Duncan Named Top Champion of Rural America

WASHINGTON – The National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) named Congressman John J. Duncan, Jr. (R-Tenn.) the 2013 Legislator of the Year in a ceremony in Washington Wednesday saluting the lawmaker’s efforts defending and championing rural America.

The honor is bestowed on only one legislator in the 435-member U.S. House of Representatives and 100-member U.S. Senate each year.

NADO advocates economic development and quality of life in small towns and rural areas across the U.S.

“I have always rooted for the little guy or the underdog in life. It is very important to stand up for small towns and rural areas because they do not have huge staffs like big cities do and often get short changed,” Duncan said.  

“NADO is devoted to helping small communities across the Country get grants and federal funding for improvement. This work brings more opportunities to these areas and helps stem population loss in rural America,” Duncan continued.

East Tennessee Development District Executive Director Terry Bobrowski said, “Throughout his career in Congress, Rep. Duncan has been a tireless supporter of rural communities, not just in Tennessee, but across the Nation. He recognizes the importance of Economic Development Administration funds for planning and infrastructure and understands the immense impact these grants can have on a rural community.”  

Congressman Duncan has been named top legislator in the U.S. House by other organizations in the past, including: the International Association of Firefighters; Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association; Appalachian Regional Commission; American Society of Radiologic Technologists; American Bus Association; and Waterways Council, Inc.