WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) was awarded the National Retail Federation’s 2024 “Champion of Main Street” award for his leadership on legislative policies that foster growth and innovation in the retail industry, including the Credit Card Competition Act.  

“When our Main Streets are successful, our communities are successful. It’s important our retailers and merchants are supported with policies that promote competition, lower costs, and expand opportunities for growth—that’s how we’ll continue to support healthy local economies,” said Senator Welch. “I’m grateful to accept this award and have the opportunity to engage with Vermont’s retailers about how Congress can better support small businesses and this industry in the Green Mountain State and across the country.” 

Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, driving the U.S. economy and supporting more than one in four U.S. jobs nationwide. In Vermont, retail directly supports more than 66,000 jobs and contributes more than $9.2 billion in economic activity.  

Sixteen members of the House and Senate were honored by the National Retail Federation (NRF) as a ‘Champion of Main Street’ during the 2024 Retail Advocates Summit, the retail industry’s advocacy event in Washington, D.C.  

“Retailers are the fabric of American communities,” said NRF Executive Vice President of Government Relations David French. “NRF is proud to recognize Senator Welch as a ‘Champion of Main Street’ for his leadership on Capitol Hill to champion legislation that will help the retail industry succeed.” 

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