Tom Suozzi becomes first Democratic member of Congress to receive U.S. Chamber’s Advocate for American Business Award

Glen Cove, New York – Congressman Tom Suozzi of New York’s 3rd Congressional District has been recognized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce with its “Advocate for American Business” Award, becoming the first Democratic member of Congress to receive the honor during the organization’s national Free Enterprise Express Opportunity Tour.

The award was presented to Suozzi during a stop of the Chamber’s six-week tour at Standard Bots, a Glen Cove company focused on industrial robotics. U.S. Chamber Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer Neil Bradley presented the award, citing Suozzi’s bipartisan approach to governing and his work on issues affecting American families, workers and businesses.

The recognition also highlighted Suozzi’s role as Democratic Co-Chair of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus. The Chamber pointed to his work on affordability, immigration reform and other economic issues as reasons for honoring him.

Suozzi’s selection is notable because he is the first Democratic member of Congress to receive the award as part of the Chamber’s national Opportunity Tour. The organization has used the tour to spotlight businesses and communities that it says demonstrate the importance of entrepreneurship, innovation and economic growth.

“The U.S. Chamber is proud to recognize Rep. Tom Suozzi as the first Democratic Member of Congress to receive this award on the Free Enterprise Bus Tour. Rep. Suozzi has been a steadfast defender of free market capitalism and his approach to policy prioritizes real solutions for American families and businesses. We look forward to continuing to work with him to advance free enterprise policies that allow businesses, workers, and communities to grow and thrive,” said Bradley.

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The ceremony took place at Standard Bots, giving the event a direct connection to the business themes emphasized by the Chamber. The Glen Cove company designs and assembles industrial robotic arms in the United States and has become an example of the type of manufacturing and technology-driven business the tour is visiting.

For the Chamber, Standard Bots represents several of the issues at the center of its nationwide campaign, including American manufacturing, investment, technological development and job creation. The company is part of a growing robotics industry that is changing the way manufacturers approach production while also creating demand for workers with specialized skills.

Suozzi said the award and the visit by the Free Enterprise Express provided an opportunity to emphasize the importance of cooperation between Democrats and Republicans on economic issues.

“I want to thank the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for this recognition and for bringing the Free Enterprise Express here to Glen Cove,” said Suozzi. I’ve always believed that the best way to grow our economy is to give people the opportunity to work hard, build something, create jobs, and succeed. Companies like Standard Bots are doing exactly that right here on Long Island. We need to work together — Democrats and Republicans — to bring down costs, support our small and growing businesses, and create an environment where American innovation can thrive. That’s how we grow our economy, create opportunity, and keep the American Dream alive for the next generation.”

Standard Bots co-founder and CEO Evan Beard also welcomed Suozzi and Chamber officials to the company’s facility. Beard said the United States has an opportunity to strengthen its position in advanced manufacturing and robotics by supporting innovation and investment.

“We’re proud to welcome Congressman Suozzi and the U.S. Chamber’s Free Enterprise Express to Standard Bots here in Glen Cove,” said Evan Beard, Co-Founder and CEO of Standard Bots. “We believe America can and should lead the world in advanced manufacturing and robotics. By encouraging innovation, investment, and entrepreneurship, we can build many more things in America, create good jobs, and compete globally.”

The Chamber also pointed to several areas of Suozzi’s congressional work when announcing the recognition. Those included his leadership of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, his five-point affordability plan and his involvement with the Promise to America. His efforts to advance bipartisan immigration reform were also included among the issues cited by the organization.

The award comes as the Chamber continues its Free Enterprise Express Opportunity Tour across the United States. The tour is scheduled to travel through 20 states over six weeks, with more than 50 events planned along the way.

At each stop, the Chamber is highlighting local companies, employers, workers and community leaders. The organization says the goal is to show how businesses and entrepreneurs contribute to local economies and create opportunities for workers.

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The tour is part of the U.S. Chamber’s broader New Fight for Free Enterprise, a multi-year initiative focused on promoting free enterprise and drawing attention to businesses and entrepreneurs around the country.

The Glen Cove stop brought that national effort to Long Island, where Standard Bots provided a local example of the type of company the Chamber wants to showcase. Its focus on American-made industrial robotics placed manufacturing, innovation and job creation at the center of the event.

For Suozzi, the recognition also put attention on his efforts to work across party lines on economic issues. The event brought together a Democratic member of Congress, a national business organization and a local technology company around discussions of affordability, entrepreneurship, manufacturing and economic opportunity.

The Chamber’s tour will continue through additional states and communities in the coming weeks, with events designed to highlight local businesses and the people behind them. The organization says those stops are intended to demonstrate the role that competition, innovation and entrepreneurship can play in supporting economic growth and creating jobs.