The Tennessee office of NFIB, the state’s leading small business advocacy organization, today presented its coveted Guardian of Small Business award to state Rep. Gary Hicks (District 9). NFIB made the presentation this afternoon at Mohawk Machine & Engineering, an NFIB member in Bulls Gap.
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 the legislator for his outstanding leadership on small-business issues.
“Gary Hicks is an outstanding advocate for Tennessee’s small businesses,” NFIB State Director Jim Brown said. “Representative Hicks understands that our state’s job creators and risk takers need a predictable, stable environment in order to succeed, and he has been quick to find solutions for challenges they may be facing. Our state’s entrepreneurs appreciate his commitment to low taxes, sensible regulation and less red tape on small business.”
Brown cited Hicks’ sponsorship of House Bill 84 last session, which made clear that customers of automatic car washes will not be taxed. The legislation, which passed overwhelmingly, was necessary because a of a surprising state audit finding against a Morristown business owner that was inconsistent with previous state guidance.
“I’m greatly honored to receive the NFIB Guardian of Small Business award,” said Hicks, who recently was named chair of the House Finance, Ways & Means Subcommittee and Appropriations Subcommittee. “Small businesses are the backbone of my district and our state economy, and I’ll continue to do everything I can to make sure that they are able to operate on a level playing field and have opportunities to be successful.”
Hicks is a member of the Finance, Ways & Means, State, and Joint Pensions
