U.S. Sen. Michael B. Enzi named Franchise Legislator of the Year.

The International Franchise Association selected U.S. Senator Michael B. Enzi of Wyoming as its 2007 Legislator of the Year for his leadership in Congress on behalf of the franchised small-business community. Sen. Enzi was honored during the association's Eighth Annual Franchise Appreciation

Honoring Sen. Michael Enzi (R-Wyo.) were hundreds of franchisors, franchisees and suppliers who have came to Washington for the association's legislative conference and meetings with lawmakers.

Enzi was sworn in as Wyoming's 20th U.S. senator in January 1997. During his two terms in the Senate, he has contributed to bipartisan solutions on a wide range of issues such as Medicare system reform, educational reform and legislation tied to the Sept. 11 attacks. In 2005, the senator assumed the post of chairman on the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, where he forged an important compromise on small-business health plan legislation.

Enzi has the distinction of being the Senate's only accountant by profession, and he is also a former small-business owner. His work on behalf of the small-business community on critical issues such as promoting health-insurance reform and defeating legislation to facilitate union-organizing tactics was praised by the franchise association.

"The franchising community is fortunate for Senator Enzi's dedication and his vigilance," said IFA Chairman Michael M. Isakson. "His leadership in defeating the radical card check bill helped preserve freedom in the workplace and uphold the tenets of American democracy."

The IFA Legislator of the Year Award is presented annually to a member of Congress who has promoted legislation that protects, enhances and promotes franchising. Franchise Appreciation Day is supported by founding sponsor ADP Small Business Services.

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