James Paul Jozwiak was named the P&BA Man of the Year for 2008. The announcement was made at the General Membership Meeting on March 4, 2008.

Jim and Christine have been married for 40 years. They have three sons, two daughters-in-law, and two grandchildren: Jim and Deb; Cliff, Sue, Megan, and Christopher; and Shane. Jim founded Christian General Contractor in 1975. It is now a family business with Christine and their three sons. Jim founded and serves as Executive Director of the Polish Heritage Festival, Inc., a non-profit corporation, which, for five years, has sponsored an event that has attracted thousands of attendees and funds scholarships to college students, and charities in the United States and in Poland. Jim is the National President of the Polish Union of America.

Jim has been a member of the P&BA since 2000. He stands out in his contributions to continued growth of Polish Heritage and to the growth of the Community. Listed below are some of his accomplishments and the recognitions he has received:

Organizations:

  • Member of Professional and Businessmen’s Association
  • Past Cubmaster of Troop #642
  • Past President of the Springville Lions Club
  • Founder of the Franklinville-Machias Lions Club
  • Past District Governor of Lions Clubs International
  • National Director of Polish Union of America from 1998 to 2002
  • National President of Polish Union of America from 2002 to present
  • Past Director of New York State Fraternal Congress
  • Member of National Federation of Independent Business
  • Accredited Member of Better Business Bureau
  • Honorary Chairman of the Business Advisory Council

Honors:

  • Listed in National Registers of Who’s Who in Executives and Professionals
  • Lions Clubs International 100% District Governor Award
  • Blind Association of Western New York “Spirit of Lionism” Award
  • Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Award
  • Buffalo Eye Bank and Research Society
  • Lions Clubs International Melvin Jones Fellow – 3-Diamond Award
  • Am-Pol Eagle Fraternal of the Year Award
  • Professional and Businessmen’s Association 100th Anniversary Executive of the Year
  • Polish American Congress Fraternal of the Year
  • Ronald Reagan Gold Medal Award
  • Buffalo Bisons Polish-American Couple of the Year 2005
  • Businessman of the Year 2006 – General Pulaski Association of the Niagara Frontier
  • 2006 Businessman of the Year – Business Advisory Council
  • 2008 Bronze Service Star Award – Polish Falcons of America

The Man of the Year is the highest recognition that can be bestowed upon a P&BA member. Jim is the 48th member to be so honored in the P&BA’s 105 year history. The Board of Directors and the membership congratulate James Jozwiak for his achievement. He will be honored at the annual Past Presidents/Man of the Year banquet to be held in October.