SC New York News

Washington, DC – U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro (NY-19) announced today that Rob Salamida, owner of the Rob Salamida Co., makers of State Fair Spiedie Sauce in Johnson City, will be participating in the Small Business Showcase on May 1 as part of National Small Business Week. The event, hosted by the House Committee on Small Business, provides a platform for local business owners to showcase their products on a national stage and discuss challenges they face.

Rob Salamida, a local business owner in Broome County, started his journey at age 16, cooking Spiedies on a charcoal grill and later becoming a vendor at the New York State Fair. In 1976, he founded his company and began bottling his famous marinade sauce. Today, the company remains family-owned and distributes sauces to over 12,000 locations across 40 states.

Rep. Molinaro expressed his excitement about having Rob Salamida at the showcase, stating, “Spiedies are a staple in our community. The nation, and world needs to know about them. He understands firsthand the challenges and rewards that come with entrepreneurship. Turning his small stand at the New York State Fair into a renowned business and local phenomenon, Rob will share his story with other local business owners and the House Committee on Small Business."

Rob Salamida shared his entrepreneurial journey, saying, "For many people, the American Dream began with owning your own business and persisting through the obstacles of financial risk...American small businesses are the backbone of our nation’s economy with six million independent owners employing over 61 million workers. These enterprises are as vital as any large corporation today."

Rochelle Layman, Regional Director of NYS Small Business Development Center at Binghamton University, expressed enthusiasm about celebrating National Small Business Week in Washington DC alongside Rob Salamida. Layman stated, "We look forward to the opportunity to advocate for all entrepreneurs and start-ups as we strive to provide small businesses with the highest quality confidential counseling, training, and industry research at no cost."