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Rep. Roger Williams says World Cup is delivering an "astounding" boost to Main Street businesses
Summary
Rep. Roger Williams, who identified himself as chair of the House Small Business Committee, told a radio host the FIFA World Cup is driving hotel bookings and bringing customers to small businesses; he cited 130,000 hotel rooms and described the economic effect as "billion dollars" without specifying a precise figure.
Rep. Roger Williams, chair of the House Small Business Committee, said the FIFA World Cup has produced an "astounding" lift for small businesses in the region during an interview on the Clarity Windows and Doors News Watch program.
"We're seeing some numbers as astounding numbers," Williams said, adding that about 130,000 hotel rooms have been taken and that the tournament has produced "billion dollars" in effects for the region (the transcript does not specify the exact dollar amount). He said Main Street businesses have been able to attract customers who would not otherwise have come into town.
Williams framed the tournament as a marketing and tourism opportunity that is "bringing business in, keeping business, creating business, and creating customers." The host and Williams noted upcoming matches in the Dallas–Fort Worth area and suggested continued games will extend the economic benefit.
As a local example, Williams said his own dealership, Roger Williams Chrysler Jeep Dodge in Weatherford, is seeing improved inventory and sales, which he linked to broader consumer spending and service work. He characterized current conditions as favorable for buyers, with inventories returning and discounts available.
The interview did not include independent data or a detailed breakdown of the economic figures Williams cited. No formal policy action or vote was recorded during the program.
