The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has named U.S. Rep. Howard Coble a Guardian of Small Business for his outstanding voting record on behalf of America's small-business owners in the 112th Congress.

NFIB President and CEO Dan Danner praised Coble for "standing for small business" in presenting the group's coveted Guardian of Small Business Award to him.

"Small business owners pay close attention to how their lawmakers vote on the issues affecting their businesses and employees and stand by those who stand for them," Danner said. "The record shows that Rep. Coble is a true champion of small business, having stood strong on the key small-business votes in the 112th Congress. This award reflects our members' appreciation for supporting the NFIB pro-growth agenda for small business."

In all, NFIB will present Guardian awards to 245 representatives who voted favorably on key small business issues at least 70 percent of the time during the 112th Congress.

NFIB is the nation's leading small business association, with offices in Washington, D.C., and all 50 state capitals.

Founded in 1943 as a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, NFIB gives small and independent business owners a voice in shaping the public policy issues that affect their business.