Senate Resolution No. 2366 BY: Senator GRIFFO HONORING Flour & Salt Cafe upon the occasion of its designation as recipient of the 2024 Madison County Small Business of the Year award by the New York Small Business Development Center on May 2, 2024 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize the achievements of those individuals and businesses that contribute substantially to the economic vitality of their communities, thereby enhancing the economic well-being of 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 Flour & Salt Cafe upon the occasion of its designation as recipient of the 2024 Madison County Small Business of the Year award by the New York Small Business Development Center on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at 4844 E. Lake Road in Hamilton, New York, in conjunction with National Small Business Week; and WHEREAS, Flour & Salt Cafe is receiving this prestigious award for its steadfast and unremitting commitment to Hamilton, New York, and its innovation to economically benefit the community; and WHEREAS, In 2015, Britty and Brendan O'Connor, Colgate University alumni from Hudson, New York, developed their idea to open a bakery in the Hamilton community and introduced more unique and delicious foods; they secured funding through a strategic mix of investments, grants, and crowdfunding efforts to eventually open their first bakery in 2016; and WHEREAS, Creating more jobs during the midst of the Covid-19 Pandemic, Britty and Brendan O'Connor launched Martha's on Madison (MOM's), a grocery/tavern concept aimed at fostering community space and diversifying revenue streams; after finding great success, they acquired a local cafe and branded it as Flour & Salt Cafe; and WHEREAS, Expanding their menu, the response from students and the community have been significantly positive; throughout their journey in opening three brick and mortar locations, the New York Small Business Development Center offered support to thrive beyond the obstacles imposed by the Covid-19 Pandemic; and WHEREAS, Britty and Brendan O'Connor are active community advocates, deeply involved in local organizations and initiatives; their commitment to fostering a family-like atmosphere in their businesses translates into greater collaboration and employee longevity, contributing to their success; and WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of its owners, Flour and Salt and MOM's stand as pillars of the community, grossing over $1 million in 2023 with a remarkable 9.6 percent increase in sales; 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 Flour & Salt Cafe upon the occasion of its designation as recipient of the 2024 Madison County Small Business of the Year award by the New York Small Business Development Center on May 2, 2024; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Britty O'Connor and Brendan O'Connor, Flour & Salt Cafe.