OLYMPIA…State Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver, was recently honored by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) with its 2006 “Guardian of Small Business Award.”

The award is given to legislators with strong records of sponsoring and supporting legislation vital to the creation, growth and survival of small business enterprises in Washington state.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our state’s economy; together they provide the most jobs and the most new jobs in our state,” Benton said. “As a small business owner myself, I know first-hand the challenges these employers face.”

Benton is the founder and CEO of the Benton Group, a sales and management consulting firm. He also founded and operated a temporary employment agency from 1979-1983.

Key issues for NFIB which Sen. Benton has worked hard for are property rights, affordable health care insurance, elimination of the state’s death tax, and workers’ compensation reforms.

-30-

Additional contact:
Penny Drost at (360) 786-7522
or penny.drost@leg.wa.gov
Carolyn Logue, NFIB, (360) 786-8675