Senate Resolution No. 801 BY: Senator GRIFFO HONORING the Columbus Public House upon the occasion of its designation as recipient of the Rural Small Business of the Year Award by the Small Business Administration on May 4, 2023 WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the achievements of those individuals and businesses which substantially contribute to the economic vitality of their communities and the entire Empire State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor the Columbus Public House upon the occasion of its designation as recipient of the Rural Small Business of the Year Award by the Small Business Administration to be celebrated at its Award Ceremony on Thursday, May 4, 2023; and WHEREAS, As owner of the Columbus Public House, a popular restaurant in Sherburne, New York, Edsall W. Hodges has given of his time, his enthusiasm, and his guidance to lift the community to the highest level possible; and WHEREAS, Edsall W. Hodges proudly served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps from 1983-1987; after returning home, he worked in local restaurants and ran his own diner, then worked for over 20 years as a carpenter; and WHEREAS, In 2011, Edsall W. Hodges purchased the historic Columbus Public House, which was originally built in 1793 as a stop on the stagecoach line from Cortland to Albany, New York, and spent the next eight years rehabbing and renovating it; and WHEREAS, Edsall W. Hodges opened the doors of his business to the public for the first time in 2019; during the COVID-19 pandemic, he kept his new business venture alive by offering his customers outdoor chicken barbeques and 50% occupancy of the indoor seating; and WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body acknowledges this exceptional business and its contributions to the local and State economies, fully confident that it will continue to enjoy the sparkling successes it has experienced thus far; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor the Columbus Public House upon the occasion of its designation as recipient of the Rural Small Business of the Year Award by the Small Business Administration on May 4, 2023; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Edsall W. Hodges, Owner, Columbus Public House.