Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Kay R. Hagan (NC) today, in the middle of National Small Business Week, was honored with the Small Business Council of America's 2012 Congressional Award. Senator Hagan, a member of the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, was recognized for her significant efforts on behalf of small businesses.

"I'm honored to receive this award for my work supporting small businesses in North Carolina and around the country," said Senator Hagan. "Small businesses are the engine of our state's economy, representing more than 98 percent of North Carolina's private sector employers and nearly half of our state's jobs. I will continue working to ensures small businesses can expand and create jobs."

"On behalf of the Small Business Council of America, I am honored to present Senator Kay Hagan with the Small Business Council of America's 2012 Congressional Award," said Paula Calimafde, Chair of the Small Business Council of America. "We are proud to present this award to Senator Hagan for her significant efforts on behalf of small businesses across the country. We acknowledge her dedication to small business and her understanding of the economic, tax and employee benefit problems facing small businesses today."