Press Releases

Today, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce honored Congressman Billy Long with the Commerce Spirit of Enterprise Award for his commitment to free market principles.  The award honors Long’s work in the First Session of the 112th Congress for supporting our nation’s true innovators and job creators, small business.  This includes supporting legislation that fights for small businesses, cuts regulations, promotes job creation, and finds new markets for American products.

“Small businesses drive our economy,” said Long.  “As a small businessman for over thirty years, I know first hand how mountains of rules and regulation hinder small business growth.  I am humbled to receive this award, but I am merely saying what Southwest Missourians have known for a long time, that our small businesses, not our government, will get our economy back on track.”

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. More than 96 percent of U.S. Chamber members are small businesses with 100 employees or fewer.

“Over the past year, Congressman Long has worked to protect and advance the interests of America’s job creators.” Said Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber.  “By supporting pro-growth policies, Congressman Long is helping unleash the power of free enterprise to put our economy back on track and put America back to work.”

Representative Long made fighting over-burdensome regulations and government overreach one of his top priorities in Congress.  

Attached is a picture of the Congressman accepting the award from Chamber President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue. 

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