WASHINGTON, 2016-May-24 — /EPR Retail News/ — The National Retail Federation today recognized more than 300 members of Congress for their support of retail industry priorities including international trade, infrastructure investment, tax reform and labor issues. The “Hero of Main Street” award is being presented as part of NRF’s annual Retail Advocates Summit fly-in, which has retailers from across the country in Washington today through Wednesday to meet with lawmakers on Capitol Hill and discuss the latest issues facing the industry. Recipients will be honored at a reception Wednesday evening.
“This bipartisan group of lawmakers has shown that they care about retailers big and small and value the role these businesses play in communities across the country,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “We appreciate their advocacy on behalf of a thriving Main Street, their support for the long-term growth of the retail industry, and their recognition of retail’s role as a catalyst for continued growth and opportunity for our nation’s economy.”
The Hero of Main Street award was created by NRF in 2013 to recognize members of Congress for support of the retail industry’s public policy priorities. Eligibility is based on NRF’s Retail Opportunity Index, bill sponsorship and advocacy to advance the industry’s priorities. The “heroes” have supported policies and initiatives defined by NRF that recognize the contributions of the retail industry, and have worked to encourage a “vibrant, sustained and healthy” retail sector.
NRF is the world’s largest retail trade association, representing 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. 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. NRF’s This is Retail campaign highlights the industry’s opportunities for life-long careers, how retailers strengthen communities, and the critical role that retail plays in driving innovation. nrf.com
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