OKLAHOMA CITY – Reps. Steve Bashore, R-Miami, and Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, received Legislator of the Year awards recently from the Oklahoma Restaurant Association (ORA). The two were recognized during an Oklahoma Hospitality Leaders Dinner held at the Oklahoma City Convention Center. The dinner was part of the ORA's annual expo.

"It's wonderful to be recognized for legislation I've authored and supported that is pro-business, pro-economy and lower taxes for individuals and businesses," Bashore said. "During my time as a legislator I've focused on legislation that will allow everyday Oklahomans to keep more of their hard-earned income or that would help businesses come out from under onerous regulations so they can operate more freely, which always improves the overall economy."

Fetgatter said, "I've worked hard as a legislator to make sure food service and other entertainment and hospitality industries thrive in Oklahoma. These business owners contribute not just to our job market and our economy, but they enhance our overall quality of life. I'm proud to have been awarded for my efforts."

Bashore currently serves as Majority Deputy Floor Leader in the House. Before being elected to state office in 2020, he was general manager of a casino and resort where he led hundreds of employees and oversaw numerous high-profile sporting events and concerts, resulting in tens of millions of dollars positively impacting the state economy. He's also is credited with reviving a struggling Oklahoma Boxing Commission as its executive director.

Fetgatter currently serves as Tribal and External Affairs Leader in the House. He was elected as a representative in 2016. Prior to that, he owned a construction company, worked in sales and marketing for a web-based technology company as well as in the grocery business. In the Legislature, he's worked to promote business-friendly policies and create economic development opportunities. 

The Oklahoma Restaurant Association also manages the Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association and the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association. They note that Oklahoma’s hospitality sector – including foodservice, lodging and tourism – is the third-largest industry in the state. The jobs created lead to continued growth in disposable personal income. The association reports that within Oklahoma, every dollar spent in these establishments generates an additional $1.60-1.79 of sales for the state economy.