Today, two business focused politcal action committees endorsed John Byrne for Assembly in the 116th.

In the first paragraph of its release it mentions how Byrne has operated JLB Plastics, a plastics manufacturing company for 20 years.

With that, there's this. It's a piece from North Country Public Radio. It sent a reporter to Otsego County to check it out.

Here's a portion of that story.

Reporter Payne Horning went to Morris in late October to see for himself. Here's how he described the factory:

So I’m looking at this steel-looking building. The grass is now growing into what I think was once the parking lot. There are weeds and bushes and all kinds of vegetation growing around the facility and inching closer to the building itself... which is eerily quiet, as I am the only person here?  [laughs]

The story describes how people in the know, a building inspector and a county legislator have never heard of it.

Here's more.

Byrne insists this factory is still going strong, but there’s a problem. There’s no record of an active corporation called JLB Plastics. Records from the New York Dept. of State show Byrne dissolved the company six years ago. A spokesperson for Byrne's campaign, Nick Wilock, told NCPR that’s only true on paper. The factory isn’t as active as it used to be, Wilock said, but it still exists.

Here's a more detailed explanation from the story.

We asked Byrne what’s going on with JLB Plastics today, and he said it’s been rough going. Byrne hasn’t had a big order since 2014. He said he’s got a bunch of product piled up in a warehouse. "I can have a part-time guy go up there and all he's got to do is take the products, throw 'em on the pallet, put the pallet on the truck, and the truck takes it away," Byrne said. "All done."

Read the story.

Clearly these Political Action Committees are confident enough in Byrne's explanations.

Here's what they did today:

Representatives today from MIPAC, the political arm of MACNY, The Manufacturers Association of Central New York & the Manufacturers Alliance of New York State,  and The Business Council of New York State PAC today held a joint press conference  announcing their endorsement of John Byrne in New York’s 24th 116th Assembly district. The announcement was made today amongst community and business leaders at the officers of MACNY member Barton & Loguidice, located at 120 Washington Street in Watertown, NY. Both groups cited John’s career in manufacturing and business as exactly the type of representation needed to bring business issues to the forefront of policy discussions in Albany. For nearly two decades, John has run JLB Plastics, a plastics manufacturing company.

“On behalf of the MACNY membership we are pleased to be standing here today in partnership with the Business Council of New York State endorsing John Byrne of Assembly,” stated Randy Wolken, President and CEO of MACNY - The Manufacturers Association.  “John has immense experience in the manufacturing and business sector, running his own company for nearly 20 years.  He has seen the challenges, the struggles, and knows what is needed to help business grow, and what causes it to suffer. John exemplifies our ideal candidate: a pro-jobs and pro-business representative who has made a career in manufacturing. ”

“John Byrne is the type of pro-growth, pro-jobs candidate we need more of in Albany,” said Ken Pokalsky, vice president of The Business Council of New York State, Inc. “It’s no surprise that his insurgent candidacy, focused on economic growth and based on sound fiscal policy, is resonating with the people of the 116th Assembly District and the editorial board of the Watertown Daily Times. I am proud to stand here today and announce that The Business Council PAC enthusiastically endorses John Byrne for state Assembly.”

MIPAC Chairman and President of Morse Manufacturing Nathan Andrews stated, “On behalf of MIPAC, I am pleased to be standing here today recognizing John Byrne as our endorsed candidate for the 116th Assembly District.  To be frank, our endorsement interview with him was one of the most refreshing, engaging and enjoyable conversations to date surrounding policy.  John was able to not only speak to the issues that we asked about in terms of his policy, but also would speak to how the issues specifically had impacted him and his business.  Our interview with John cemented the fact that we need more business owners in Albany.  John will truly serve as the business community’s voice in Albany.”

"John Byrne's experience, intelligence and commitment to the North Country will make him a tremendous representative for the 116th District," Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb said.  "This region needs an advocate familiar with the unique economic landscape, committed to job-creation and recovery, who will never be beholden to a New York City agenda that ignores Upstate's needs.  John Byrne is the clear choice, and the outpouring of support seen today is evidence of that.  I look forward to working alongside him in Albany."   

