The award honors legislators for their efforts on behalf of Tennessee’s small businesses.

The Tennessee office of NFIB, the nation’s leading small business advocacy organization, today presented its coveted Guardian of Small Business award to state Rep. Patsy Hazlewood (District 27).

“Patsy Hazlewood is a stalwart supporter of small business who understands that low taxes, sensible regulations and fiscal conservatism are critical to a positive economic environment,” NFIB State Director Jim Brown said.

“She’s one of only 11 state representatives with a perfect NFIB Voting Record the last four years in the Tennessee General Assembly, which demonstrates how consistently she stands with our state’s risk takers. Our members greatly appreciate her ongoing, dedicated work as chair of the House Finance, Ways & Means Committee in balancing the state budget annually.”

The Guardian of Small Business award is the most prestigious honor that NFIB bestows on legislators in recognition of their efforts to support small business. The NFIB Tennessee Leadership Council, an advisory board comprised of NFIB members, voted to present the award to Hazlewood for her outstanding leadership on small business issues. The presentation was made at Chattanooga-based Southern Champion Tray, an NFIB member since 1965.

Hazlewood said, “I’m honored and grateful to receive the NFIB Guardian of Small Business award. Small businesses drive Tennessee’s thriving economy through job creation and generate the revenue we need to strengthen our communities statewide. I look forward to working further on new policies to continue helping entrepreneurs flourish in my district and statewide, which benefits us all.”