PPAI has named Reps. Warren Davidson (R-OH) and Scott DesJarlais (R-TN) the Association’s 2019 Legislators of the Year. The awards were presented last month during the PPAI Legislative Education and Action Day (L.E.A.D.) in Washington, D.C.

The PPAI Legislator of the Year Award is presented to current members of Congress who have demonstrated a high level of interest and support of the promotional products industry, its members, their businesses and pending legislation that could affect the industry.

“Representatives Warren and DesJarlais exemplify the level of attention, advocacy and dedication it takes to support and grow the promotional products industry,” says Paul Bellantone, CAE, PPAI’s president and CEO. “PPAI is proud to honor their work in promoting and protecting small business, manufacturing and the economy, as well as sensible regulatory requirements.”

U.S. Rep. Warren Davidson has served Ohio’s 8th Congressional District since 2016. He is a tireless advocate for the small-business community, and he is the former chairman of the Dayton Region Manufacturers Association. Davidson won a special election in June 2016 to fill the remainder of the term of outgoing Rep. John Boehner. In Congress, Davidson co-sponsored the Save Local Business Act and sits on two small-business subcommittees; the Small Business Committee’s Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax and Capital Access and the Subcommittee on Investigations, Oversight and Regulations. He also serves on the Financial Services Committee, where he is focused on policies that promote economic growth. In Davidson’s home state of Ohio, 97 percent of promotional products companies are small businesses employing 27,000 people and generating revenues of more than $2.7 billion.

U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais has served Tennessee’s 4th Congressional District since 2010. He has a proven track record of supporting policies returning fiscal discipline to Washington and strengthening the economy. Congressman DesJarlais voted for tax reform, supports the Save Local Business Act and worked to repeal federal regulations harming the promotional products industry, particularly those restricting energy and infrastructure development. He is a strong proponent of technical training in schools and expanding the manufacturing sector to help manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs. In DesJarlais’s home state of Tennessee, 98 percent of promotional products companies are small businesses employing approximately 11,212 people and generating revenues of more than $147 million.

Past recipients of the PPAI Legislator of the Year award are Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI) in 2018, Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) in 2017, Reps. Steven Chabot (R-OH) and Greg Walden (R-OR) in 2016, Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) in 2015, Rep. Renee Ellmers (R-NC) in 2014 and Rep. Erik Paulsen (R-MN) in 2013.

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James Khattak is news editor of PPB.