Recognizing the contributions of William J. Avery in his retirement.

WHEREAS, Since 1959 William J. Avery has led an outstanding career in the Crown Cork & Seal Company, where he began as a management trainee and worked tirelessly eventually rising within the ranks to become Chairman and Chief Executive Officer; and

WHEREAS, Under his talented and creative leadership, Crown Cork & Seal Company experienced an increase in revenue of over four-hundred percent between 1990 and 1995. Under his tenure, the Crown Company today can boast sales of $10 billion expanding its operations throughout Europe and the international market; and

WHEREAS, William Avery's business acuity and success is enhanced by his unwavering commitment to make Crown Cork & Seal a corporate leader promoting social responsibility. His dedication and support of charitable causes span the gamut of racially and ethnically diverse programs and viable community projects; and

WHEREAS, William Avery's personal involvement in worthy causes is exemplified by his board memberships of such prominent local organizations as the YMCA, Fox Chase Cancer Center, OIC, the Connelly Foundation, PAL, the Franklin Institute and the Regional Performing Arts Center; and

WHEREAS, William J. Avery is retiring after dedicating more than four decades to the Crown family, creating jobs and a philanthropic image that today has made Crown Cork & Seal among the most valued corporate citizens in the Philadelphia region; now therefore

RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby recognizes the contributions of William J. Avery in his retirement and extends, to him and his family, the Council's best wishes.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Mr. William J. Avery as a representation of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

End