ATLANTA— Yesterday the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) presented Representative Tom Graves (R- Ranger) with its “Guardian of Small Business” award.
“It’s an honor to receive the Guardian of Small Business award,” said Graves. “Small businesses are the economic engine that drives Georgia’s economy. As a legislator it’s my job to ensure they can operate and thrive without the threat of high taxes and burdensome regulation. That’s why I was proud to introduce the JOBS Act this year, legislation that would attract jobs and produce economic recovery here in Georgia by putting people back to work, not expanding government.”
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 issues. Graves received the honor from Georgia’s leading small business association for his pro-business voting record and work on House Bills 481 and 482, the Jobs, Opportunity and Business Success Act of 2009 (JOBS Act).
“Small business is the cornerstone of Georgia’s economy, and Tom Graves understands that,” said David Raynor, state director of NFIB/Georgia. “Small business is fortunate to have strong defenders such as Tom Graves in the General Assembly, and we’re pleased to recognize his efforts by presenting him with the Guardian of Small Business award.”
Graves has also received the “Legislative Entrepreneur of the Year Award” by the Freedom Works Foundation for his tireless effort to stem the tide of expansive government and reduce the tax burden on Georgians, the “Champion of Georgia Cities” award by the Georgia Municipal Association, the “Legislator of the Year” award by the Georgia Retail Association, and most recently honored by the 9th District Republican Committee as the “2009 Legislator of the Year” from the 9th Congressional District of Georgia.
* A picture of David Raynor presenting the Guardian of Small Business award to Representative Tom Graves is attached for your convenience. *
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Representative Tom Graves is in his fourth term representing House District 12, which includes portions of Bartow, Gordon, and Pickens counties. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2002, and currently serves as the Vice-Chairman of the Motor Vehicles Committee. He also serves on the Health & Human Services, Transportation, and Ways & Means committees.
Graves grew up in White, Georgia and graduated from the University of Georgia, where he earned a Bachelors of Business Administration in Finance. Graves is a small businessman, past member of the Gordon County Board of Elections and an active member of the Gordon County Chamber of Commerce. He is married to Julie, a native of Marietta, and the couple has three children, JoAnn, J.T., and Janey. They attend the Belmont Baptist Church in Calhoun.