June 25, 2013

WV retailers honor Rockefeller, Manchin for Marketplace Fairness | State Journal

Sens. Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin, both D-W.Va., were ardent supporters of the Marketplace Fairness Act.

And to show their gratitude, the West Virginia Retailers Association and national Retail Federation have recognized the two senators as Heroes of Main Street.

"Sen. Rockefeller and Sen. Manchin are true heroes for the retailing community in West Virginia and across the country," said Bridget Lambert, president of the West Virginia Retailers Association. "Their support of the Marketplace Fairness Act — legislation that seeks to level the playing field between online and local retailers — exhibits a commitment to policies that support the growth of West Virginia's thriving Main Street merchants."

The Heroes of Main Street award was created this year by the National Retail Federation to recognize members of Congress for supporting the retail industry's public policy priorities. Those awarded have publicly supported the policies and initiatives defined by NRF that recognize the contributions of the retail industry and have worked to encourage a healthy retail sector.

In addition to the Marketplace Fairness Act, Lambert said the West Virginia Retailers Association has identified sales tax fairness, or e-fairness, as a priority.

"We are also thankful for the efforts of Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin and the West Virginia Legislature for working a bipartisan way to pass House Bill 2754, a bill to require online-only retailers to adhere to the exact same tax policy that West Virginia retailers comply with every day, in the 2013 legislative session," Lambert said.

The Heroes of Main Street awards were announced in conjunction with National Small Business Week.