Congressman Congressman Gerry Connolly and Jim Moran released the following statement regarding Hilton Hotels Corp. decision to move their headquarters to Fairfax County from Beverly Hills, Calif.

“We welcome Hilton Hotels Corp. to Fairfax County.” Connolly said.  “Not only will Hilton bring jobs into our region, they will add to our economic diversity and strengthen our economy.  Northern Virginia is a great place to locate a business and Hilton Hotels Corp. agrees.”

“It’s a strong testament to Northern Virginia’s status in our global economy and recognition of the strategic advantages our region offers,” said Moran. “We were fortunate to be able to work with Chris Nassetta, President and CEO of Hilton, Governor Kaine and key leaders in Fairfax County to help make this happen.”

Virginia was in competition against Maryland and Washington, D.C. to win the project. Connolly and Moran worked with the Governor in encouraging a grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund and $2.5 million in economic development incentive grants.

Hilton Hotels owns more than 3,200 hotels and 545,000 rooms in 77 countries and territories, and employs 135,000 people worldwide. The project will create more than 300 permanent, full-time jobs in Fairfax County within the next 36 months.