RESOLUTION NO. 080606

Recognizing Bert Berkley for his many civic and charitable contributions to the City.

WHEREAS, Bert Berkley has been a lifelong resident of Kansas City, Missouri and whose personal and family contributions are numerous and valuable to community; and

WHEREAS, in 1962, Mr. Berkley, grandson of founder William Berkowitz, became President and CEO of the Tension Envelope Company and led this organization successfully until his son Bill assumed the helm in 1988; and

WHEREAS, today, Tension Envelope is a fourth-generation, family-owned business with 11 manufacturing plants and 35 sales offices throughout the United States; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Berkley has served his community in a distinguished manner in many ways: chairman of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, director of the National Council on Economic Education, president of the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City and chairman of the Center for Business Innovation. In 2000, Bert was awarded the Distinguished Service to State Government citation by the National Governors' Association; and

WHEREAS, one of Bert Berkleys most notable accomplishments was founding LINC, an organization whose vision is to be a caring community that builds on its strengths to provide meaningful opportunities for children, families and individuals to achieve self-sufficiency, attain their highest potential, and contribute to the public good; and

WHEREAS, Bert wrote a book entitled Giving Back: Connecting You, Business, and Community that features seven different stories of individuals and companies from all over the country who embody the spirit of giving their time, energy and talent helping those in need; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:

That the Mayor and Council hereby recognize Bert Berkley for his many civic and charitable contributions to the City; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the Council in testimony thereof and that a copy hereof be presented to Bert Berkley with the recognition of the Mayor and Council for Mr. Berkleys personal and his familys long history of civic activism and corporate leadership in this community.

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