MONTPELIER, Vt. – The National Retail Federation today presented Vermont Congressman Peter Welch with the association’s “Champion of Main Street” award during a ceremony with the Vermont Retail & Grocers Association.
“Congressman Welch is among the retail industry’s strongest advocates, affecting positive change for local businesses and his constituents alike,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “As a fierce proponent of swipe fee transparency and credit card competition, NRF is proud to recognize his leadership through the 2022 ‘Champion of Main Street’ Award.”
Last month, Welch introduced the Credit Card Competition Act in the House. Competition over the processing of credit card transactions could save retailers and their customers at least $11 billion a year, according to payments consulting firm CMSPI.
Welch is among the 21 members of the House and Senate honored by NRF as a “Champion of Main Street” for leading the way on issues of significant importance for the retail industry.
The awardees were chosen for their leadership on policies that help retailers and entrepreneurs create jobs in their communities and encourage a vibrant, sustained and healthy retail sector. NRF recognized the honorees during the Retail Advocates Summit, the retail industry’s premier advocacy event held this summer in Washington, D.C.
About NRF
The National Retail Federation, the world’s largest retail trade association, passionately advocates for the people, brands, policies and ideas that help retail thrive. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C., NRF empowers the industry that powers the economy. Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, contributing $3.9 trillion to annual GDP and supporting one in four U.S. jobs – 52 million working Americans. For over a century, NRF has been a voice for every retailer and every retail job, educating, inspiring and communicating the powerful impact retail has on local communities and global economies. NRF.com
