Hickernell Appointed Chairman of House Tourism Committee
HARRISBURG – Rep. Dave Hickernell (R-Lancaster/Dauphin) today was sworn into his seventh term as the representative for the 98th Legislative District. Due to his seniority in the state House of Representatives, Hickernell was also appointed to serve as the majority chairman of the House Tourism and Recreational Development Committee for the 2015-16 session.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to chair a committee that oversees legislation impacting the state’s second-leading industry and one of its largest revenue producers and job creators,” Hickernell said. “From the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall to Lancaster County’s Amish farms and arts attractions, to Adams County’s Gettysburg history, Hershey and the Poconos, Pennsylvania is getaway destination for millions of visitors every year. I look forward to working with my colleagues and our communities to draw more visitors.”
Tourism is Pennsylvania’s second-largest industry, after agriculture, representing almost 5 percent of the state’s entire gross domestic product. It supports 471,000 Pennsylvania jobs and generates $4 billion in tax revenue for state and local government.
“Tourism provides one of the best investments we can make as it benefits all corners of the state,” Hickernell said.
Kathleen Frankford, president of Discover Lancaster, said Hickernell’s experience will be a good fit to guide one of the state’s top economic engines.
“I’m very pleased Representative Hickernell will now be chairing the tourism committee,” Frankford said. “He is a committed and knowledgeable friend of the tourism community, and both Lancaster County and the entire Commonwealth are fortunate to have such an industry supporter in this key role.”
Representative Dave Hickernell
98th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Charles Lardner
717.260.6443
RepHickernell.com