The award recognizes legislators for their strong and consistent support of Tennessee's job creators
Three Tennessee legislators have received the coveted NFIB Guardian of Small Business Award for their efforts in the 2022 General Assembly.
Sen. Richard Briggs (District 7) and Rep. Bob Ramsey (District 20) received the award on Monday, June 20. Sen. Bill Powers (District 22), was presented with his award on Thursday, June 23.
Senator Briggs had a perfect NFIB Voting Record in 2021-22, joining only four other Tennessee state senators with that distinction. Representative Ramsey was one of only 17 representatives with that distinction.
Congratulations @VoteBriggs for earning @nfib’s Guardian of Small Business award! Dr. Briggs had a perfect Voting Record for small business in 2021-2022. Thanks @JimmyMatlockTN for hosting & @ltgovmcnally @YagerTweets for joining us this morning at Matlock Tire in Farragut! pic.twitter.com/vIVzv2o2hK
— NFIB Tennessee (@nfib_tn) June 20, 2022
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 Sen. Briggs for his outstanding leadership on small-business issues.
Small business owner Jimmy Matlock with Matlock Tire Service & Auto Repair, an NFIB member business in Farragut, and others joined NFIB State Director Jim Brown in presenting the award to Senator Briggs in Farragut.
“Richard Briggs continues to be an exceptional state leader and strong supporter of small businesses in Tennessee,” Brown said. “His leadership as chairman of the State & Local Government Committee and his open-minded approach to legislating has earned him the respect and appreciation of entrepreneurs in his district and across the state. He is a great friend of small business dedicated to reducing the burdens on our state’s risk-takers.”
“It’s a truly high honor to receive the NFIB Guardian of Small Business award,” Briggs said. “I’m very proud of the work we’re doing in the Tennessee Senate to promote the strong job growth and investment that makes Tennessee such a friendly state to small businesses. I look forward to advocating for more policies that help maintain the welcoming, predictable business environment that Tennessee’s entrepreneurs appreciate.”
Congratulations Rep. Bob Ramsey for earning @nfib’s Guardian of Small Business award. “Dr. Bob” had a perfect Voting Record for Small Business in 2021-2022! Thanks to NFIB member Phil LaFoy with Blount Discount Pharmacy in Maryville for hosting us today. pic.twitter.com/9oon1OrLs7
— NFIB Tennessee (@nfib_tn) June 20, 2022
NFIB member Phil Lafoy with Blount Discount Pharmacy and other area leaders joined Brown in making the presentation to Representative Ramsey in Maryville.
“Bob Ramsey has been a consistently strong advocate for Tennessee’s small and independent businesses,” Brown said. “His leadership on various committees over the years and his open-minded approach to legislating have earned him the respect and appreciation of entrepreneurs in his district and across Tennessee. He understands the challenges facing Tennessee’s job creators.”
Ramsey said, “I’m very grateful to receive the NFIB Guardian of Small Business award. I believe one of my most important roles as a legislator is to ensure we take excessive burdens off our small businesses, keep taxes low and find ways we can improve Tennessee’s strong business environment. I’ll continue to fight hard for small businesses every way that I can.”
It was great to be with Senator Powers in Clarksville. Thanks to NFIB Leadership Council member Dave Berggren with Furniture Connection for hosting us. pic.twitter.com/CbYS2gbIEt
— NFIB Tennessee (@nfib_tn) June 23, 2022
Powers, a longtime NFIB member, has an exceptional 96 percent lifetime NFIB Voting Record since joining the Senate in 2019. NFIB Tennessee Leadership Council member David Berggren with Furniture Connection and other area leaders joined Brown in making the presentation in Clarksville on June 23.
“Bill Powers is a very strong supporter of small business,” Brown said. “Senator Powers not only has been steadfast in his support on key floor votes for small business but also has shown great leadership promoting and protecting the interests of small business in his committees. His commitment to low taxes, reasonable regulation, and less red tape on small business has greatly helped to promote a stable and predictable environment for entrepreneurs in his district and across Tennessee.”
Powers said, “I’m truly grateful to the NFIB to receive the Guardian of Small Business Award. Small businesses are the backbone of my district and our state, and they drive our statewide economy. I was especially proud to sponsor and pass the Tennessee Business Fairness Act, which will ensure all small businesses are treated like their big business counterparts during any pandemic, and I look forward to supporting new measures that protect our state’s job creators.”
