her family and add one very
important item to her wardrobe, silk stockings; and

WHEREAS, In 1950, Carolina Putorti made the decision to move the
market to its current location on Broadway; in the early 1970s, Fred and
Ann Putorti, who took over the store after Carolina's husband died, sold
the business to their nephew, Fra Putorti; and

WHEREAS, Fra Putorti took the helm of the store on July 3,1973, and
a few years later, he married his wife, Cheryl; in the early years of
their marriage, they lived above the store and their children could
often be seen playing behind the counter; and

WHEREAS, Even though there have been many changes since its
inception, the Putorti family still owns and operates the business,
proving to be an exception in a world of franchises and corporate
ownership; today, Fra and Cheryl Putorti manage the day-to-day store
operations; and

WHEREAS, After 90 years of business, Putorti's Broadway Market
remains an important economic force in Whitehall, providing employment,
and serving as a one-stop-shop for groceries, beverages, New York
Lottery, gram's fresh-made subs, baked goods and much more; and

WHEREAS, Dedicated to their community, Fra and Cheryl Putorti have
served the people of Whitehall in numerous capacities; Fra held the
esteemed positions of both Mayor and President of the Whitehall Central

School Board; Cheryl has chaired various civic organizations and was a
vital member of the Village Board; and

WHEREAS, Together, this remarkable and generous couple have helped
raise significant funds for educational programs, local food pantries,
and other worthy groups; and

WHEREAS, For 90 years Putorti's Broadway Market has stood as a
beloved establishment which has provided a friendly, open environment
for patrons to shop and meet with their neighbors; following Carolina
Putorti's gracious example, Fra and Cheryl always greet each and every
one of their customers with a smile, making them feel like family; and

WHEREAS, Since opening its doors, the owners and employees of
Putorti's Broadway Market have brought an uncommon sense of quality and
spirit to the community, providing Whitehall and Washington County not
only with quality products, but with good old-fashioned memories; and

WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body
acknowledge this exceptional small business and its contributions to the
local economy; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Putorti's Broadway Market upon the occasion of celebrating its
90th Anniversary on September 9, 2017; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Fra and Cheryl Putorti.