STATE:

Why NFIB

Take Action

Get Support

Stay Informed

Podcast Podcast

Careers Careers

Join Now

Home / News /

Rep. Sam Whitson Earns NFIB Guardian of Small Business Award

July 28, 2022 Last Edit: June 5, 2025

The award recognizes legislators for their support of Tennessee's small business community

Rep. Sam Whitson Earns NFIB Guardian of Small Business Award

The Tennessee office of NFIB, the state’s leading small business advocacy organization, has presented its coveted Guardian of Small Business award to state Rep. Sam Whitson (District 65). Representative Whitson had a perfect NFIB Voting Record in 2021-2022, joining only 15 other Tennessee state representatives with that distinction. NFIB State Director Jim Brown made the presentation yesterday to Whitson on Tom Lawrence’s morning radio show on WAKM 950 AM in Franklin. 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 Representative Whitson for his outstanding leadership on small business issues. “Sam Whitson is an exceptionally strong supporter of small businesses in Tennessee, not just with his words but through his many actions,” Brown said. “His leadership as chair of the House Transportation Subcommittee and as a member of the Finance, Ways & Means, Health, and Transportation committees has greatly helped small businesses in his district and across Tennessee. “Sam is well regarded in the legislature for many reasons, including his open-mindedness and willingness to hear from all sides of any issue. He is a key leader in the House and a great friend of small business committed to reducing burdens on our state’s entrepreneurs,” Brown said. “It’s a very high honor to receive the NFIB Guardian of Small Business award,” Whitson said. “I’m especially proud of the work we’re doing in the Tennessee House to promote strong job growth and to cut red tape, which have made Tennessee one of the friendliest states for small businesses. I look forward to advocating for more policies that help maintain the welcoming, predictable business environment that Tennessee’s entrepreneurs appreciate.”

Topics:

Guardian of Small Business

State:

Tennessee

Get to know NFIB

NFIB is a member-driven organization advocating on behalf of small and independent businesses nationwide.

Learn More

Man signs a document at a wooden desk while a group of officials observes in a formal room with flags behind him.

June 5, 2026

Governor Lee Signs Regulatory Freedom Act into Law

Legislation was a priority for NFIB members.

June 1, 2026

NFIB Supporting Amendment to Ban a Statewide Property Tax

The proposed constitutional amendment will be on the November ballot.

Six adults in formal attire pose together; two men hold large framed certificates, while a woman in a pink blouse stands beside them in a reception-like room.

May 18, 2026

State Leaders Recognize NFIB Member Bo Carey from Loudon

Last week, Lt. Gov. Randy McNally and State Rep. Lowell Russell honored NFIB member Bo Carey with a framed resolution for being named an NFIB Small Business Ch…

April 27, 2026

114th TN General Assembly Gavels to a Close

New labor, regulatory, and legal protection reforms pass.

Rep. Sam Whitson Earns NFIB Guardian of Small Business Award

Related Articles