Kiggans Recognized as 2024 ‘Hero of Main Street’

WASHINGTON, DC -The National Retail Federation has recognized Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) as a 2024 “Hero of Main Street” for her work in the U.S. House of Representatives to support local retailers and help small businesses create jobs in their communities. The retail industry is the largest private-sector employer in the United States, directly supporting more than 835,000 jobs in Virginia and contributing more than $53.8 billion to the Commonwealth’s economy.

“I am honored to be named a ‘Hero of Main Street’…! Local retailers are a big part of the small businesses community that keeps Southeast Virginia thriving,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “There are close to 11,000 retail establishments in Hampton Roads alone, supporting more than 120,000 jobs. I will continue to do everything I can to help these small businesses cut through the government’s red tape and ensure they have the tools they need to succeed and keep the American Dream alive.”

“The retail industry directly impacts every congressional district in the United States, providing goods, services and American jobs,” said NRF Executive Vice President of Government Relations David French. “NRF is honored to recognize Congresswoman Kiggans as a ‘Hero of Main Street’ for her continued support of the retail industry through legislative action and leadership.”

The “Hero of Main Street” award was created by NRF in 2013 to recognize a bipartisan group of lawmakers for their 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. Congresswoman Kiggans has supported numerous policies that support local retailers in Virginia, including:

• Cosponsoring H.R. 895, the Combat Organized Retail Crime Act of 2023
• Voting for H.R. 7204, the Tax Relief for Working Families and Small Businesses Act
• Cosponsoring H.R. 1581, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act
• Introduced H.R. 5147, the Investing in VETS Act
• Voting for H.R. 1548, the Improving Access to Small Business Information Act
• Leading the effort to ensure pro-small business tax provisions are included in any end-of-year legislative package