Will advocate on behalf of thousands of small-business owners at state Capitol
ALBANY (June 25, 2018) – NFIB, the leading small-business association in the nation, announced today that Gregory Biryla has been named the state director of its New York office. NFIB advocates on behalf of 10,000 small businesses in New York and represents 325,000 members nationwide.
“We are so pleased to have Greg lead our New York office because he brings top-notch advocacy skills and he has a deep knowledge of business-related legislation,” said NFIB’s Tim Goodrich, Executive Director of State Governmental Relations. “Our members can rest assured that someone with a history of business-related policy successes is leading the charge on their behalf in Albany.”
A lifelong New Yorker, Biryla previously served as executive director of Unshackle Upstate, Upstate New York’s largest employer advocacy organization, comprised of regional chambers of commerce and trade associations from all parts of New York State.
“It’s an honor to be named NFIB’s next state director in New York. Representing more than 10,000 hardworking members from Montauk to Lake Erie is a tremendous privilege. New York’s small and independent businesses help drive the state’s economy and provide countless men and women with jobs and opportunities,” said Biryla. “As the husband of a small business owner, I understand the pride that comes with building a business from the ground up, staking your own course and placing a bet on yourself. I also know there are challenges. That perspective will guide my advocacy in Albany and across the state to ensure the voice of NFIB-NY is heard and the interests of small business are advanced.”
A member of Unshackle Upstate’s leadership board spoke to Biryla’s advocacy success. “As the executive director of Unshackle Upstate, Greg Biryla has done an incredible job of advocating for Upstate employers and taxpayers,” said Brian Sampson, president of the Empire State Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors. “He played a critical role in the protection and extension of the property tax cap as well recent reforms to New York’s Workers’ Compensation program.”
While working at Unshackle Upstate, Biryla fostered close partnerships with NFIB, other business associations, trade groups, and employer associations across the Empire State. He also served as a top-level staff member in the State Assembly and Senate, working in both Albany and Western New York.
A native of Buffalo, Greg currently lives in Rochester, NY with his wife Ashley, founder and owner of Compass Cycle, an independent fitness boutique. He was named one of New York State’s “Rising Stars” in politics by City and State Magazine in 2016.
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