LI loyalists open to other states' offers

Call it a family affair.

Father and daughter have discussed the issue many times, but dad makes one thing clear: The decision on whether to relocate the manufacturing operations of Hauppauge-based GSE Dynamics Inc., a defense contractor, will ultimately be made by his daughter.

The daughter is Anne Shybunko-Moore, 41, president of GSE. Her dad, DanShybunko, 78, GSE chief executive, started the company in 1971, when he was still an engineer for Grumman Corp. in Bethpage.

They both describe themselves as Long Island loyalists who have worked in many ways for the betterment of the Island. Shybunko-Moore chairs a Long Island task force on manufacturing organized by Rep. Steve Israel (D-Dix Hills).

Last Sunday in a Newsday interview she noted that even loyal business types must at least listen to proposals from other states to relocate, given the cost of doing business here.

Earlier this week, Shybunko-Moore wanted to make it clear she does not want to move any part of GSE. But -- and there is a big but here -- it would be irresponsible of her not to at least listen to the proposals coming from South Carolina and other places.

"I'm tired of talking subjectively of why [GSE] is here," she said. "I want to see what packages these states are putting together." She is currently awaiting one from South Carolina. Her husband's elderly parents live near Charleston.

Shybunko-Moore said New York State can help if she creates more jobs. "The assistance is based on the number of people you can hire," she said. In the last few years, "we doubled in size, going from one building to three," and about 30 people to nearly 50. "I can't see doing that again" too soon, she said.

Empire State Development Corp. spokesman Austin Shafran said manufacturers must generally create 25 jobs over a five-year period to be eligible for assistance from the Excelsior Program, which invests in business growth.

Dan Shybunko is still active at GSE, which makes parts for subs and aircraft. "[Anne] is very aware of the [cost] differences down south," he said. "But that's going to be her decision."