Assembly Resolution No. 104

BY: M. of A. Simpson

        COMMEMORATING  the  50th Anniversary of Adirondack
        Studios on February 19, 2025

  WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor  and  pay
tribute  to  those  institutions  and  organizations whose commitment to
promoting the richness and diversity of the arts and entertainment world
has contributed to the strength, vitality, and  cultural  enrichment  of
their communities and the great State of New York; and

  WHEREAS,  Attendant  to  such  concern,  and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this  Legislative  Body  is  justly  proud  to
commemorate  the  50th Anniversary of Adirondack Studios on February 19,
2025; and

  WHEREAS, Since its inception, Adirondack Studios (ADKS) has provided
award-winning creative solutions for designers, artists,  producers  and
owners  of  entertainment  and cultural destinations worldwide; with its
background   rooted   in   theatrical   production,   ADKS   prioritizes
storytelling   and  guest  experience  by  examining  thoughtful  design
approaches, innovative methods and materials and out-of-the-box thinking
across the breadth of the project cycle; and

  WHEREAS, On February 19, 1975, Christopher Detmer,  Tom  Lloyd,  and
Walter   Blake   incorporated   Adirondack   Scenic,   relocating  their
Off-Broadway operations to a  5,000-square-foot  garage  on  the  Hudson
River in Warrensburg, New York; and

  WHEREAS,   As   with   most  startups,  the  early  years  presented
challenges,  but  partnerships  with   corporate   giants   (GE,   Avon,
Westinghouse),  the  opera world (Lake George, Philadelphia, NYC, Miami,
Baltimore), rock 'n' roll tours (Talking Heads, The Rolling Stones,  The
Eagles,  The  Who),  and  live theater (The Acting Co., Empire St. Youth
Theatre, MSG Productions) helped keep the business afloat; and

  WHEREAS, By 1981, the team expanded into larger facilities in  Glens
Falls,  New  York,  and  growth  accelerated from there, moving into ice
shows, Las Vegas magic acts, and  international  special  events;  their
expertise  led  them  into  the  world of amusement parks, starting with
Storytown USA, then Busch Gardens, followed by Universal Orlando and Six
Flags; and

  WHEREAS, As  the  team  grew,  the  company  moved  to  even  larger
facilities,  ultimately  settling  in its current global headquarters in
Argyle, New York; furthermore, as the world entered the new  millennium,
the  value  of leisure and experiential activities became more apparent,
fueling Adirondack Studios' global expansion; and

  WHEREAS, Today, with production facilities in Argyle,  Orlando,  and
Dubai,  a  creative  studio  in  Pasadena,  and  additional  offices  in
Singapore and Shanghai, ADKS employs over 300  artisans,  managers,  and
installers; and

  WHEREAS,  The  company  has  designed,  fabricated, and managed over
5,000 projects for some of the  world's  most  prominent  amusement  and
cultural  attractions;  its diverse client list includes industry giants
such as Walt  Disney  Imagineering,  Dubai  Parks  &  Resorts,  Genting,
Google,   Cedar   Fair  Entertainment,  Carnival  Cruise  Lines,  Disney
Theatrical on Broadway, Warner Bros., Hershey Entertainment  &  Resorts,
One  World  Observatory, Meow Wolf, Christian Dior, Crayola, Dell, SONY,
Wegmans, Brookfield Properties, San Francisco Opera, Metropolitan Opera,
The Joffrey Ballet, Lincoln Center, National Geographic, Kennedy  Center
for  the  Performing  Arts, The National Comedy Center, and The Franklin
Institute; and

  WHEREAS, In 2024, ADKS projects reached  an  audience  of  over  350
million  people  globally,  and  many  of  these  projects have garnered
recognition within the global attractions industry; by  March  2025,  26
ADKS  projects will have received The Themed Entertainment Association's
Thea  Award  for  Outstanding  Achievement,  an  honor  considered   the
Oscar-equivalent in the field; additionally, Michael Blau, ADKS' current
president, was named to Blooloop's 2025 Theme Park Influencer List; and

  WHEREAS,  Adirondack  Studios takes great pride in its commitment to
both its employees and the local community;  the  company  engages  with
over  1,000  students annually through tours, school visits, recruitment
events,  and  internships,  partnering  with  BOCES,  ECCA,   and   SUNY
Adirondack; and

  WHEREAS,  Adirondack  Studios has also established scholarship funds
at Warrensburg Central School and Argyle  Central  School  in  honor  of
Chris  Detmer  and  Tom  Lloyd's  parents; several team members serve on
regional civic and cultural boards, and the company is a major  employer
in the region, particularly for IATSE Local 524; and

  WHEREAS, Through its six worldwide locations, Adirondack Studios has
contributed  nearly  $500 million to local economies; with its marketing
tagline, "Make A Scene," Adirondack  Studios  continues  to  impact  the
region  and the world, and looks forward to doing so for many decades to
come; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its  deliberations  to
commemorate  the  50th Anniversary of Adirondack Studios on February 19,
2025; and be it further

  RESOLVED, That a copy of this  Resolution,  suitably  engrossed,  be
transmitted to Adirondack Studios.