Title
Proclamation recognizing and commending William E. Strickland, Jr., recipient of the 2005 Citizen Leadership Award from the International Economic Development Council.
Body
WHEREAS, each year, the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) located in Washington, D.C., recognizes a community, business leader, or a professional who plays a key leadership role in economic development pursuits; and
WHEREAS, Mr. William E. Strickland, Jr., President and CEO of Manchester Bidwell Corporation in Pittsburgh was the recipient of the 2005 Citizen Leadership Award from the IEDC for his exceptional efforts in fostering economic development; and
WHEREAS, he has dedicated himself to serving disadvantaged youth in the community; in 1968, he began teaching ceramics to high school students in a borrowed row house and from that humble beginning, the Manchester Craftsmen's Guild was founded, followed by the Bidwell Training Center; and
WHEREAS, for almost three decades, the Bidwell Training Center and Manchester Craftsmen's Guild has forged partnerships with corporations, foundations, and public entities to support its nationally recognized educational, training and cultural programs targeted toward disadvantaged youth and unemployed adults; and
WHEREAS, his leadership has been honored with numerous awards for his contributions to the arts and the community, serving on several committees and councils, including the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Allegheny County Council hereby salutes and recognizes the accomplishments of Bill Strickland, expresses its appreciation to him for his past and ongoing contributions to the community and commends him on being named the Citizen Leader of the Year by the International Economic Development Council.