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Press Releases

EL DORADO – U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) today joined local restaurant owners at Griffin Restaurant in El Dorado for a roundtable discussion hosted by the Arkansas Hospitality Association and the National Restaurant Association before touring downtown El Dorado and the Murphy Arts District Music Venue.

 “This roundtable discussion was an opportunity to sit down and listen to the folks who are on the front lines of economic activity in their community,” Boozman said. “Hearing about their experiences and concerns provides me with valuable insight as I seek to promote policies that will help businesses like theirs grow and succeed. We’ve made great progress already by lowering taxes and eliminating burdensome, costly regulations which are helping to improve the climate for business, but we’re going to keep looking for ways to help them thrive.”

“It was an honor having Senator Boozman join us today to discuss the key issues facing Arkansas’ hospitality industry. Opportunities like this provide local hospitality owners and employees a chance to voice concerns or support for what is happening in Washington, D.C. We applaud the Senator for his commitment to addressing policies such as healthcare, tax reform, and burdensome regulations which have a huge impact on the success of thousands of Arkansas restaurants and hotels,” said Montine McNulty, Executive Director of Arkansas Hospitality Association.

Arkansas is home to 5,054 eating and drinking establishments, employing more than 93,300 individuals. The industry is expected to generate $4.4 billion in sales this year. There are more than 42,760 hospitality jobs in Arkansas at over 80 properties. Hotels contributed $2.5 billion to the state last year. 

Boozman also toured the city’s downtown and saw the revitalization that is underway, thanks in part to the development of the Murphy Arts District that is already becoming a hub for entertainment and tourism. 

“Seeing the growth and progress that’s happening in El Dorado is exciting and it’s something this community can be extremely proud of,” Boozman said. “Creating the venue and space for concerts, festivals, dining, art exhibits and everything else that’s planned is already proving to have been a wise investment that is helping breathe new life into El Dorado. I congratulate all involved on the progress that’s been made thus far and what’s to come.”