U.S. Chamber Comes to WNY to Honor Congressman Chris Collins
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today presented Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) with its annual Spirit of Enterprise Award in recognition of his support of pro-growth, pro-jobs policies during the first session of the 113th Congress. Collins received the award during a stop at McGard in Orchard Park, a family owned business dating back to 1959 currently doing business around the globe. Buffalo Niagara Partnership President and CEO Dottie Gallagher-Cohen was also on hand.
“It is an honor to be recognized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for my support of pro-business policies during my first year in Congress,” said Congressman Collins. “As a member of the House Committee on Small Business, and having been a businessman and entrepreneur myself, I recognize how important it is to support legislation that encourages business growth and creation.”
“Last year was challenging, but Congressman Collins worked to pass legislation and enact policies that will keep our country moving forward economically,” U.S. Chamber President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue said. “The Spirit of Enterprise Award recognizes legislators like Congressman Collins who have demonstrated their commitment to supporting pro-growth policies in the 113th Congress.”
The Chamber’s prestigious Spirit of Enterprise Award is given annually to members of Congress based on their votes on critical business legislation outlined in the Chamber publication, How They Voted. Members who supported the Chamber’s position on at least 70% of those votes qualify to receive the award. According to this year’s scorecard, Congressman Collins received an 85% rating with the Chamber in 2013.
During the first session of the 113th Congress, the Chamber scored members on eight Senate votes and 13 House votes, including those to raise the national debt ceiling, delay enforcement of the employer mandate provision of the Affordable Care Act, and ease approval of the Keystone XL pipeline. Also scored were votes on a number of other issues including trade, transportation, legal reform, and the budget.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.
“Congressman Collins has been one of the most consistent voices for employers during his tenure in Congress, including his leadership on the House Committee on Small Business,” said Dottie Gallagher-Cohen, President & CEO of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership. “The Partnership has been a long time supporter of the Congressman, and we are proud to stand with him and our partners at the U.S. Chamber today. We are thrilled to join the U.S. Chamber in awarding the Congressman the “Spirit of Enterprise” award for his voting record on business issues in Congress.”
McGard’s CEO Durham McCauley welcomed Collins, Gallagher-Cohen and Zachary Hutchins from the U.S. Chamber to the company’s 350,000 square foot headquarters in Orchard Park. McGard designs and manufactures Wheel Locks that are sold to automotive companies around the world. The company has also developed security locks for boats and marine equipment, manhole covers, water and gas meters, fire hydrants and utility junction boxes. McGard currently employs 528 people.