Congressman Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph) was honored this morning by the Kalamazoo Regional Chamber of Commerce for his continued leadership in standing up for Michigan businesses. Kalamazoo Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Steward Sandstrom presented Upton with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s prestigious Spirit of Enterprise Award for his strong support of a pro-growth, pro-jobs legislative agenda in the first session of the 112th Congress.  Among other issues, Upton was recognized for his support for an “all of the above” energy policy that puts a premium on North American energy production; efforts to protect local businesses from costly new regulations and mandates, including under the President’s controversial healthcare law; and support for new trade agreements that benefit Michigan manufacturers and farmers.

“Congressman Upton has a proven track-record of job-creation and standing up for small businesses,” said Steward Sandstrom, CCE, president and CEO of the Kalamazoo Regional Chamber of Commerce. “It is an honor to present him with this prestigious award to recognize his steadfast commitment to removing the unnecessary burdens and obstacles to growth.”

“Small businesses are leading the way for job creation, innovation, and growth here in Southwest Michigan and across the country,” said Upton.  “From the family-owned farm to our area’s largest manufacturers, our employers are ready to grow and hire, they just need the certainty and opportunity to do so.  Rather than burdening our job creators with higher costs and new regulations, it is time to let them do what they do best and accelerate our economic recovery.”

The Chamber annually awards the Spirit of Enterprise Award to Members of Congress based on key business issues outlined in its annual publication How They Voted.  Upton scored 100 percent with the Chamber last year and holds a 93 percent cumulative ranking for his tenure in Congress.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.  The Kalamazoo Regional Chamber of Commerce is the largest business organization in Kalamazoo County, with nearly 1,800 member companies that employ close to 70,000 people.