Orange Beach, AL – May 6, 2016 – U.S. Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) today toured the Perdido Beach Resort as a part of an AH&LA-hosted “Heart of the House” hotel tour program. The program aims to connect members of Congress with local hoteliers and their employees, helping to build those personal relationships and allowing congressional leaders to hear from employees directly on how the hotel industry fosters job creation, economic growth and community development.

The hotel industry strengthens the economy of Alabama, generating $432 million in tax revenue for state and local governments. Additionally, many of Alabama’s properties are small businesses, a segment of the economy responsible for nearly half of jobs in the state. Review the facts and figures on how Alabama contributes to local jobs and the economy here.

“The employees at the Perdido Beach Resort work so hard to provide quality customer service to thousands of guests every year, many of whom are veterans or active duty service members and their families,” said Congressman Byrne. “It’s great to hear more about how the Perdido Beach Resort supports our strong sense of community by partnering with local organizations and contributing to the region’s economic development and job creation through tourism promotion and guest attractions.”

“The Perdido Beach Resort is truly a special place,” said Groux. “As the largest privately owned and operated Orange Beach, Alabama hotel, we welcome the opportunity to share our great story and the story of growth and success of this industry.”

The tour was led by Perdido Beach Resort Assistant General Manager, Karl Groux, who was accompanied by Mindy Hanan, President of the Alabama Restaurant & Hospitality Alliance. On the tour, Congressman Byrne saw first-hand how federal policies in Washington, D.C. impact Alabama’s First Congressional District within the hospitality industry.

The American Hotel & Lodging Association (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 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 1.9 million-employee U.S. lodging industry, including hotel owners, REITs, chains, franchisees, management companies, independent properties, 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 53,000 properties generating $176 billion in annual sales from 5 million guestrooms.