WASHINGTON — Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) has recognized Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn.; Reps. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz.; and Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash. with the HARDI Small Business Champion Award.
The Small Business Champion Award is given to elected officials who promote and protect the interests of small businesses, which represent more than 80 percent of HARDI wholesalers.
“As a former businessman and mayor, I know firsthand how small businesses fuel economic development and create good-paying jobs, and I appreciate HARDI for the work it does to advocate for the interests of its members,” said Corker.
“Small businesses are the foundation of our economy, and when I think about the regulations and tax burdens they face, I am reminded of how much still needs to be done,” said Rodgers. “I am grateful to be recognized as a HARDI Small Business Champion and appreciate all the work HARDI does to promote policies that strengthen small businesses in eastern Washington. I will continue to do my part to support our hardworking men and women and to unleash our economy so that our small businesses can thrive.”
"I’m honored to be recognized by HARDI for our work to support Arizona small businesses, employees, and families,” said Sinema. "I’ll continue working with HARDI and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to create good-paying jobs, strengthen our economy, and ensure businesses have every chance to succeed."
J.K. Hussa, owner of Airefco, stated “Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers visited us in Spokane last fall, and I was amazed at her interest in not only what we do, but with who we are as a company. She has an ability to grasp and engage on a wide variety of issues, from regulations regarding furnaces to the LIFO (last in, first out) accounting method. I walked away thinking how grateful we are to have her serving in Congress.”
Steve Carboni of Shupe, Carboni and Associates, Chattanooga, Tennessee, stated, “As someone who has seen Sen. Corker’s success in both the private sector and as an elected official, I can think of no better recipient of the HARDI Small Business Champion Award. Quite simply, Sen. Corker is the type of man that you would want to lead your company, and his colleagues here have recognized that as well in placing him in key leadership positions.”
Russ Geary of Geary Pacific Supply Co. stated, “Over 50 years ago, my dad took a major leap of faith in opening our second location in Phoenix in what is today Rep. Sinema’s Congressional District. Among the values that have guided our company since that date are integrity, honesty, respect, and trust. The Congresswoman holds these traits and I am pleased that HARDI is recognizing her continued effort to serve the people of the ninth district and Arizona.”
For more information, please contact Anthony Lagunzad at alagunzad@hardinet.org.
Publication date: 6/19/2017
