Randy Hultgren Pays Visit to Batavia Business

U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren (R-14th) is home for recess, but the Congressman is doing anything but taking a break.

He was in Batavia Tuesday touring BFC, an integrated print management company, to learn more about the local business and speak with employees.

BFC President Joe Novak has made several trips to Washington, D.C., in the past few years to voice his concerns to Congressional leaders about tax and health care reform and immigration.

“I have always found it to be very worthwhile,” Novak said. “It’s important they understand the issues I’m dealing with as a business owner and the impacts they have on my business.”

And how are local business owners feeling? In light of the economy, "just OK," Hultgren said.

“They're not their best, but surviving," he said. "There’s still uncertainty across the board.”

Novak said business at BFC has slowed in the last few years.

“People don’t spend money the way they used to,” he said. “We haven’t lost any customers, but they are buying differently these days.”

Novak’s father, Joe, began BFC in 1975. His brothers, Brad and Matt, are vice-presidents.

Hultgren has been visiting many businesses in the area, in hopes of finding out how he help represent them in Washington D.C.

“I’m going all over the district meeting with companies trying to find out what’s working and what isn’t,” he said. “This is one of those businesses I’ve driven by hundreds of times and wondered what they do here.”

He said he is impressed by how many businesses are handling the economic climate.

“Whole companies are stepping up to continue to be productive and do well,” he said.

After touring the facility, Hultgren met with employees.

“I really do want to be customer-focused, just like you guys are,” he said to them. “It’s so important for me to be able to represent you and fight for you and make sure our area is doing well.”

As a father of four, Hultgren said he is concerned about the debt that will be passed onto future generations. He is determined to help turn the economy around.

“We have to live within our means,” he said. “This $143 trillion hole we’ve dug ourselves into is huge. Someone’s going to have to pay for it.”

While he acknowledged budget cuts won’t solve the problem entirely, “I’m also convinced you don’t tax your way out,” Hultgren said.

Novak said he appreciated Hultgren’s visit.

“I’m encouraged because he is more pro-business,” he said.

But when it comes to making the trips to D.C., Novak will share his concerns with whoever will listen.

“I visited (former Democratic congressman) Bill Foster when he was there,” Novak said. “It doesn’t matter who the representative is. I have to let them know my perspective. I don’t know another way to do it.”