“In my role as State Senator, I’ve been proud in recent years to focus on efforts that have helped to cut red tape and bolster our region’s economy,” said Senator Patty Ritchie.  “I know there is more work to be done—and that the North Country has so much more potential to help existing businesses expand and attract new opportunities to our region.  To accomplish those goals, I need a partner like John who knows what it takes to help businesses grow and create much-needed jobs.”

"The North Country needs someone like John Byrne who knows what it takes to strengthen our economy and create jobs," said Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush. "With John as our representative, we will have someone who is pro-business and will make it his first priority to grow our region's economy."

“I know firsthand the struggles that business owners in New York State face—and know there are steps we can take to cut red tape, reduce taxes and create the best possible environment for economic growth in the North Country,” said John Byrne. “I am grateful to be endorsed by MIPAC, and am looking forward to hitting the ground running once elected to help revitalize our region’s economy and create jobs.”

MACNY, the Manufacturers Association, represents over 300 companies in a nineteen county region in Upstate New York.  The 103-year-old organization provides human resource services, training, purchasing solutions, networking opportunities and advocacy support for its members.

The Business Council of New York State, Inc., is the leading business organization in New York State, representing the interests of large and small firms throughout the state. Its membership is made up of 2400 businesses, as well as local chambers of commerce and professional and trade associations.

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Byrne also received endorsments from a number of area elected officials and others:

Those endorsing Byrne for his election to represent the 116th Assembly District include mayors, town supervisors, county clerks, county legislators and others throughout Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties.

“I am humbled to have the support of so many people who work every day to make our region a better place,” said Byrne.

“Here in the North Country, it’s tradition to work together to get things done—and that’s just what I plan to do alongside those who have endorsed me.  We have a tremendous opportunity to change course and ensure that our values—and our interests—are represented in Albany.  I want to be that change and look forward to working on behalf of the people of the 116th Assembly District,” Byrne said.

Local leaders endorsing Byrne cite his experience as a small businessman, veteran, father and his being an “Albany outsider,” as assets to being a strong representative for the North Country in Albany.

“In the coming months, Massena has to make some difficult choices about our hospital and we will need support from elected officials to make sure Massena Memorial Hospital is here for us,” said Massena Town Supervisor Joe Gray. “That is why I support John Byrne for New York State Assembly. I know John will respect and support Massena’s decision and won’t give in to the special interests who disregard local taxpayers.  I encourage you to join me in making John Byrne our next assemblyman.”

“John Byrne won’t forget where he came from,” said St. Lawrence County Legislator Joe Lightfoot. “I am confident that he’ll work hard for the people of the North Country and always put our interests and concerns first and foremost. I'm looking forward to working with him to accomplish his and our legislative goals.”

“For far too long, our region has been represented by someone who doesn’t put the priorities of the North Country first,” said Jefferson County Legislator and local dairy farmer John Peck. “John Byrne will work alongside us to ensure we are doing all we can to promote growth and new opportunities in our region.”

“As an Albany outsider, John Byrne is somebody who hasn’t been tainted by corruption—and someone who won’t let politics get in the way of putting people first,” said local veteran Lionel “Lee” Hector.  “I wholeheartedly endorse him to represent the 116th Assembly District.”

Those endorsing Byrne include:

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

State Sen. Patty Ritchie

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush

Jefferson County Clerk Gizelle Meeks

St. Lawrence County Clerk Mary Lou Rupp

St. Lawrence County Legislator Kevin Acres

St. Lawrence County Legislator Don Hooper

St. Lawrence County Legislator Joe Lightfoot

St. Lawrence County Legislator Dave Forsythe

St. Lawrence County Legislator Joel LaPierre

St. Lawrence County Legislator Larry Denesha

Jefferson County Legislator Bobby Ferris

Jefferson County Legislator Carolyn Fitzpatrick

Jefferson County Legislator Jeremiah Maxon

Jefferson County Legislator Michael Montigelli

Jefferson County Legislator Jim Nabywaniec

Jefferson County Legislator John Peck

Town of Cape Vincent Supervisor Debra Suller

Town of Massena Supervisor Joe Gray

City of Ogdensburg Mayor Wayne Ashley

Village of Evans Mills Mayor Michael Cocco

Village of Philadelphia Mayor Matt Montroy

Village of Theresa Mayor Tim Tanner

Jefferson County Veteran Lionel “Lee” Hector

Jefferson County Veteran John Elwood

Jefferson County Veteran William Butler