NFIB, Ohio’s leading small business advocacy organization, today presented its prestigious Guardian of Small Business Award to state Rep. Jon Cross. He was recognized for his outstanding efforts to support small business issues in the Ohio Legislature. Cross currently serves Ohio’s 83^rd House District covering Hardin, Hancock, and Wood counties.

NFIB Ohio Executive Director Roger Geiger presented the award to Representative Cross at Kenton Vision Care, an NFIB member business in Kenton. Geiger also recognized owner Dr. Jon Warner for being an NFIB member for 25 years.

“Representative Cross has an impressive record on small business issues in the General Assembly,” Geiger said. “During his tenure there, he has been a strong advocate of Ohio’s small business community, maintaining a 100% lifetime voting record with NFIB.

“He has championed issues important to small business owners, serving as the lead sponsor on the Business Fairness Act, which eliminated the ability for government to designate businesses as “essential” or “non-essential” which was a key piece of legislation for Ohio entrepreneurs. He also was a lead sponsor on creating the TechCred program, where employers can be reimbursed for “upskilling” employees with certain certifications,” Geiger said. “Representative Cross is truly deserving of this recognition.”

Cross said, “I’m proud to champion Ohio’s small businesses, their owners, and employees by passing important legislation to keep them safer, stronger, and open for business! I’m extremely honored to be recognized by the Ohio NFIB and our local NFIB members in the 83rd district to receive their top legislative award.” 

The Guardian of Small Business Award is the most prestigious honor that NFIB bestows on legislators in recognition of their efforts to support small businesses. The NFIB Ohio Leadership Council, an advisory board comprised of NFIB members from across the state, voted to present the award to Representative Cross for his outstanding leadership on small business issues. The Ohio office of NFIB presented its first Guardian of Small Business Award to current Ohio House Speaker Bob Cupp in 1988. Historically, the award has been presented annually to one senator and one representative.