Rep. Smith & Sen. Burke Selected in 2017
The National Federation of Independent Business/Ohio, the state’s leading small business association, presented its prestigious Guardian of Small Business Award to State Representative Ryan Smith (Bidwell) and State Senator Dave Burke (Marysville). The recognition is presented for their outstanding efforts to support small business issues in the Ohio Legislature.
“Representative Smith has a distinguished record in the Ohio Legislature. During that time, he has been a staunch supporter of Ohio’s small businesses, maintaining a 100% lifetime voting record with NFIB” said Roger Geiger, vice president/executive director of NFIB/Ohio. “His dedication to reaching out to the small-business community highlights his commitment to growing Ohio’s economy and truly listening to the economic engine of the state that has created two out of three new jobs in the past several years. It is a pleasure to honor someone so deserving of this recognition.”
“Senator Burke also has an impressive record on small business issues in the Ohio General Assembly. During his tenure there, he has been a steady and strong advocate of Ohio’s small businesses, maintaining a 97% lifetime voting record with NFIB” said Geiger. “His work to curtail costly health insurance mandates means a great deal to the small business community. And, we know he understands these issues as the owner of Dave’s Pharmacy in Marysville, he is one of the 34 NFIB members currently serving at the Ohio Statehouse.”
The recognition began being awarded in 1988. It has been presented to less than 60 members of the state legislature in its 30-year history. The NFIB/Ohio Leadership Council, which is comprised of NFIB members from across the state, voted to present Representative Smith and Senator Burke with the Guardian of Small Business Award.
“Small businesses represent the backbone of our economy here in Ohio, and today I’m honored to receive the Guardian of Small Business Award. As we continue forward in the 132nd General Assembly, I will continue to support policies that allow these businesses to grow and prosper while providing high quality jobs for Ohioans across the state,” said Representative Smith.
“As a small business owner and a proud member of the NFIB, I am honored to receive this award. Small businesses are what economically drive this country. The American dream is very much still alive today, and I applaud those who work hard in achieving their goals,” said Senator Burke.
NFIB member Sen. Dave Burke (Ohio SD 26) and Ryan Smith (Ohio HD 93) received NFIB/Ohio’s highest honor for an elected official, the 2017 Guardian of Small Business, at Small Business Day at the Capitol.
