Senate Resolution No. 269 BY: Senator GRIFFO CONGRATULATING Maria and Alan Ringlund, owners of The Photo Shoppe Fusion Art & Gift Gallery, upon the occasion of their retirement after more than 30 years of service WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the achievements of those individuals and businesses which substantially contribute to the economic vitality of their communities and 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 congratulate Maria and Alan Ringlund, owners of The Photo Shoppe Fusion Art & Gift Gallery, upon the occasion of their retirement after more than 30 years of service; and WHEREAS, Maria and Alan Ringlund will officially close its doors for the last time under their ownership on Friday, March 31, 2023; and WHEREAS, For over three decades, Maria and Alan Ringlund have provided the residents of Rome and Oneida County as a whole, with their expertise and photography needs; and WHEREAS, In 1992, Maria and Alan Ringlund opened The Photo Shoppe in Rome, New York, to develop camera film and provide various supplies; they soon added custom framing and sales and Maria began to offer portrait work; today, she continues to specialize in portraits and photo restoration work, and has contracts to shoot professional portraits for AmeriCU Credit Union, Rome Police and Fire departments, Oneida County Sheriff's Office and Rome Health; and WHEREAS, With the advent of technology in the mid- to late-1990s, Maria and Alan Ringlund reinvented their business to stay current with the latest advances in digital cameras and photography; and WHEREAS, As the business flourished, it moved to its current location on Turin Road in April of 2014; with the extra space, Maria and Alan Ringlund decided to host gallery shows with opening receptions, which quickly grew in popularity thanks to local artists who wanted and needed a space to show their paintings and craft pieces, such as jewelry, glasswork, woodworking and fiber arts; and WHEREAS, Maria and Alan Ringlund are looking forward to traveling more and exploring their passion for music and music photography; and WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body commends Maria and Alan Ringlund for their commitment and contributions to the community they have so ably served for the more than 30 years; now, therefore, be it, RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate Maria and Alan Ringlund, owners of The Photo Shoppe Fusion Art & Gift Gallery, upon the occasion of their retirement after more than 30 years of service, and to wish them success in their future endeavors; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Maria and Alan Ringlund.