WASHINGTON – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) was recognized this week as a “Hero of Main Street” by the National Retail Federation for consistently supporting policies that will benefit our retail industry and its millions of small businesses.
“In Virginia, 97% of all businesses are small businesses,” Wittman said. “It's no stretch to say that they are the backbone of the Commonwealth's economy. Our job in Washington is to get out of the way so that Main Street can do what it does best. I am honored to receive the “Hero of Main Street” Award for the work that I've done to support Virginia's innovators and job creators. Right now, small businesses are flourishing because of GOP tax cuts and our booming economy. In fact, more than half of small businesses have plans to expand, boost hiring, or increase employee benefits. I will continue to fight for Main Street’s priorities.”
The overwhelming majority of retailers are small businesses, with more than 98 percent of all retail companies employing fewer than 50 people. Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, supporting one in four U.S. jobs — 42 million working Americans. Contributing $2.6 trillion to annual GDP, retail is a daily barometer for the nation’s economy.
“Retailers and consumers are feeling good about the state of the U.S. economy, and a big part of that is the result of lawmakers who have made economic growth and job creation a top priority,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “As a Hero of Main Street, Congressman Wittman truly understands that the decisions made in Washington have a real impact on local businesses and communities across the country.”
The Hero of Main Street award was created by NRF in 2013, and eligibility is based on key votes, bill sponsorship and advocacy to advance retailers’ priorities. Recipients have supported policies that encourage a healthy retail sector. The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association. Based in Washington, D.C., NRF represents discount and department stores, home goods and specialty stores, Main Street merchants, grocers, wholesalers, chain restaurants and internet retailers from the United States and more than 45 countries.
Congressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he is the Chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee.
