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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DEBORAH M. SAWYER, FOUNDER AND CEO ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN INC.
Philippians 4: 6&7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, through prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
WHEREAS, The time has come to say farewell to a dear and loving gift of the Lord; and
WHEREAS, Deborah Sawyer has earned many degrees and certifications from major educational institutions and National Organization to become the best in her field of expertise;
WHEREAS, Deborah Sawyer career began as an Environmental Scientist for the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); and
WHEREAS, She rose, let’s stop and think a moment about that quote alone. Our sister Deborah rose through the ranks at Ohio EPA, She Rose to become the best in her field locally, She Rose to become a Leading Expert in her field, and she Rose to Serve our Lord and Savior every time sickness would hold her down: and
WHEREAS Deborah Sawyer started Environment Design International and was featured on The Today Show on NBC and in publications such as the Chicago Tribune and BusinessWeek; and
WHEREAS, Deborah Sawyer received numerous honors including the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce’s Outstanding Business of the Year Award, Small Business Association (SBA) Minority Small Business of the Year, State Farm Phenomenal Woman Award ,and the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) just to name a few; and
WHEREAS, Deborah Sawyer grew Environmental Design Inc. by delivering innovative and civil engineering solutions for Fortune 500 companies, as well as governmental agencies at the local, state, and federal levels across this country; and
WHEREAS, Deborah Sawyer was a civic leader who continually reached out to assist other women business owners; She tirelessly served and mentored young women in the areas of engineering and science and contributed her time as well as her resources to serve on professional and charitable boards and organizations including the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and the In Conference on Asphalt and Transportation; and
WHEREAS, Deborah M. Sawyer physical presence may be gone but she should forever live on in our hearts as a special woman who was kind, compassionate, admired and respected by her EDI staff, colleagues in the business community, friends, neighbors and she was dearly loved by her family.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that The President of the Cook County Board along with the Cook County Board of Commissioners, and on behalf of the 5.2 million residents of Cook County, do offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Deborah M. Sawyer and EDI and join them in sorrow at this time of loss; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this text be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body and a suitable copy of the same be tendered to the family of Deborah M. Sawyer so that her memory may be so honored and ever cherishedend