Assembly Resolution No. 839

BY: M. of A. Lemondes

        MEMORIALIZING  Governor  Kathy  Hochul to proclaim
        February 2024, as Lamb Lovers Month in the State  of
        New York

  WHEREAS,  It  is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
applaud the leaders  of  commerce  and  industry  whose  accomplishments
contribute  to  the economic health and prosperity of the communities of
the State of New York and to the quality of life of its people; and

  WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern  and  in  full  accord  with  its
long-standing  traditions,  this  Legislative  Body  is  justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim  February  2024,  as  Lamb
Lovers  Month  in  the  State  of  New  York,  in  conjunction  with the
observance of National Lamb Lovers Month; and

  WHEREAS, The American Lamb Board (ALB) is  celebrating  February  as
Lamb Lovers Month with their Ewe Complete Me consumer promotion; and

  WHEREAS,  The  campaign  has a strong digital presence through ALB's
consumer social platforms, reminding followers there is no better way to
show their love than preparing delicious American Lamb; and

  WHEREAS, American Lamb lovers have been flocking to social media  to
share  their  favorite  lamb recipes for a chance to win a date-night-in
prize package, including  American  Lamb  shanks  and  premium  culinary
items;  each  entrant  receives an exclusive "Lamb is for Lovers" canvas
tote bag; and

  WHEREAS, Ewe Complete Me is just  one  Lamb  Checkoff  promotion  to
encourage  consumers  to  choose  American Lamb; to extend the reach and
message, ALB staff is sending key consumer food media representatives  a
Lamb Lovers Month kit including loin chops, Lamb Lovers Month tote bags,
sheep's milk cheese and wool socks with a heart pattern; and

  WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Chairman Peter Camino, ALB has
celebrated  February  as  Lamb  Lovers Month for more than a decade, and
truly values this annual opportunity to amplify its impact and carry out
marketing goals; and

  WHEREAS,  The  American  Lamb  Board  (ALB)  is  an  industry-funded
national research, promotion and information checkoff program that works
on  behalf  of all American commercial and seedstock producers, feeders,
direct marketers and  processors  to  build  awareness  and  demand  for
American Lamb; and

  WHEREAS,  Funding  is  through  mandatory  assessments  paid  by all
industry  segments;  the  board  is  appointed  by  the   Secretary   of
Agriculture  and represents all industry sectors, geographic regions and
sizes of production; and

  WHEREAS, Furthermore, the work of the ALB is overseen  by  the  USDA
and  supported  by  its  dedicated  staff;  with  an  annual  budget  of

approximately $2.5 million, nearly two-thirds of funds  are  devoted  to
American Lamb promotion; and

  WHEREAS,  The  dedication and expertise of the meat-packing industry
to provide the State and Nation with  quality  lamb  has  brought  great
pride and recognition to those who produce lamb, and to our great Empire
State; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED,  That  this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim  February  2024,  as  Lamb
Lovers Month in the State of New York; and be it further

  RESOLVED,  That  copies  of  this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of  New
York; and the American Lamb Board.