Congressman Adam Putnam (R-Fla.) today was honored as a Guardian of Small Business by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).  Putnam was among 245 members of Congress to receive the award.

NFIB President and CEO Dan Danner praised Putnam for “standing up for small business.”

"In the 111^th Congress, Representative Putnam proved that he is a champion of small business,” said Danner.” The Guardian of Small Business Award is a token of the deep appreciation that small business owners have for elected officials who promote and protect their right to own, operate and grow their businesses."

“Small businesses form the backbone not only of our economy, but also of our communities,” said Putnam.  “These entrepreneurs provide the bulk of our jobs and support their home communities in countless civic and charitable ways.  Truly, one of the great strengths of America is its small business owners.”

The NFIB presents the Guardian Awards to U.S. Senators and Representatives who vote favorably on key small business issues at least 70 percent of the time.

Since 2001, Putnam has represented Florida’s 12^th Congressional District, which includes most of Polk County and portions of Hillsborough and Osceola counties.