WASHINGTON, D.C. – As part of National Small Business Week, U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) received the “Hero of Main Street” award from the National Retail Federation (NRF) for his efforts to support local retailers and small businesses in Missouri and across the nation.

“Retailers and small businesses on Main Street support one in four jobs in Missouri,” Blunt said. “I’m honored to receive this award and I’ll continue working to ensure our retailers have the opportunity and tools they need to create jobs and economic growth in communities across Missouri and the nation.”

“NRF salutes our retail advocates in Congress for their dedication and proven commitment to public policies that support prosperity on Main Street,” National Retail Federation President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Retailers are the heart and soul of our communities, and we are pleased to acknowledge lawmakers like Senator Blunt who have consistently supported a pro-economic growth policy agenda to ensure a thriving Main Street and a healthy and vibrant retail sector in Missouri.”

The retail industry in Missouri supports 859,441 jobs and is directly and indirectly responsible for 18 percent of Missouri’s growth domestic product (GDP).

NRF recognized Blunt for his consistent support of the retail industry’s top public policy priorities including, but not limited to, patent reform, sales tax fairness, the federal minimum wage, and reforming the Affordable Care Act.