New York State Assembly

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) today recognized Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb (R,C,I-Canandaigua) with the 2014 "Guardian Award" - the organization's highest honor. The Guardian Award is presented to elected officials who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to New York State's small business owners.

"I am profoundly honored to receive such a distinguished award from NFIB. I want to thank NFIB and New York State Director Mike Durant for their tireless efforts on behalf of the small business owners who create jobs, sustain communities and allow our state to thrive. As the only legislative leader who has owned and run a business, I know that small businesses are the foundation of our state's economy and need our help," Leader Kolb said.

Leader Kolb was one of only five legislators in Albany to receive the Guardian Award. This is the sixth time he has earned NFIB's top honor. In addition, Leader Kolb recently received a perfect score of 100 on NFIB's legislative scorecard, which rates lawmakers on their support for tax-cutting, job-creating proposals. Leader Kolb earned a ranking of 89 in Unshackle Upstate's legislative rankings - making him the highest-ranked legislative leader in Albany in both reports.

"Assembly Leader Kolb has consistently demonstrated that he is willing to fight for New York's small business owners. I am proud to present him with the NFIB Guardian Award. His support and hard work for main-street employers has been exemplary and we look forward to continuing our efforts on behalf of small business in this state," said Mike Durant, NFIB/NY State Director.