Ritchie Presents Mort Backus & Sons with New York State Empire Award

State Senator Patty Ritchie recently honored Mort Backus & Sons with the New York State Senate’s “Empire Award” for the family-owned business’ contributions to St. Lawrence County and its charitable work across the North Country. The Ogdensburg based vehicle dealership recently celebrated its 65^th anniversary.

“The Backus family has a long history of supporting not only their customers, but also their neighbors and community through their involvement with a host of causes and events that benefit people across Northern New York,” said Senator Ritchie. “I had the privilege of working with the Backus family when I served as St. Lawrence County’s Clerk and have seen firsthand how the late Mort Backus built his company on the foundation of taking care of his community. His sons and grandchildren have carried on his legacy and it is my honor to recognize them with this very well-deserved award.”

The company, which started out of one stall in the family garage, achieved its first affiliation in 1986, when it was awarded a Chevrolet and Buick dealership. Eleven years later, its success led it also receiving a Pontiac and Oldsmobile dealership to add to its lineup lineup. In the years to follow, the company grew into a 21,000 square foot complex with 37 employees.

In addition to its business success, the Backus family has prided itself on giving back. The Backus family has helped get St. Lawrence County’s Veteran’s Discount Program off the ground, rallied its staff to help save the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center and sponsored numerous community events and charitable funds including the Gouverneur Breast Cancer Fund, the Ogdensburg Command Performances and the fireworks for Ogdensburg’s Ogtoberfest.

Throughout the years, the company has been recognized for its success and community involvement with a number of accolades including the 2007 St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce Customer Service Excellence Award and the 2017 Greater Ogdensburg Chamber of Commerce Business Improvement Award.  In 2003, the late Mort and Marie Backus received the Greater Ogdensburg Chamber of Commerce’s Citizen of the Year Award.

The New York State Senate Empire Award recognizes organizations demonstrating leadership and contributions to their community. 

(In the above picture, Senator Ritchie is seen with the staff at Mort Backus & Sons presenting the “New York State Senate Empire Award to the Backus Family.  The bottom row seen from left to right are Pat Backus, Jack Backus, Senator Ritchie, Paul Backus and Mike Backus)