Laverty Appointed Subcommittee Leader - Arkansas Hospitality Association
January 2003

www.arhospitality.com

We have great news for the Arkansas tourism industry! Randy Laverty, D-Jasper, has secured the vice chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Economic and Industrial Development for the 84th Arkansas General Assembly.

According to Committee chairman Jerry Bookout, D-Jonesboro, Randy will head the Tourism and Economic Development Subcommittee beginning in January 2003. In recent years, the Agriculture, Economic and Industrial Development Committee has been home for the Tourism and Economic Development standing subcommittee, a focal point for tourism interests.

Although Randy is currently more involved in farming and insurance, his roots are in the tourism business, having begun his career by climbing the career ladder at amusement parks in Florida and at Dogpatch, USA. He holds a bachelor of science degree in Recreation and Parks Administration from Arkansas Tech.

Randy’s new responsibilities will include informing his fellow legislators regarding tourism issues and trends, and ensuring that the Arkansas tourism industry keeps its "seat at the table" during legislative discussion of situations that will affect its future. Here’s what Randy had to say about the new post: "This vice chairmanship represents a fulfillment of one of my personal commitments for service to District Two, which includes Eureka Springs, the Buffalo National River and many other significant tourist areas. As chair of the Tourism Subcommittee, I hope to help increase awareness around the state -- and particularly within the Legislature -- of the vast resources we are blessed with in Arkansas.

Tourism is a major employer and top economic generator in District 2, which is composed of parts of Johnson and Boone Counties and all of Carroll, Madison, Newton and Searcy Counties. Eureka Springs, one of Arkansas’ most popular vacation destinations, is of particular interest to Randy. The subcommittee initiates and considers legislative issues regulating the tourism and hospitality industries.

Senator Bookout stated: "I expect the tourism subcommittee to have a full agenda over the next two years, dealing with issues relating to tourism in Arkansas and its tremendous contributions to Arkansas’ economic growth. Laverty’s knowledge of the agriculture and tourism industries, combined with his extraordinary leadership skills, will make him a great chairman for Tourism and Economic Development."

Randy was elected to the Arkansas House of Representatives in 1994 and served there through 2000, as assistant Speaker Pro Tempore for the 82nd General Assembly. He also was chairman of the House Committee on Public Health, Welfare and Labor. After the 1999 regular legislative session, Laverty was named as one of the 10 best legislators by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. He was elected to the Senate in 2002 and is also a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Joint Performance Review Committee.

Randy runs an insurance agency of the Modern Woodmen of America in Jasper, and operates a small beef cattle farm in Newton County. He is also executive director of the Arkansas Developmental Disabilities Association, a non-profit organization. If you’d like to drop a line to Randy, you can contact him at rlaverty@jasper.yournet.com.

Please join me in welcoming our friend Randy Laverty as chairman of the Tourism and Economic Development Subcommittee.