Portland, OR – August 23, 2016 – U.S. Congressman Kurt Schrader (D-OR) visited the Hilton Portland & Executive Tower today as part of the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s (AH&LA) “Heart of the House” hotel tour program, which emphasizes the important role the hotel industry plays in supporting job growth, economic opportunities and community development in the Portland area and across the country.

Oregon generates nearly $350 million dollars in tax revenue and plays a vital role in strengthening the state’s economy. As a former small business owner and former member of the House Small Business Committee, Representative Schrader is dedicated to creating and expanding jobs for small businesses, which represent nearly half of the hotel industry and are a strong segment of the economy in the Beaver State. Review the facts and figures on how Oregon contributes to the economy here. 

“Job opportunity and growth are the economic backbone of America,” said Congressman Schrader. “With the Hilton Portland & Executive Tower situated in the heart of Portland, attracting local business and visitors alike, I am thankful for the experience to see firsthand how hotels play a key role in driving economic opportunities while creating long-term careers right here in this city and around the country.”

Today’s tour was led by the Hilton Portland & Executive Tower’s General Manager, Eric Walters, and was accompanied by AH&LA’s Vice President of Government Affairs, Craig Kalkut. 

“We are thrilled to show Congressman Schrader the work that goes on at the Hilton Portland & Executive Tower and our pride in being a part of the Portland community,” said Eric Walters, General Manager of the hotel. “Our standards are set high every day to ensure our service and accommodations meet and exceed our guests’ expectations and more importantly providing that same level of high standards for our employees, the real heart of our industry” 

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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American Hotel & Lodging Association
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. 

About Hilton
Hilton is a leading global hospitality company, comprising more than 4,700 managed, franchised, owned and leased hotels and timeshare properties with over 775,000 rooms in 104 countries and territories. For 97 years, Hilton has been dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences. The company's portfolio of 13 world-class global brands includes Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Canopy by Hilton, Curio - A Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton by Hilton, Tru by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages an award-winning customer loyalty program, Hilton HHonors®. Hilton HHonors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to benefits including an exclusive member discount, free standard Wi-Fi, as well as digital amenities that are available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton HHonors app, where Hilton HHonors members can check-in, choose their room, and access their room using a Digital Key.