Senate Resolution No. 1227
BY: Senator COONEY
MOURNING the death of Sandy Parker, longtime
Rochester business community leader, distinguished
citizen and devoted member of her community
WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who,
through their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better
the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive
impact on the lives of its residents; Sandy Parker was one such
individual; and
WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Sandy Parker, noting the
significance of her purposeful life and accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, Sandy Parker, the longtime head of the former Rochester
Business Alliance and one of the most influential forces in the region,
died on Saturday, June 5, 2021, at the age of 75; and
WHEREAS, A key player in forming what is now known as the Greater
Rochester Chamber of Commerce, Sandy Parker, who as head of the
nonprofit business organization Industrial Management Council,
orchestrated a merger between her group and what was then the Greater
Rochester Metro Chamber of Commerce in 2002; and
WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Sandy Parker, the two groups
combined the following year to form the Rochester Business Alliance,
which was later rebranded as the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce;
and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, melding the chamber, which promotes local
businesses, and the council, which provided human resources services and
training to area businesses, effectively made the Rochester Business
Alliance a stronger advocate for the area's business community and an
influential force in a wide range of community matters, including
education policies, publicly-financed construction projects, and
skyrocketing health care costs; and
WHEREAS, As President of the newly formed Rochester Business
Alliance, Sandy Parker was known as a facilitator and an astute diplomat
who was skilled at coaching, cueing and coddling a vast collection of
Rochester businesses, from large and small manufacturers to health care
companies, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and
retailers; and
WHEREAS, In 2006, Sandy Parker brokered another merger that saw the
alliance absorb the nonprofit business collective, Rump Group, which was
headed by local developer and entrepreneur, John "Dutch" Summers, who
she would later marry; and
WHEREAS, In her capacity as President of the Rochester Business
Alliance, Sandy Parker served with loyalty, honor and distinction, and
was renowned for her ability to pull together different sectors of the
community, earning the admiration, esteem and affection of her
colleagues; and
WHEREAS, An unsung hero in the Greater Rochester community, Sandy
Parker contributed her time, resources, and expertise to countless
philanthropic and economic development initiatives; in partnership with
her husband, her contributions to, and passion for, educational
endeavors were unmatched; and
WHEREAS, Countless young minds were shaped and enhanced due to the
generosity of this truly extraordinary woman, who saw these kids through
from grammar school to their college graduations; she quietly seeded
goodness throughout the Rochester community for decades, sitting on
dozens of boards and councils, never seeking attention or recognition;
and
WHEREAS, In addition, Sandy Parker was a warrior and champion for
employers in the Greater Rochester community, helping lead the region
through challenging times; she was ever vigilant in ensuring the
business community was heard by local leaders and that they responded to
the needs of the local economy; and
WHEREAS, Sandy Parker's infinite selflessness and benevolence will
shine on through her family's vivid and happy memories; her insight and
strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light and hope to the
countless lives she touched; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Sandy Parker leaves behind a legacy which will long endure
the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all who
were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing woman; she will
be deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this
Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Sandy Parker, and to express its deepest condolences
to her family; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Sandy Parker.
