Congratulating Harold Clark upon the occasion of his retirement after many years of distinguished service in business, philanthropy, and civic leadership

Assembly Resolution No. 1229

BY: M. of A. Buttenschon

        CONGRATULATING  Harold  Clark upon the occasion of
        his retirement after  many  years  of  distinguished
        service   in   business,   philanthropy,  and  civic
        leadership

  WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative  Body  to  acknowledge
and  commend  individuals  of  outstanding character and achievement who
have rendered faithful, conscientious, and  valuable  service  to  their
communities and this great State; and

  WHEREAS,  Attendant  to  such  concern,  and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this  Legislative  Body  is  justly  proud  to
congratulate Harold Clark upon the occasion of his retirement after many
years  of  distinguished  service  in  business, philanthropy, and civic
leadership; and

  WHEREAS, A native of New Hartford, New York, Harold Clark was raised
in a  family  deeply  rooted  in  both  entrepreneurial  enterprise  and
community   engagement,  influences  which  helped  shape  his  lifelong
commitment to business excellence and public service; and

  WHEREAS, Building upon these foundations, Harold  Clark  established
himself  as  a  prominent and successful businessman; since 1986, he has
served as the head of Mac-Clark Restaurants, an organization which  owns
and operates numerous McDonald's franchises across Oneida, Herkimer, and
Broome Counties; and

  WHEREAS,  In  addition  to  his  accomplishments  in  the restaurant
industry, Harold Clark has demonstrated exceptional  leadership  in  the
financial  sector  as  Chairman of the Board of Adirondack Bank, further
exemplifying his business acumen and dedication to regional development,
including the revitalization of key commercial properties in the City of
Utica; and

  WHEREAS, Harold Clark's  career  is  further  distinguished  by  his
extensive  and  impactful philanthropic efforts, particularly in support
of children  and  families  in  need,  including  his  service  as  past
President of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central New York and his
involvement   with   numerous  charitable  and  nonprofit  organizations
throughout the region; and

  WHEREAS, In recognition  of  his  outstanding  charitable  work  and
leadership,   Harold  Clark  has  received  numerous  honors,  including
prestigious national and regional awards, reflecting both his generosity
and his commitment to improving the lives of others; and

  WHEREAS, A dedicated alumnus of  Utica  College,  Harold  Clark  has
maintained  a  lifelong  relationship  with his alma mater, becoming its
first million-dollar  donor,  serving  as  an  emeritus  member  of  its
Foundation  Board  of Trustees, and receiving an honorary Doctor of Laws
degree in recognition of his extraordinary service and support; and

  WHEREAS, His contributions  to  education  are  further  exemplified
through  his  support  of  campus facilities and programs, including the
establishment of the Harold T. Clark Sr. Athletic Center,  honoring  his
family's legacy and commitment to excellence; and

  WHEREAS, Beyond his professional and philanthropic endeavors, Harold
Clark  has given generously of his time and leadership to numerous civic
and   community   organizations,   including   financial   institutions,
charitable   foundations,   youth  programs,  and  regional  development
initiatives, thereby strengthening the fabric of his community; and

  WHEREAS,  Throughout  his  career,  Harold  Clark  has   exemplified
integrity, vision, and a deep sense of responsibility to others, earning
the  respect  and admiration of colleagues, peers, and community members
alike; and

  WHEREAS, It is the sense of  this  Legislative  Body  to  honor  the
remarkable  career  of  Harold  Clark,  whose  entrepreneurial  success,
financial leadership, and steadfast commitment to philanthropy have left
an enduring legacy in his community and  throughout  the  State  of  New
York; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED,  That  this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Harold Clark upon the occasion of his  retirement,  and  to
honor  him  for his many years of exemplary service to his community and
the State of New York; and be it further

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