Honoring Harold Tom Clark, Jr. for his many years of distinguished service to the Mohawk Valley community

Assembly Resolution No. 1211

BY: M. of A. Miller

        HONORING  Harold  "Tom"  Clark,  Jr.  for his many
        years of distinguished service to the Mohawk  Valley
        community

  WHEREAS,  It  is  the  custom  of this Legislative Body to recognize
individuals whose professional achievements and personal endeavors  have
contributed   to   the  strength,  vitality,  and  prosperity  of  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
Harold  "Tom" Clark, Jr. for his many years of distinguished service and
enduring contributions to Central New York and the Mohawk Valley; and

  WHEREAS, A native of New Hartford, New York, Harold "Tom" Clark, Jr.
was raised in a family deeply rooted in  both  business  leadership  and
community   service,   instilling   in  him  a  lifelong  commitment  to
entrepreneurship and civic engagement; and

  WHEREAS, Over the course of his accomplished career, Tom Clark,  Jr.
has  distinguished himself as a successful businessman and entrepreneur,
serving as the owner of Mac-Clark Restaurants, which  operates  numerous
McDonald's franchises establishments across Oneida, Herkimer, and Broome
counties,  while  fostering economic growth and employment opportunities
throughout the region; and

  WHEREAS,  Beyond  his  business  endeavors,  Tom  Clark,   Jr.   has
demonstrated  exceptional leadership in the financial sector, serving as
Chairman Emeritus of Adirondack Bank, where his vision  and  stewardship
helped  guide  the  institution's  growth into a strong, locally focused
community bank supporting individuals,  businesses,  and  municipalities
across Central and Upstate New York; and

  WHEREAS,  A  devoted philanthropist, Tom Clark, Jr. has demonstrated
an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of  others  through  his
extensive  leadership and service with numerous charitable and nonprofit
organizations, including Upstate Cerebral Palsy, The Salvation Army, and
the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties; his support of
initiatives such as Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central New  York
and the donation of Camp Ronald McDonald for children with special needs
further  reflect  his dedication to uplifting families and strengthening
communities throughout the region; and

  WHEREAS, Tom Clark, Jr.'s commitment to service is further evidenced
by his leadership roles with Ronald McDonald House Charities of  Central
New   York  and  numerous  other  initiatives  benefiting  children  and
families, as well as his support for  recreational  and  youth  programs
throughout the Mohawk Valley; and

  WHEREAS,  A  proud  graduate  of  Utica  College, Class of 1965, Tom
Clark, Jr.  has remained steadfast in his dedication to his alma  mater,
becoming its first $1 million donor and serving as an emeritus member of
the  Foundation  Board  of  Trustees;  he was further recognized with an

honorary  Doctor  of  Laws  degree  in  acknowledgment  of  his  lasting
contributions; and

  WHEREAS,  Throughout  his  life,  Tom Clark, Jr. has exemplified the
highest ideals of  civic  responsibility,  generosity,  and  leadership,
leaving  an  indelible  mark  on the institutions and communities he has
served; and

  WHEREAS, It  is  the  sense  of  this  Legislative  Body  that  when
individuals  of  such  noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be recognized and applauded by all  the  citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED,  That  this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Harold "Tom" Clark, Jr. for his outstanding contributions  to  the
Mohawk  Valley  and  for his enduring legacy of leadership, service, and
philanthropy; and be it further

  RESOLVED, That a copy of this  Resolution,  suitably  engrossed,  be
transmitted to Harold "Tom" Clark, Jr.