PHOTO: Ricketts Named ‘Hero of Main Street’ By National Retail Federation

July 29, 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) announced hewas named a 2024 “Hero of Main Street” by the National Retail Federation (NRF) for his work advancing public policy that encourages a vibrant and healthy retail sector. The award recognized a bipartisan group of lawmakers for their support of the retail industry through legislative action and leadership.

“I’m honored to be recognized as a Hero of Main Street,” Ricketts said. “Small businesses are critical to the economic vitality of communities across Nebraska. I’m committed to pro-growth policies that will enable Nebraska retailers and their teammates to thrive.”

“The retail industry directly impacts every congressional district in the United States, providing goods, services and American jobs,” NRF Executive Vice President of Government Relations David French said. “NRF is honored to recognize Senator Ricketts as a ‘Hero of Main Street’ for his continued support of the retail industry through legislative action and leadership.”

Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, contributing $5.3 trillion to annual GDP and supporting more than one in four U.S. jobs — 55 million working Americans. In Nebraska, retail supports more than 342,000 jobs with a $30.1 Billion impact on GDP. The overwhelming majority of retailers are small businesses. More than 98% of all retail companies employ fewer than 50 people.