Commemorating the 175th Anniversary of Corning Incorporated

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Friend and 1 co-sponsor

Cerning Incorporated’s 175-year legacy highlights its historic role in glass science, innovation, and contributions to New York’s economy and science leadership.

ADOPTED

Summary of Bill: Assembly Resolution No. 1389 (2025-2026) – Commemorating the 175th Anniversary of Corning Incorporated

Purpose and Intent

Recognizes and commends Corning Incorporated on its 175th anniversary.

Highlights Corning’s role as a longstanding, innovative industrial company contributing to New York State’s economic vitality, scientific leadership, and community well-being.

Affirms the Legislature’s pride in honoring a major local and state business that has shaped economic and cultural life in New York.

Key Provisions

Formal resolution recognizing Corning Incorporated’s 175th anniversary and its historical significance.

Acknowledges Corning’s legacy dating back to its origins as Bay State Glass Works and Brooklyn Flint Glass Works, its relocation to Corning, NY in 1868, and five-generation leadership under the Houghton family.

Documents major milestones and contributions:

Foundational work in glass science, ceramic science, and optical physics.
Establishment of Sullivan Park (1966) as an early corporate research laboratory.
Historical collaborations with Thomas Edison and the development of PYREX (1915).
Innovations in glass and materials supporting public safety, communications, aerospace, and healthcare (e.g., low-loss optical fiber in 1970; Project Mercury window technology; Valor Glass for vaccine production).
Role in advancing optical communications, AI data-center infrastructure, and the domestic solar supply chain.
Philanthropy and community impact through Corning Community Impact (CCI) established in 2023.

Encourages transmission of a suitably engrossed copy of the resolution to Corning Incorporated.

Who/What is Affected

Corning Incorporated and its employees, leadership, and stakeholders.

The City of Corning, surrounding communities, and New York State by recognizing a major employer and innovator within the state.

Local and national audiences reading the resolution, which may enhance public recognition of Corning’s contributions.

Procedural and Timeline Details

Status: Introduced and adopted in the same session (Action History shows introduction and adoption on 2026-05-18).

Sponsor: Assembly Members Palmesano (primary) with co-sponsors Chris Friend and Phil Palmesano.

Type of action: Non-binding ceremonial resolution commemorating an anniversary and recognizing historical achievements.

Effect: No new laws, appropriations, or regulatory changes; serves to publicly acknowledge and celebrate Corning Incorporated’s 175-year legacy.

Potential Impact and Implications

Positive public relations value for Corning, reinforcing its legacy and relationship with New York State.

Highlights New York’s historical role in industrial innovation and advanced materials research.

May bolster local pride and tourism interest in Corning and the surrounding region.

Serves as a formal, symbolic recognition that aligns with the state’s tradition of honoring exemplary private sector contributions to economic growth and scientific advancement.