ATLANTA – State Representative Allen Peake (R-Macon) recently received the coveted Guardian of Small Business Award from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), Georgia’s leading small-business association.
“Representative Peake understands small business because he’s a small-business owner,” said Kyle Jackson, state director of NFIB/Georgia. “He’s worked in the restaurant industry most of his adult life. As a former president of RMS Restaurants, a certified public accountant and the owner of Cheddar’s Casual Café and Captain D’s franchises, he understands that state government needs to create a level playing field for small businesses, then get out of the way.”
“I am thrilled to be honored by the National Federation of Independent Business,” said Rep. Peake. “I understand fully that government can’t create jobs, but we, as elected officials, should always do all we can to create an economic environment that encourages the growth of small businesses, keeps government regulation to a bare minimum, and lets entrepreneurship flourish. NFIB is a strong voice for small businesses in our state, and I look forward to continuing to support their good work.”
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. The NFIB/Georgia Leadership Council voted to present the award to Rep. Peake for supporting small-business issues in the General Assembly.
Rep. Peake was a driving force behind legislation to allow small-business owners to cross state lines to buy health insurance and give voters a chance to repeal or reduce the local inventory tax on businesses. He also led efforts to protect taxpayers’ rights by introducing House Bill 100. This legislation created the Georgia Tax Tribunal, which will give taxpayers a fair and impartial appeals process in dealing with tax disputes.
In addition to his recent legislative accomplishments, Rep. Peake has consistently supported small businesses since first being elected to the Georgia House of Representatives, as indicated by his 100 percent NFIB Voting Record throughout his years in the House.
“Small business couldn’t hope for a better ally in the General Assembly. He’s been a tireless advocate for Georgia’s small-business owners, and we’re honored to recognize him as true Guardian of Small Business,” added Jackson.
Representative Allen Peake represents the citizens of District 137, which includes portions of Bibb County. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2006, and currently serves on the Banks & Banking, Small Business Development and Jobs Creation, Appropriations, and Ways & Means committees. Rep. Peake also serves as Secretary/Treasurer of the House Republican Caucus.
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