Senate Resolution No. 1509
BY: Senator GALLIVAN
HONORING Amy Meisenzahl of Great Lakes Dried Fruit
Company upon the occasion of her designation as
Emerging Entrepreneur by the Clarence Chamber of
Commerce, to be celebrated on March 19, 2026
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those outstanding individuals whose commitment, dedication, and
service contribute significantly to the vitality and well-being of the
communities of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Amy Meisenzahl of Great Lakes Dried Fruit Company upon the occasion of
her designation as Emerging Entrepreneur by the Clarence Chamber of
Commerce, to be celebrated at its 53rd Annual Awards Gala on Thursday,
March 19, 2026, at Samuel's Grande Manor in Williamsville, New York; and
WHEREAS, Amy Meisenzahl is pursuing a master's in supply chain
management at the University at Buffalo, and she is a Western New York
Prosperity Fellow, a designation that indicates she serves the community
by contributing to economic development through new business ventures;
and
WHEREAS, Upon returning from studying in Switzerland, Amy Meisenzahl
recognized that the food system in the United States is flawed, and she
was determined to be a part of improving access to affordable,
high-quality, healthy snacks in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Inspired by summers sailing on Lake Ontario and her
previous experience at the VanDeWalle Fruit Farm on Sodus Bay, combined
with her motivation to improve her gut health and find affordable,
whole-food snack options, Amy Meisenzahl founded Great Lakes Dried Fruit
Company; and
WHEREAS, Operated in western New York, Great Lakes Dried Fruit
Company is a local food manufacturing startup that is dedicated to
producing clean, shelf-stable dried fruit snacks made from locally
sourced ingredients; and
WHEREAS, Great Lakes Dried Fruit Company focuses on minimal
processing, transparent sourcing, and scalable production practices that
allow the business to grow without sacrificing quality or values; and
WHEREAS, In addition to addressing food quality in the United
States, Amy Meisenzahl is determined to use Great Lakes Dried Fruit
Company to help rebuild regional manufacturing capacity in western New
York; by investing in local supply chains, working with the community,
and automation, Amy Meisenzahl is determined to create sustainable jobs
and keep economic value within the region; and
WHEREAS, The Clarence Chamber of Commerce's recognition of Amy
Meisenzahl as Emerging Entrepreneur is a fitting tribute to an
individual whose innovation and service has strengthened the Clarence
community and enriched the lives of countless individuals and families;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Amy Meisenzahl of Great Lakes Dried Fruit Company upon the
occasion of her designation as Emerging Entrepreneur by the Clarence
Chamber of Commerce on March 19, 2026; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Amy Meisenzahl of Great Lakes Dried Fruit Company.
