LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Jack Byrne upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the Businessman of the Year Award by the
Mechanicville Economic Summit

WHEREAS, Small businesses are the backbone of America, a vital part of
the economy as a whole, and their success is essential to economic
growth and prosperity; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Jack Byrne
upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Businessman of
the Year Award by the Mechanicville Economic Summit; and
WHEREAS, John Francis Byrne, affectionately known as Jack, attended
Whipple Grammar School and then Knickerbocker Junior High School in
Lansingburgh, New York; and
WHEREAS, He started his illustrious career at the age of nine as a
paperboy, quickly growing his route of 50 customers to 125 customers; by
the age of 13, young Jack was working at Ward's Variety Store, now
Testo's Restaurant in Troy, New York; and
WHEREAS, After deciding he wanted to sell cars, Jack Byrne was hired
at Cartwright Auto Sales in Troy, but, after one year, he was drafted
into the United States Army where he served admirably for two years; and
WHEREAS, After returning home, Jack Byrne went back to selling cars at
Cartwright Auto Sales; after much hard work and determination, young
Jack was made a partner; and
WHEREAS, In 1965, Jack Byrne purchased Selkis Ford Motors dealership
on Main Street in Mechanicville; subsequently, he moved his family to
Mechanicville and relocated his dealership to his present location on
South Central Avenue in Mechanicville; and
WHEREAS, With a strong belief in his community, Jack Byrne has served
as a member of the board of the Mechanicville Knights of Columbus, as
past member of the Hillcrest Fire Department, as a member of the Lans-
ingburgh Rotary as well as the Boys and Girls Club, as an usher at St.
Edwards the Confessor Church, a benefactor of the Sisters of St. Joseph,
and as a member of the Friends of 112th Street; and
WHEREAS, The success of Jack Byrne is due in large part to his hands-
on policy, working 10-12 hours a day, six days a week, and in his words,
"treating everyone as you would want to be treated"; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Jack Byrne upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the Businessman of the Year Award by the Mechanicville Economic Summit;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Jack Byrne.