RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Focal Point is a Chicago-based, family-owned manufacturer of architectural lighting founded in 1994 by Peter Thornton, Sr. and operated by his five adult children; and,
WHEREAS, Peter Thornton, Sr.'s family philosophy of caring for people and caring for the environment inform all aspects of the company's operations and its culture of continuous innovation, environmental leadership and teamwork; and
WHEREAS, All Focal Point products test at 80% or more energy-efficiency and are used by leading designers around the globe to advance the 'Art of Light' in architectural spaces where people gather, work, learn and heal; and
WHEREAS, Focal Point has been recognized by U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker as a "thriving U.S. manufacturer" that is working successfully with the Commerce Department's Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) to increase trade and investment and support innovation in the manufacturing industry; and
WHEREAS, Focal Point's LEED Gold Certified headquarters and end-to-end design, manufacturing and testing facilities are located in Chicago's 14th Ward and employ more than 400 workers in addition to supporting hundreds of additional American jobs through the company's extensive U.S. supply chain; and
WHEREAS, Focal Point is increasing its workforce and creating the jobs of the future by rapidly expanding light-emitting diode (LED) products and manufacturing capabilities, a technology the U.S. Department of Energy has declared to have "the greatest potential impact on energy savings in the United States"; and,
WHEREAS, Focal Point is at the forefront of developing beautiful, reliable and highly functional LED luminaires that help clients make the world a better place by promoting cleaner communities and healthier families; and,
WHEREAS, Peter Thornton, Sr. has shown the same dedication to excellence and innovation in his avocation as a sailor and leading member of the Chicago Yacht Club and has twice won the Royono Trophy awarded to the first monohull yacht to finish the historic Race to Mackinac ; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and members of the City of Chicago City Council, assembled this 8th day of October, 2014, do hereby salute Peter Thornton, Sr., his family, and all of the members of the Focal Point team for their contributions to the economy of Chicago; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That Wednesday, November 5, 2014, shall be officially recognized as Peter Thornton, Sr. Day throughout the City of Chicago; and
Alderman - 14w Ward
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to Focal Point Founder Peter Thornton, Sr.