Senate Resolution No. 2134
BY: Senator O'MARA
COMMEMORATING the 175th Anniversary of Corning
Incorporated
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
achievements of those individuals and businesses that substantially
contribute 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
commemorate the 175th Anniversary of Corning Incorporated; and
WHEREAS, Corning Incorporated is one of America's oldest
continuously operating industrial companies and one of the world's
leading innovators in materials science; Corning applies its
unparalleled expertise in glass science, ceramic science, and optical
physics, along with its deep manufacturing and engineering capabilities,
to develop category-defining products that transform industries and
enhance people's lives; and
WHEREAS, In 1851, Amory Houghton, Sr., purchased an interest in Bay
State Glass Works in East Cambridge, Massachusetts; in 1864, he
purchased Brooklyn Flint Glass Works, a prominent glass company
originally founded by John L. Gilliland in 1823; and
WHEREAS, In 1868, under the leadership of the Houghton family, the
Company relocated to Corning, New York, establishing its permanent home
in the Southern Tier; from that point forward, Corning's growth became
inseparable from the economic, civic, and cultural life of New York
State; and
WHEREAS, The Houghton family has been central to Corning
Incorporated's history since relocating their glass company to Corning,
leading the company over five generations; Amo and Jamie Houghton, born
in 1926 and 1936 respectively, were the sons of Amory Houghton, United
States Ambassador to France (1957-1961), and Laura DeKay Richardson
Houghton; and
WHEREAS, From the 1960s through the mid-1990s, the Houghton brothers
led Corning Glass Works with Jamie returning as CEO in 2001; together,
they guided the company through major economic and corporate challenges,
including the devastating flood that nearly destroyed the city of
Corning; and
WHEREAS, Corning Incorporated has succeeded through sustained
investment in RD&E, a unique combination of material and process
innovation, and deep, trust-based relationships with customers who are
global leaders in their industries; in 1966, this vision led to the
establishment of Sullivan Park--one of the Nation's first industrial
research laboratories--helping to define the modern model of corporate
research and development while reinforcing New York State's role as a
center of scientific innovation; and
WHEREAS, In the late 19th century, Thomas Edison turned to Corning
to develop the specialized glass required to encase the incandescent
light bulb; Corning's success in producing durable, high-quality glass
helped bring electric light to homes, streets, and businesses across the
world; and
WHEREAS, In 1915, Corning introduced PYREX, a revolutionary
borosilicate glass that transformed laboratory research as well as
household use; Pyrex products became indispensable tools in scientific
discovery and medical research, later supporting breakthroughs that
included work leading to the development of penicillin and polio
vaccines; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the 20th century, Corning advanced public safety
and communication through innovations in railroad signal glass, radio
and television components, and aerospace technology, including the
200-inch mirror for the Hale Telescope and heat-resistant windows for
NASA's Project Mercury; and
WHEREAS, Under Jaime Houghton's tenure, the company's name was
formally changed to Corning Incorporated; in 1970, Corning developed the
world's first low-loss optical fiber, a breakthrough that laid the
foundation for modern global communications, making it possible to
transmit vast amounts of information over long distances with
unprecedented speed and reliability; this technology enabled
high-capacity long-distance phone service, high-speed internet,
international data exchange, and the digital economy; and
WHEREAS, Today, Corning continues to advance optical communications
technology to meet the rapidly growing demands of artificial
intelligence, forming the physical foundation for AI data centers; in
support of clean and renewable energy, Corning has expanded its role in
the domestic solar supply chain, reducing reliance on foreign supply
chains; and
WHEREAS, Corning's materials science played a critical role during
the COVID-19 pandemic; Valor Glass, an advanced pharmaceutical glass
designed to improve the safety and speed of vaccine production, reduced
breakage, contamination risk, and manufacturing delays, enabling
vaccines to be filled and distributed more efficiently at scale; and
WHEREAS, Corning materials are essential to the growth of the global
semiconductor industry which supports modern electronics, computing, and
advanced technologies; and
WHEREAS, Established in 2023, Corning Community Impact (CCI) has
nurtured communities through its philanthropy, partnerships, and
leadership; investments in education, arts and culture, health, human
services, and workforce development enhance and sustain communities,
reflecting the company's enduring belief that innovation, opportunity,
and community well-being progress together; and
WHEREAS, As Corning Incorporated marks its 175th Anniversary, it
stands as a powerful example of New York State's enduring role in
American innovation and manufacturing leadership; from its headquarters
in Corning, New York, the company has helped light the world, connect it
through global communications, advance renewable energy, protect public
health, and enable the technologies of the future while remaining deeply
rooted in the communities that helped shape its success; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 175th Anniversary of Corning Incorporated; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Corning Incorporated.
