WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) has been named a “Hero of Main Street” by the National Retail Federation (NRF) for his support of important priorities such as international trade, patent reform, health care, tax reform and workforce policies that work for employees and employers alike. The retail industry supports more than one million jobs in Virginia and one in four U.S. jobs.   

“I’m honored to again be recognized by the National Retail Federation as a ‘Hero of Main Street.’ I’ve continuously supported Main Street by promoting fairness in the marketplace to help the Virginia’s small businesses grow and succeed,” said Sen. Warner. “The retail industry spurs innovation and strengthens Virginia communities by playing a vital role in job creation and economic development. Additionally, retailers have been great partners in my efforts to protect consumers’ personal information and respond to the growing threat posed by data breaches.”

“NRF’s Heroes of Main Street have shown through their voting records that they care about retailers, big and small, and value the role these businesses play in communities around the country,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “By backing our policy priorities, they show their commitment to a prosperous Main Street and to the long-term growth of retail – our nation’s largest private-sector employer.”

The Hero of Main Street award was created by NRF in 2013 to recognize members of Congress for support of the retail industry’s public policy priorities. Award eligibility is based on key votes, bill sponsorship and advocacy to advance the industry’s priorities. The “heroes” have supported policies and initiatives defined by NRF that recognize the contributions of the retail industry, and have worked to encourage a “vibrant, sustained and healthy” retail sector.

NRF is the world’s largest retail trade association, representing discount and department stores, home goods and specialty stores, Main Street merchants, grocers, wholesalers, chain restaurants and Internet retailers from the United States and more than 45 countries. Retail is the nation’s largest private sector employer, supporting one in four U.S. jobs – 42 million working Americans – and contributing $2.6 trillion to annual GDP.