The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today honored Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) with its annual Spirit of Enterprise Award, given in recognition of his support for pro-growth policies in the first session of the 115th Congress. Gottheimer was joined by Fifth District business leaders and leaders of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, the Paramus Chamber of Commerce, the Maywood Chamber of Commerce, and the Wyckoff Chamber of Commerce.

Gottheimer is one of only thirteen Democrats in the House of Representatives to receive the Chamber’s award. Gottheimer with both sides of the aisle to advance pro-growth policies as Co-Chair of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, made up of 24 Democrats and 24 Republicans working to get to “yes” on issues that affect all Americans. Gottheimer is consistently ranked as one of the most bipartisan members of Congress, as recently announced by the Lugar Center and Quorum.

“I’m proud of my work to lower taxes, cut red tape, support our workers, invest in our crumbling infrastructure, and fight for a better return on the tax dollars we already send to Washington. It’s an honor to receive the Spirit of Enterprise Award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which, for more than a hundred years, has been a voice for economic growth and a champion for opportunity and prosperity for Americans and businesses of all sizes,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “While I work hard to advocate for pro-growth, pro-jobs policies, I want to recognize and thank the real job creators: North Jersey businesses that choose to invest in our state and our workers.”

“It’s a good time to be doing business in America, thanks to a slate of legislative accomplishments that laid the groundwork for more economic growth and job creation,” said Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “These efforts to advance commonsense, growth-oriented legislation will help Main Street American businesses thrive. We commend Congressman Gottheimer for his commitment to promoting and protecting American free enterprise and economic prosperity.”

“It is my pleasure and honor to give this great award to Congressman Gottheimer,” said Tom Bracken, the President of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce. “I knew him long before he was a candidate. We had many conversations about what I thought the state needed. I can tell you that everything we talked about, Josh has implemented. He is a great representative for our state.”

“The New Jersey Realtors understand Josh Gottheimer because he understands our need for home ownership and how home ownership matters. It is the American Dream,” said Randy Lyn Ketive of the REALTORS.

“When you talk to Josh and he talks about ‘We,’ he is talking about the constituents and the businesses not only in his District, but in our entire state. And when he talks about ‘They,’ he’s talking about the other politicians playing partisan politics.” said Craig Kunisch, owner of the Mahwah Bar and Grill and Allendale Bar and Grill and Chairman of the New Jersey Restaurant and Hospitality Association. “The future is a lot brighter with someone like Josh Gottheimer fighting for us and for our small businesses.”

“I will echo the sentiments of my previous speakers here in saying that I look forward to working with you and growing, and we appreciate your support,” said Mary Adams, President of Ridgewood firm ECG.

Below: Congressman Josh Gottheimer receives the Spirit of Enterprise Award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.