[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 144 (Thursday, October 6, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 6, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
 A TRIBUTE TO HATTIE LITTLE SMITH ON THE OCCASION OF THE SOUTH BALDWIN 
                 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______


                          HON. SONNY CALLAHAN

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 6, 1994

  Mr. CALLAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an American 
success story in leadership and free enterprise. A story that should 
inspire and encourage others to realize that despite all the problems 
we as a country may face, through persistence and vision all things are 
possible.
  In just a few weeks, the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce in Foley, 
AL will be celebrating it's 50th anniversary. This would be a milestone 
in and of itself, however the real reason for celebration lies in the 
advances that Foley and Baldwin County has gone through.
  Fifty years ago Baldwin County was a completely rural setting, 
growing crops and harvesting seafood. The most notable personality to 
have his roots there was All-American and Super Bowl quarterback Ken 
Stabler.
  But the fertile ground of south Baldwin County was intended to 
produce more than Silver Queen corn, new potatoes, and soy beans. With 
its natural resources, favorable climate, labor force with an intense 
work ethic, all that was needed was a leader to provide the 
determination and vision to see a dream come true; 25 years ago that 
leader arrived at the chamber of commerce and her name is Hattie Little 
Smith.
  Her dream was for manufacturing and service jobs, educational 
opportunities for its young people, and cultural opportunities to all 
its citizens.
  Today, Mr. Speaker, that dream is a reality. Because of Hattie's 
diligent work, Foley, AL is home to such manufacturing facilities as 
Packard/Hughes Interconnect and Rohr Industries, both aerospace 
companies and to Peavey Electronics, one of, if not the only domestic 
producers of electronic musical instruments and components.
  But her crowning success would have to be the Riviera Outlet Centre. 
Working with local officials and developers, Hattie promoted the 
location for a manufacturers retail outlet. That initial shopping 
facility has now grown to over 124 stores and is the largest outdoor 
outlet mall in the Nation. It provides hundreds of jobs and over $2 
million in revenue to the city of Foley annually.
  However her efforts have not solely concentrated on the recruitment 
of outside industry to the Foley area, but on developing and 
encouraging local entrepreneurs. Countless small businesses, the 
backbone of any economy, have received assistance starting and 
expanding through the Chamber and its resources. One unique example is 
the 300 plus antique dealers housed in six mall style shopping 
complexes.

  As we speak, there is no commercial real estate available in Foley 
and their unemployment hovers around 2 percent. An accomplishment most 
cities should envy.
  But her love for south Alabama and Foley isn't limited to economic 
success. Under her leardship, the chamber has spearheaded the Adopt-a-
School Program allowing students to have contact with local businesses 
and business to directly participate in the education of its future 
work force. Likewise, Hattie served on the core committee to design and 
build the Foley Civic Center. And the city wide beautification began at 
the chamber and now can be seen on every street corner and park in town 
as flowers are in constant bloom.
  Hattie's work through the chamber has also promoted cultural programs 
such as the Performing Arts Association and the Foley Art Center. She 
also helped establish the Baldwin Heritage Museum which celebrates the 
many ethnic cultures that have settled in Baldwin County.
  And never let it be said that Hattie ever allowed an opportunity to 
pass by. She has turned a personal hobby of seashell collecting into an 
extensive passion, one that includes utilizing her collection to teach 
young children about respect for our coastal shoreline and the 
environmental treasures we have along the gulf.
  And when her country, or at least her Congressman, called she has 
always been there to serve as moderator during my annual high school 
conferences or to provide space if the chamber where constituents can 
meet with my field representative.
  Even with all this, Hattie has never lost sight of the most important 
thing in life, her family. A devoted wife, mother of three, and 
grandmother of five.
  When Robert Harling penned his masterpiece ``Steel Magnolias,'' he 
wasn't thinking of Hattie Little Smith but he sure could have been. Her 
foresight, her determination, her ability to get others to work 
together for the good of the community, her resilience, and most of all 
her positive attitude toward life makes her a very special person and 
those of us who have the privilege of calling her friend very blessed.

                          ____________________