Georgetown, Texas – August 23, 2016 – Congressman John Carter (R-TX-31) toured the Sheraton Georgetown Texas Hotel & Conference Center today as part of a “Heart of the House” hotel tour program hosted by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA). The “Heart of the House” program links hotels across the United States with members of Congress from their districts to discuss how the industry provides a pathway for upward mobility, offers long-term career opportunities, and contributes to the local community. 

Texas generates nearly four billion dollars in tax revenue and plays a vital role in strengthening the state’s economy. As a popular tourist destination, the Lone Star State provided 112,373 lodging jobs in 2014 and many of its properties are small businesses, a segment of the economy responsible for 45% of jobs in the state. Review the facts and figures on how Texas contributes to the economy and local job by clicking here. 

“America has one of the strongest economies in the world, and Texas has one of the strongest economies across our great nation. I am committed to ensuring that we maintain and improve on these strengths by supporting an entrepreneurial spirit in Congress,” said Congressman John Carter. “I appreciate the opportunity to see firsthand how the hotel industry opens doors to employees to help them achieve the American Dream. This industry not only brings numerous jobs for local hardworking residents, but also helps boost our economy and overall community development.” 

Today’s tour was led by the Sheraton Georgetown Texas Hotel & Conference Center’s General Manager, Rita Healy, and was accompanied by AH&LA’s Government Affairs Coordinator, Jaymes Best, and Texas Hotel & Lodging Association’s Brian Sullivan and Carolyn McCall-Squires. 

“My hotel staff and I enjoyed showcasing the Sheraton Georgetown and the inner workings of the hotel industry,” said the hotel’s General Manager, Rita Healy. “Hospitality is the heart of this industry and the backbone of our business model here at the Sheraton Georgetown Texas Hotel & Conference Center. As a hotel that caters to major business meetings as well as tourists, the Sheraton Georgetown demonstrates the scope and various avenues this industry offers for employees to succeed and for guests to get the accommodations they want and need.” 
 

AH&LA engages with members of Congress on the “Heart of the House” hotel tours to provide an in-depth look at the career opportunities available as well as the economic and community impact of the lodging industry.
 

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Serving the hospitality industry for more than a century, the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) is the sole national association representing all segments of the 2 million-employee U.S. lodging industry, including hotel owners, REITs, chains, franchisees, management companies, independent properties, bed and breakfasts, state hotel associations, and industry suppliers. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AH&LA provides focused advocacy, communications support, and educational resources for an industry of more than 54,000 properties generating $176 billion in annual sales from 5 million guestrooms.