Resolution 220207

..Title Recognizing Darrell K. Choates Sr. for his ongoing success and contributions in fields of business and community development as CEO of the Choates Family of Companies LLC. ..Body WHEREAS, Darrell K. Choates Sr. is the Chief Executive Officer of the Choates Family of Companies LLC headquartered in Philadelphia; and WHEREAS, The Choates Family of Companies began as a minority-owned construction business and grew to become a full-service consulting and contracting firm specializing in an array of services; and WHEREAS, With more than four decades of experience and numerous accolades - named as the Minority Contractor of the Year in 2011 and a Best of Philly award recipient in 2014 and 2016 - Mr. Choates has garnered a laudable reputation as a competent and inclusive industry leader; and WHEREAS, Mr. Choates recently secured significant construction contracts including a $30 million project at JFK Airport's Terminal 1 in New York City and a $25 million project in Ghana; and WHEREAS, As CEO, Mr. Choates has maintained the organization's foundational business model while expanding its scope to include community development and public health projects; and WHEREAS, The Choates organization is the parent company of several entities including Sial/Personal Care Home, CG Medical & Dental Center, as well as civic projects such as the Philadelphia Smart Safe City initiative and Bethel Burial Ground Renovation; and WHEREAS, The organization oversaw the development of a telemedicine platform to expand healthcare access during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to develop innovative proposals to combat gun violence using artificial intelligence; and WHEREAS, Mr. Choates and the Choates organization also emphasize philanthropy and giving back to the local community; and WHEREAS, The Choates organization was selected to build and place the statue of astronaut Guion Bluford, who is a native Philadelphian and the first African American to travel in space; and WHEREAS, Mr. Choates served as the owner of a registered local nonprofit community organization, Logan Community Enterprise Center; and WHEREAS, Over the course of many decades, Mr. Choates has established himself as a strong business mind and advocate for minority-owned businesses; and WHEREAS, Through his various business and personal endeavors, Mr. Choates continues to contribute to the City of Philadelphia's economy, development, and general welfare; and WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia is proud to acknowledge the important work of Mr. Choates and the Choates Family of Companies; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes Darrell K. Choates Sr. for his ongoing success and contributions in fields of business and community development as CEO of the Choates Family of Companies LLC. FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy be presented to Darrell K. Choates Sr., further evidencing the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body. ..End