The National Federation of Independent Business, Georgia’s leading small business association, has presented state Sen. Preston Smith, R-Rome, with a 2009 Guardian of Small Business award.

Sen. Smith was first elected in 2002. He represents Georgia’s 52nd Senate District, which is comprised of Floyd and parts of Bartow and Gordon counties. He chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee and sits on the appropriations, health and human services, rules and reapportionment and redistricting committees.

The Guardian of Small Business award is the most prestigious honor that NFIB bestows on legislators in recognition of their efforts to support small business issues. NFIB/Georgia’s Leadership Council voted to honor Sen. Smith for his work in the Georgia Legislature.

Throughout his tenure in the senate, he has earned a 100 percent NFIB voting record for supporting small businesses on key legislative issues. This session, Sen. Smith sponsored a resolution urging Georgia’s congressional delegation to vote against the so-called Employee Free Choice Act.

The federal legislation would make it easier for labor unions to organize by allowing them to bypass secret ballots in favor of a very intimidating public process called “card check.” Once a majority of employees sign cards, a workplace would be unionized.

“Small business is the lifeblood of Georgia’s economy, and Preston Smith understands that,” said David Raynor, state director of NFIB/Georgia, the state’s largest small business association. “Small business is fortunate to have strong defenders such as Sen. Smith in the General Assembly, and we’re pleased to recognize his efforts by presenting him with the Guardian of Small Business award.”