LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Richard Hannis upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition for his outstanding community
service through SCORE and the Upstate NY Rural Initiative

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, Richard Hannis has given not only of his time and energies
but also of his competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently
has been designated for special honor; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Richard Hannis
upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition for his
outstanding community service through SCORE and the Upstate NY Rural
Initiative; and
WHEREAS, Richard Hannis has done exceptional volunteer work throughout
New York State through SCORE and the Upstate NY Rural Initiative Corpo-
ration promoting business entrepreneurship and small business develop-
ment in rural communities; and
WHEREAS, Richard Hannis has been a volunteer mentor with SCORE since
1996; currently, he serves as district director, leading all SCORE chap-
ters in Upstate New York; his home chapter is Greater Binghamton SCORE;
and
WHEREAS, Richard Hannis has offered his years of business experience
and expertise to colleges and universities throughout New York State,
aiding schools in the development of their business departments and
connecting students to career and job opportunities and SCORE counseling
and workshop services that would have otherwise remained unavailable to
them; and
WHEREAS, Most recently, Richard Hannis has dedicated himself to
promoting rural economic development through the creation of the Upstate
NY Rural Initiative Corporation, whose valuable programs provide coun-
seling, consulting, and business education to rural small businesses and
agribusinesses at all top ten Upstate SCORE chapters throughout the
state; and
WHEREAS, Under his vision and leadership, SCORE and the Upstate NY
Rural Initiative Corporation are working with a network of Upstate
universities, including Morrisville State College, SUNY Delhi, SUNY
Cobleskill, Alfred State College, Cornell University, and Syracuse
University to develop and provide valuable agribusiness seminars and
workshops for receptive and eager audiences across the State; and
WHEREAS, This remarkable man has been called upon to contribute his
time and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has
always given of himself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Richard Hannis has been recognized throughout his career for
his philanthropy and support of small businesses; in 1976, President
Gerald Ford presented him with a special commendation for outstanding
service at a White House ceremony; he was honored for his work in
several projects designed to support small business and the United
States economy; and
WHEREAS, From 1981-1984, Richard Hannis served as CEO of the New York
Private Industry Council; in 1993, he helped start a business college in
Bolovich, Russia, to help the country transition to a private sector
economy following the collapse of the Soviet Union; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Richard Hannis has stood constant in
dignity, good grace and humor; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Richard Hannis has displayed
throughout his life; 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
honor Richard Hannis upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition for his outstanding community service through SCORE and the
Upstate NY Rural Initiative; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Richard Hannis.