GEORGIA. – (RealEstateRama) — Rep. Rick Allen (R-Ga.-12) today announced that he has received the “Hero of Main Street” award from the National Retail Federation for his support of legislation critical to the retail industry. Rep. Allen is part of a bi-partisan group honored for their support of a wide range of issues including infrastructure investment, tax reform and labor issues.
“As a small business owner for over 40 years, I am proud to receive this award. Small businesses are the backbone of our local communities and economies. In Washington, I will continue to fight for policies that are pro-growth and pro-business because that is how we will grow the economy and get people back to work. I thank the National Retail Federation for this recognition,” said Rep. Allen.
“Rep. Allen has shown through his support that he cares about retailers big and small, and values the role these businesses play in communities across the country,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Rep. Allen is an advocate for his thriving Main Street and to the long-term growth of the retail industry — our nation’s largest job creators and the catalyst for continued growth and opportunity for our nation’s economy.”
The Hero of Main Street award was created by NRF in 2013 to recognize members of Congress for support of the retail industry’s public policy priorities. Eligibility is based on NRF’s Retail Opportunity Index, bill sponsorship and advocacy to advance the industry’s priorities. The “heroes” have supported policies and initiatives defined by NRF that recognize the contributions of the retail industry, and have worked to encourage a “vibrant, sustained and healthy” retail sector.
NRF is the world’s largest retail trade association, representing discount and department stores, home goods and specialty stores, Main Street merchants, grocers, wholesalers, chain restaurants and Internet retailers from the United States and more than 45 countries. Retail is the nation’s largest private sector employer, supporting one in four U.S. jobs – 42 million working Americans. Contributing $2.6 trillion to annual GDP, retail is a daily barometer for the nation’s economy. NRF’s This is Retail campaign highlights the industry’s opportunities for life-long careers, how retailers strengthen communities, and the critical role that retail plays in driving innovation. nrf.com
