When you think of major defense contractors in our area, you immediately think of Lockheed Martin Corporation at 497 Electronics Parkway. But another Liverpool-based firm, JGB Enterprises, has become the nation’s 24th largest defense contractor within the list of the 100 Largest Defense Contractors based on contracts performed.
With corporate headquarters at 115 Metropolitan Drive, JGB supplies every style of industrial, hydraulic and stainless steel braided metal hose and fittings to the commercial business sector as well as to United States Armed Forces, NATO and various foreign military services.
“We’re at number 24 based on our 6,000 contracts in 2015,” said JGB Chairman Jay Bernhardt. “Not bad for a small business per the Small Business Administration.”
Among the contracts JGB received that year was a $99 million contract from the U.S. Marine Corps. “This contract was rated Faster, Better, Cheaper,” Bernhardt said.
Forty years in business
JGB is celebrating its 40th year in business this year and the firm’s marketing and development director, Jim Thayer, is proud of two recent recognitions. In October 2014 JGB was awarded the Defense Logistics Agency Innovative Business Performer of the Year for Small Business. JGB military sales director Marty Salanger traveled to Fort Belvoir, Va., to accept the award.
In 2016, Thayer added, JGB was ranked No. 4 on Modern Distribution Management’s 2016 Top Hose & Accessories list.
While Bernhardt is pleased with the government work and the professional plaudits coming his way, he’s even prouder of his company’s community spirit.
JGB saved the 25th annual Syracuse Jazz Fest in 2008 after a title sponsor left festival director Frank Malfitano high and dry, Bernhardt said. Then in 2014, he added, JGB saved the Empire Room for the New York State Fair.
Along the way, JGB Enterprises published the Richfield Springs Mercury, Route 20 Pulse, Route 66 Pulse and the Mohawk Valley Heritage Magazine.
Heritage should be Jay Bernhardt’s middle name. His JGB Properties has specialized in restoring historical buildings such a s Baldwinsville’s Red Mill Inn, the Gould Hotel in Seneca Falls and Liverpool’s own Manly Building, 401 First St., now home to nine apartments and Freedom of Espresso
JGB Properties also owns a large chunk of the Basin Block bordered by Lake Drive, lower First and South Willow streets, here in the village. One of these days, we hope Bernhardt’s company will build something wonderful down there! Time will tell, but meanwhile, Bernhardt can bask in JGB’s official status as a major local defense contractor.
Limp Lizard live
Live music rings out at the Limp Lizard Barbecue, 201 First St., with Rhapsody on Thursday, Oct. 5, followed by guitarist Kevin Barrigar on Saturday, Oct. 6. By the way, if you’re in the mood for a preview of Thanksgiving, order up the Lizard’s smoked turkey and gravy dinner. The succulently smoked meat is marvelously moist and represents a healthy alternative to the equally delicious beef brisket.
Admission is always free at the Limp Lizard, which also stages a lively open mike hosted by Irv Lyons and Edgar Pagan every Tuesday evening; (315) 451-9774.
The Liverpool Public Library Fall Concert Series, “Pranksters, Fiddlers, Dulcimers and Harpers,” continues with a free concert by classical “fiddlers” at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15 with Jefferson String Quartet.
The foursome features cellist Lindsay Groves, violinists Sonya Williams and Edgar Tumajyan and viola player Dana Huyge.
The four members of Symphoria’s string sections will perform a “family-friendly” concert designed to showcase the various sonic colors of the quartet’s instruments.
Last word
“There is much pleasure to be gained from useless knowledge.” – Bertrand Russell
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