Senate Resolution No. 2309 BY: Senator OBERACKER HONORING Dave and Jess Shull upon the occasion of their designation as recipients of the Distinguished Citizen Award by the Baden-Powell Council, Boy Scouts of America on May 9, 2024 WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to take note of and publicly acknowledge individuals of remarkable integrity and character who have inspired and brought pride to our majestic Empire Sate with their strong contributions to the community and model citizenship; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Dave and Jess Shull upon the occasion of their designation as recipients of the Distinguished Citizen Award by the Baden-Powell Council, Boy Scouts of America on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at the 37th Annual Distinguished Citizens Award Dinner for Chenango County at the Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich, New York; and WHEREAS, The Distinguished Citizen Award recognizes the noteworthy and extraordinary leadership of distinguished citizens in the community; the recipient of this auspicious award lives to serve and inspire the youth of today, to lead, accept responsibility and care about principles and causes beyond self-interest; and WHEREAS, Exemplifying what it means to live by the Scout Oath and Law, Dave and Jess Shull have set a positive example for others and demonstrated concern and significant care for their community, rightfully earning accolades for their accomplishments; and WHEREAS, Born in 1976, Dave Shull was raised in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and was an active member of The Boy Scouts of America, achieving their highest honor of Eagle Scout in 1992; furthering his education, he attended The University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colorado and studied Sociology with an emphasis in Criminal Justice; and WHEREAS, Beginning his career, Dave Shull was hired on with Foley's Department Store, now known as Macy's, where he worked his way up the ranks as Loss Prevention Manager; he moved to Oxford, New York in October of 2005 to pursue a restaurant business venture; and WHEREAS, Born in 1980, and raised in Oxford, New York, Jessica Shull attended Oxford Academy where she excelled in school and began working in her final year; becoming a mother to two beautiful daughters, she continued her career completing her Associates Degree at Healthcare online in 2009; and WHEREAS, Dave and Jessica Shull met in 2006, while Dave was pursuing a business venture in Oxford, New York, to open The Stadium Sports Bar & Grill, which opened in January of 2005; Jessica was brought on the small staff and instantly provided new ideas and knowledge to the restaurant, starting to bake house made fresh desserts; and WHEREAS, In 2007, The Stadium Sports Bar & Grill began hosting "Give Back Nights," where the restaurant, facilitated by Dave and Jess Shull, would welcome local organizations, school groups, and sports teams to raise money and enjoy a delicious meal; a percentage of the business from that evening would be donated back to the organization as both sides worked together to bring people in to support the group for that evening; and WHEREAS, Over the next few years, Dave Shull and his business partners would open Roma's Ristorante & Pizzeria in Sidney, New York in 2009; then, he purchased one the longest family owned and operated restaurants in the area, Nina's Pizzeria in September of 2011; and WHEREAS, Dave and Jess Shull got married in August of 2012 and had two daughters; they continue to illustrate their impressive work ethic as both contribute to the successful endeavors of their businesses and their community fundraising projects; and WHEREAS, Their restaurants employing an average of 60 employees yearly, Dave and Jess Shull have hosted Give Back Nights; donated food to organizations, first responders, and local sporting groups; provided gift cards; and sponsored youth sports teams and provided heavily discounted food for sports teams travel meals and concession stands; and WHEREAS, Nina's has been an active major sponsor for many of the yearly YMCA events and has taken on an active role with the Toys for Tots Campaign over the past eight years; in addition, Nina's hosts an Annual Spaghetti & Meatball Dinner and Movie event and provides and donates all the food; partnering with The Barnes Brothers (Rich & Todd Barnes), The Colonial Theatre, and The Chawgo's, the restaurant also helps raise thousands of dollars to fill the Chawgo's bus full of toys that are then distributed locally to families less fortunate right here in Chenango County; and WHEREAS, Dave Shull been recognized for his commitment to community by receiving the following awards: Catholic Charities of Chenango County (Fundraising Events Acknowledgement), 2017; Oxford Fire Department Community Support Award, April 2017; Commitment to Community Award on behalf of The Norwich Business Improvement District, October 2017; and Commitment to Community Award on behalf of Commerce Chenango, 2020; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and pay tribute to those individuals whose commitment and creative talents have contributed to the entertainment and cultural enrichment of the citizens of the State of New York; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Dave and Jess Shull upon the occasion of their designation as recipients of the Distinguished Citizen Award by the Baden-Powell Council, Boy Scouts of America on May 9, 2024; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Dave and Jess Shull.