Resolution 090041

..Title Honoring and commending Ricardo M. "Ric" Dunston for his contributions to the Reading Terminal Market and the City of Philadelphia. ..Body WHEREAS, The Reading Terminal Market was established in 1892 and has taken its rightful place as one of the premier public markets in the country. For the past 15 years, the Market has operated as a not-for-profit, governed by a 10 member, volunteer board of directors. WHEREAS, Ricardo M. "Ric" Dunston was named Chairman of the Reading Terminal Market's Board of Directors in June 2002; and WHEREAS, Mr. Dunston previously managed the Shops at Liberty Place, the Gallery at Market East and the Philadelphia MarketPlace Shops at the Philadelphia International Airport; and WHEREAS, When Mr. Dunston was named Chairman, he brought his years of retail management to bring a sense of professionalism and organization to the Reading Terminal Market while simultaneously recognizing the importance of the Market's traditions and history. Mr. Dunston adopted a philosophy of "Let it be what it wants to be;" and WHEREAS, Under Mr. Dunston's leadership, the Reading Terminal Market has experienced six consecutive years of increased customer counts and consistently low vacancy rates: and WHEREAS, Under Mr. Dunston's leadership the Reading Terminal Market enjoys standardized and extended hours, including regular Sunday hours for the first time in its long history, and has instituted new lease terms that have strengthened the Market's position as a historic farmers' market; and WHEREAS, Mr. Dunston is stepping down as Board Chair effective January 31, 2009, and his contributions to the Reading Terminal Market will be long-remembered and appreciated; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Honors and commends Ricardo M. "Ric" Dunston for his contributions to success and vitality of the Reading Terminal Market and the City of Philadelphia. FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Ricardo M. "Ric" Dunston as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. ..End