NFIB

Small-business advocacy group to present award to Sidney "Jay" Ward, III, Jay, N.Y.

NEW YORK, January 9, 2004 -- New York's largest small-business advocacy group, NFIB, today announced it will give its first ever "Small-Business Champion" award to Sidney "Jay" Ward III of Ward Lumber, Jay, N.Y. Ward was nominated for the award by the NFIB/New York Leadership Council.

The NFIB Small-Business Champion award program identifies a small-business activist in each of the 50 states. These small-business owners have distinguished themselves through their involvement and participation in NFIB programs and activities that promote the issues important to Main Street. Seven regional winners will be honored at the 2004 National Small-Business Summit in Washington, D.C., June 16-18.

NFIB/New York State Director Mark Alesse praised Ward for his long service in the small-business community and for his activism at the state capitol on behalf of New York Main Street. "Jay's expertise and dedication to small business have been significant for the New York Main Street community," he said.

Ward has been an active member of NFIB for 10 years and was the past chairman of the Leadership Council. Ward is also the co-founder and co-chair of the first NFIB/New York Area Action Council.

"As president of one of the largest employers in Essex County, Jay manages 5,000 acres of timberland, and operates building and supply stores in Jay, Plattsburgh and Malone," Alesse said. "Jay knows firsthand the struggles New York small businesses face, and he has fought hard for small-business rights on the grassroots level. He is the perfect example of the successful small-business owner."

CONTACT: Mark Alesse, (518) 434-1262