WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) has been recognized as a 2024 “Hero of Main Street” by the National Retail Federation (NRF) for his support of small businesses across Maine.

The “Hero of Main Street” award was created by NRF in 2013 to recognize a bipartisan group of lawmakers for their support of the retail industry’s public policy priorities. In Maine, the retail industry supports more than 245,000 local jobs and contributes more than $21 billion in economic activity.

“Small businesses are the backbone of Maine’s economy — when Main Street succeeds, Maine succeeds,” said Senator King. “When we patronize small businesses and retail entrepreneurs, we are making a concerted effort to energize and strengthen our local and state economies. I truly appreciate this ‘Hero of Main Street’ award and will use this opportunity to continue highlighting the incredible businesses across Maine.”

“The retail industry directly impacts every congressional district in the United States, providing goods, services and American jobs,” said David French, NRF Executive Vice President of Government Relations. “NRF is honored to recognize Senator King as a ‘Hero of Main Street’ for his continued support of the retail industry through legislative action and leadership.”

NRF Hero of Main Street award eligibility is based on key votes, bill sponsorship and advocacy to advance the industry’s priorities.

Senator King has been a champion for Maine’s small businesses and entrepreneurs. In 2020, his bipartisan bill to reform the Paycheck Protection Program to make it usable passed the Senate and was signed into law. He also introduced the bipartisan Providing Resources for Emergency Preparedness and Resilient Enterprises (PREPARE) Act to help small businesses better prepare for natural disasters. Previously, he joined a bipartisan agreement that would improve the U.S. financial regulatory framework, promote economic growth, provide new protections to consumers, and strengthen small financial institutions in Maine. He also led the Reinforcing American-Made Products Act, which would reduce the burden on Maine manufacturers by establishing a national “Made in America” standard. Most recently, he joined his colleagues in urging federal banking regulators to better protect small businesses. This spring, he was also recognized as a 2024 “Fiscal Hero” by the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget.

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