Congressman Ciscomani Main Street Hero

'Businesses throughout our communities have faced the growing burden of organized retail crime, making it clear that a bipartisan solution was needed to make a positive change across Arizona’s Sixth District.'


Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Juan Ciscomani’s outstanding leadership and tireless advocacy for the retail industry and small business has earned him the 2026 Hero of Main Street Award from the National Retail Federation.


The congressman accepted the award on Tuesday at the Federation’s Retail Advocates Summit in Washington, D.C.


"I’m incredibly honored to receive the 2026 Hero of Main Street Award from the National Retail Federation, the world’s largest retail trade association," said Rep. Juan Ciscomani. "Businesses throughout our communities have faced the growing burden of organized retail crime, making it clear that a bipartisan solution was needed to make a positive change across Arizona’s Sixth District. These criminal organizations are not only harming small businesses and retailers, but they are also putting American consumers at risk of violence and fraud. The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025 provides concrete solutions to combat these crimes, which often fuel other illicit activities, including drug and human trafficking."


Congressman Ciscomani earned the recognition in part for his leadership as an original cosponsor of the bipartisan Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025 (H.R. 2853).

The legislation would:


Strengthen law enforcement’s ability to investigate and prosecute organized retail crime.

Expand federal tools to combat money laundering and interstate retail theft operations.

Establish a coordination center within the Department of Homeland Security to improve collaboration against organized retail and supply chain crime.


According to the Federation’s website, the award recognizes "members of Congress for consistent support of the retail industry’s public policy priorities" and who support policies and initiatives "that recognize the important contributions of the retail industry and have worked to encourage a vibrant, sustained and healthy retail sector."

Since taking office in 2023, Representative Ciscomani has prioritized supporting Arizona’s small businesses and protecting Main Street in Congress. In addition to cosponsoring the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, he has cosponsored six other bills for America’s small businesses. He remains committed to advancing policies that strengthen local retailers and promote economic opportunity for hardworking men and women.


Local leaders thanked Rep. Ciscomani for his continued work for small businesses throughout Arizona's Sixth Congressional District.

"Congressman Ciscomani has consistently made an effort to engage with Arizona’s business community and hear directly from employers about the opportunities and challenges they face," said Kristen Sharp, President and CEO of Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce. "We appreciate his willingness to participate in local business discussions and congratulate him on being recognized by the National Retail Federation with its Hero of Main Street Award."



"As a small business owner here in southern Arizona, I am grateful for Congressman Ciscomani’s strong advocacy for small business," said Josh Jacobsen, restaurant owner and co-founder of the Tucson Crime Free Coalition. "Juan has proven time and time again that he will fight to ensure small businesses have the resources and tools they need to thrive. He has our back and we know he’s there for us when we need him. I want to thank Congressman Ciscomani for leading the effort of protecting small business and look forward to seeing the positive impact of legislation like the Combating Organ


September 9, 2026
Programs help students build skills, explore careers, and prepare for the future PHOENIX — Across Southwest Gas’ service territory in Arizona, the company and the Southwest Gas Foundation are partnering with schools, colleges, and nonprofit organizations to support students through essential resources, hands-on learning, safety education, mentorship, scholarships, and career training. “Our employees live and work in the communities we serve, so supporting local schools and programs is personal to us,” said Justin Brown, President and CEO of Southwest Gas. “By working alongside trusted partners, we can help students feel better prepared, explore their interests, and see greater possibilities for their future.” Programs and partnerships across Southwest Gas’ service territory in Arizona include: · Arizona Educational Foundation’s (AEF) teachSTEM Program Since 2024, the Southwest Gas Foundation has supported the AEF’s teachSTEM program. The program provides educators with hands-on STEM training, resources, and mentorship, while inspiring students to explore and pursue STEM careers. The program has reached more than 5,000 students, 78% of whom attend Title I schools. · Energy Safe Kids with the National Energy Foundation (NEF) For nearly 30 years, Southwest Gas has partnered with the NEF to promote energy education and safety awareness in schools. Through the Energy Safe Kids program, elementary and middle school teachers receive curriculum that helps students recognize and respond to a suspected natural gas leak, identify natural gas appliances and pipeline markers, and understand the importance of calling 811 before digging. Last year, 130 schools throughout Southwest Gas’ service territory used the program. · Girls in STEM at the Arizona Science Center The Southwest Gas Foundation has supported the Arizona Science Center’s Girls in STEM program since 2021. This initiative introduces girls in grades 4-8 to science and engineering through hands-on activities and mentorship. These experiences help students explore STEM concepts and envision careers in the field. · Natural Gas Program at Estrella Mountain Community College Southwest Gas partners with Estrella Mountain Community College on a hands-on Natural Gas Program that introduces students to careers in the utility and construction industries. Courses taught by current Southwest Gas employees provide experience with tools and safety practices used in the field. · Share the Spirit Shoes for Kids With the support of a $5,000 contribution from the Southwest Gas Foundation, Southwest Gas employees partnered with the Share the Spirit Foundation to provide 90 students from Title I schools with new shoes and socks during the Shoes for Kids event on August 28. As part of the Company’s volunteer program BLUE (Building Lives Up Everywhere), Southwest Gas employees served as personal shoppers, helping the students select new shoes that fit comfortably and help boost their confidence as they begin the school year. · Summer Internship Program Southwest Gas offers a paid Summer Internship Program for currently enrolled college and university students across the U.S. The 10-week program offers hands-on experience and professional development opportunities across a variety of business functions. Applications are open from January through April, with the program starting in June. Last year, more than 2,900 students from across the country applied for the internship program. Together, these collaborative efforts help open doors for opportunity and reflect Southwest Gas’ long-standing commitment to enriching lives and strengthening communities. For more information about Southwest Gas and its community partnerships, visit www.swgas.com/community. About Southwest Gas Southwest Gas Corporation is a dynamic energy company committed to exceeding the expectations of our over two million customers throughout Arizona, California, and Nevada by providing safe, reliable, and affordable service while pursuing innovative sustainable energy solutions to fuel the growth in its communities. For more information about how Southwest Gas is supporting a sustainable energy future, please visit www.swgas.com. About The Southwest Gas Foundation The Southwest Gas Foundation has spent six decades partnering with 501(c)(3) organizations to open doors of opportunities, provide support in times of need, and create a legacy of impact that benefits generations to come. Funded by shareholders, the Foundation is committed to enriching lives and strengthening communities. For more information, please visit www.swgas.com/community.
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