J 2134 NY
Commemorating the 175th Anniversary of Corning Incorporated
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Summary
This Senate Resolution commemorates the 175th Anniversary of Corning Incorporated, marking the company's founding in 1851 and relocation to Corning, New York in 1868. The resolution recognizes the company's history of innovation in materials science, including products such as specialized glass for Edison's light bulbs, Pyrex borosilicate glass, and optical fiber technology that enabled modern global communications. It notes Corning's contributions to various industries including aerospace, renewable energy, semiconductor manufacturing, and pharmaceutical production, including the development of Valor Glass that improved vaccine production during the COVID-19 pandemic. The resolution also acknowledges the company's community impact through philanthropy and workforce development initiatives. It directs the Legislative Body to commemorate the anniversary and transmit a copy of the resolution to the company.
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Sponsor (1)
- Thomas F. O'Mara Republican · primary
Action history (1)
- May 20, 2026 REFERRED TO FINANCE · upper
Text versions (2)
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Senate Resolution No. 2134
BY: Senator O'MARA
COMMEMORATING the 175th Anniversary of Corning Incorporated
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the achievements of those individuals and businesses that substantially contribute to the economic vitality of their communities, thereby enhancing the economic well-being of the entire Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 175th Anniversary of Corning Incorporated; and
WHEREAS, Corning Incorporated is one of America's oldest continuously operating industrial companies and one of the world's leading innovators in materials science; Corning applies its unparalleled expertise in glass science, ceramic science, and optical physics, along with its deep manufacturing and engineering capabilities, to develop category-defining products that transform industries and enhance people's lives; and
WHEREAS, In 1851, Amory Houghton, Sr., purchased an interest in Bay State Glass Works in East Cambridge, Massachusetts; in 1864, he purchased Brooklyn Flint Glass Works, a prominent glass company originally founded by John L. Gilliland in 1823; and
WHEREAS, In 1868, under the leadership of the Houghton family, the Company relocated to Corning, New York, establishing its permanent home in the Southern Tier; from that point forward, Corning's growth became inseparable from the economic, civic, and cultural life of New York State; and
WHEREAS, The Houghton family has been central to Corning Incorporated's history since relocating their glass company to Corning, leading the company over five generations; Amo and Jamie Houghton, born in 1926 and 1936 respectively, were the sons of Amory Houghton, United States Ambassador to France (1957-1961), and Laura DeKay Richardson Houghton; and
WHEREAS, From the 1960s through the mid-1990s, the Houghton brothers led Corning Glass Works with Jamie returning as CEO in 2001; together, they guided the company through major economic and corporate challenges, including the devastating flood that nearly destroyed the city of Corning; and
WHEREAS, Corning Incorporated has succeeded through sustained investment in RD&E, a unique combination of material and process innovation, and deep, trust-based relationships with customers who are global leaders in their industries; in 1966, this vision led to the establishment of Sullivan Park--one of the Nation's first industrial research laboratories--helping to define the modern model of corporate research and development while reinforcing New York State's role as a center of scientific innovation; and
WHEREAS, In the late 19th century, Thomas Edison turned to Corning to develop the specialized glass required to encase the incandescent light bulb; Corning's success in producing durable, high-quality glass helped bring electric light to homes, streets, and businesses across the world; and
WHEREAS, In 1915, Corning introduced PYREX, a revolutionary borosilicate glass that transformed laboratory research as well as household use; Pyrex products became indispensable tools in scientific discovery and medical research, later supporting breakthroughs that included work leading to the development of penicillin and polio vaccines; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the 20th century, Corning advanced public safety and communication through innovations in railroad signal glass, radio and television components, and aerospace technology, including the 200-inch mirror for the Hale Telescope and heat-resistant windows for NASA's Project Mercury; and
WHEREAS, Under Jaime Houghton's tenure, the company's name was formally changed to Corning Incorporated; in 1970, Corning developed the world's first low-loss optical fiber, a breakthrough that laid the foundation for modern global communications, making it possible to transmit vast amounts of information over long distances with unprecedented speed and reliability; this technology enabled high-capacity long-distance phone service, high-speed internet, international data exchange, and the digital economy; and
WHEREAS, Today, Corning continues to advance optical communications technology to meet the rapidly growing demands of artificial intelligence, forming the physical foundation for AI data centers; in support of clean and renewable energy, Corning has expanded its role in the domestic solar supply chain, reducing reliance on foreign supply chains; and
WHEREAS, Corning's materials science played a critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic; Valor Glass, an advanced pharmaceutical glass designed to improve the safety and speed of vaccine production, reduced breakage, contamination risk, and manufacturing delays, enabling vaccines to be filled and distributed more efficiently at scale; and
WHEREAS, Corning materials are essential to the growth of the global semiconductor industry which supports modern electronics, computing, and advanced technologies; and
WHEREAS, Established in 2023, Corning Community Impact (CCI) has nurtured communities through its philanthropy, partnerships, and leadership; investments in education, arts and culture, health, human services, and workforce development enhance and sustain communities, reflecting the company's enduring belief that innovation, opportunity, and community well-being progress together; and
WHEREAS, As Corning Incorporated marks its 175th Anniversary, it stands as a powerful example of New York State's enduring role in American innovation and manufacturing leadership; from its headquarters in Corning, New York, the company has helped light the world, connect it through global communications, advance renewable energy, protect public health, and enable the technologies of the future while remaining deeply
rooted in the communities that helped shape its success; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 175th Anniversary of Corning Incorporated; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Corning Incorporated.
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