The state’s major small business organization, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), recently presented Senator Julia Coleman (R-Waconia) with the prestigious Guardian of Small Business Award. 

“Now more than ever, Main Street needs strong advocates in the Minnesota Legislature, and they have one in Senator Julia Coleman,” said John Reynolds, NFIB Minnesota State Director. “Julia earned the NFIB Guardian of Small Business Award by working tirelessly for small business over the last two years.” 

Senator Coleman earned the NFIB Guardian of Small Business Award with a 100% score on the NFIB Minnesota Voting Record for 2021-22.

“Minnesota small business owners are resilient, and I am always so inspired by their work and dedication to their local communities,” said Senator Coleman. “It is a great privilege to receive the NFIB’s Guardian of Small Business Award, and I will continue stand up for policies that support Minnesota’s many small businesses and entrepreneurs.”

The Guardian of Small Business Award is reserved for legislators who vote consistently with small business on the key issues identified by small business owners. Minnesota lawmakers who voted with small business on key issues 80% or more of the time during the 2021-22 legislative session earned the NFIB Guardian of Small Business Award.

Lawmakers are informed prior to Key Votes of consensus positions developed through NFIB’s one member, one vote policy and asked to support the priorities of small business with their vote. Key Votes are recorded in the biennial NFIB Minnesota Voting Record and distributed to the more than 10,000 small businesses that belong to NFIB here.