Alabama Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard (R–Auburn) announced Thursday he has appointed State Rep. Kurt Wallace (R–Maplesville) to serve as a member of the House Economic Development and Tourism Committee.

“Rep. Wallace has already distinguished himself among freshmen members of the House, and I am proud to recognize his efforts with this committee assignment,” Hubbard said in a press release. “I know that he is deeply interested in job creation, economic development and other, similar issues, so his appointment to this committee was an obvious and logical choice.”

The House Economic Development and Tourism Committee routinely considers legislation dealing with issues like industrial recruitment, economic incentives and other job-creating initiatives, the release said.

“I deeply appreciate the confidence that the Speaker has placed in me with this assignment, and I’ll work hard to ensure it is justified,” Wallace said in the release. “It is important that we continue making economic progress in Autauga, Chilton and Shelby counties and the rest of Alabama, and I am eager to participate as a vital part of those efforts.”

Wallace is a former mayor and town council member of Maplesville and worked for 25 years at Bush Hog Inc. before retiring as its director of distribution.

His committee appointment will take effect for the 2014 regular legislative session, which is scheduled to convene Jan. 14, 2014.