The Tennessee office of NFIB, the nation’s leading small business advocacy organization, yesterday presented its coveted Guardian of Small Business award to state Rep. Ron Gant (District 94, which includes Fayette and McNairy counties and part of Hardeman County).

“Ron Gant is a steadfast supporter of small business in the Tennessee State House,” NFIB State Director Jim Brown said. “Representative Gant has voted for meaningful tax, labor, tort and regulatory reforms that have helped small businesses in his district and across the state. He continues to lead the fight for complete repeal of the onerous professional privilege tax, and his 100 percent NFIB Voting Record the last three years demonstrates his unwavering support for small business.”

The presentation was made yesterday at the State Capitol. 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 Gant for his outstanding leadership on small business issues.

Gant, a longtime NFIB member, said, “It’s indeed a high honor to be recognized with the NFIB Guardian of Small Business award. Small businesses are the heart and soul of our communities in rural West Tennessee and supporting them will remain a top priority of mine in Nashville.”

Gant is a member of the House Finance, Ways & Means and Health committees, as well as their subcommittees.