Heating, Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International has recognized Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), Rep. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) and Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) with the HARDI Small Business Champion Award.

The award is given to elected officials who promote and protect the interests of small businesses, which represent more than 80 percent of HARDI wholesalers.

“As a former businessman and mayor, I know firsthand how small businesses fuel economic development and create good-paying jobs, and I appreciate HARDI for the work it does to advocate for the interests of its members,” Corker said.

Rodgers explained that small businesses are the foundation of the U.S. economy, adding that there’s still much to be done about the regulations and tax burdens those businesses face.

“I am grateful to be recognized as a HARDI Small Business Champion and appreciate all of the work HARDI does to promote policies that strengthen small businesses in eastern Washington,” Rodgers said. “I will continue to do my part to support our hardworking men and women, and to unleash our economy, so that our small businesses can thrive.”

Sinema said she was honored to be recognized by HARDI for her work supporting small businesses in Arizona.

“I’ll continue working with HARDI and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to create good-paying jobs, strengthen our economy and ensure businesses have every chance to succeed,” Sinema said.

HARDI members including Spokane, Washington-based Airefco and Geary Pacific Supply Co., thanked the members of Congress for their continued efforts in helping small businesses.