The Alabama Restaurant Association recognized a state representative from Alabaster Oct. 26 for improving Shelby County’s hospitality and food offerings.

The association awarded Rep. Cam Ward (R-Alabaster) with its 2009 Silver Spoon Award for helping to recruit hotels and restaurants to Shelby and Bibb counties during the past year.

By helping to improve the county’s food and hotel industries, Ward helped create many new jobs, improved the quality of life and aided in drawing visitors to the area, said Alabama Restaurant Association President and Chief Executive Officer Larry Fidel.

“As a state representative, Cam Ward has demonstrated a real knowledge of economic development,” Fidel said. “He has been instrumental in bringing new businesses to his district, many of which are restaurants.

“Our industry employs thousands of people in Alabama, and leaders like Cam Ward make that possible,” Fidel added.

The recent emphasis on bringing new restaurants and hotels to the area have helped bolster the county’s economy during a nationwide economic downturn, Ward said.

“I am honored by this award from the hospitality industry,” Ward said. “I know what food and lodging mean to our state in terms of jobs and entertainment, as well as what they mean to our local economy.”