[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 122 (Wednesday, July 26, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1518]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                      A TRIBUTE TO SEA ISLAND CO.

                                 ______


                            HON. ROB PORTMAN

                                of ohio

                           HON. JACK KINGSTON

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 26, 1995
  Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. Speaker, my colleague, Mr. Kingston, and I would 
like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Sea Island Co., which 
recently won the honor of being named as the 1995 Georgia Family 
Business of the Year.
  Once a deserted waterfront, Sea Island was discovered by Howard 
Coffin and his cousin Alfred W. Jones, Sr. in 1923. Since then, three 
generations of Joneses have developed the island into a resort of lush 
gardens and cottages surrounding the impressive Cloister Hotel.
  The grandson of Alfred, Alfred W. Jones III, is currently president 
of the company and responsible for the company's continuing involvement 
in community development. As one of the area's major landowners, he has 
continued his family's tradition of donating company land for churches, 
schools, parks, and roads, and he himself has been involved in a 
leadership role with organizations ranging from the Brunswick College 
Foundation to the Georgia Chamber of Commerce to the Epworth-by-the-Sea 
Methodist Conference Center.
  Since the 1920's, the company has contributed to the community by 
taking action to ensure that the island's natural habitat be preserved 
as much as possible. Due to the influence of Sea Island Co., the 
marshes between Brunswick and the islands were declared historic sites 
and have been protected from development for several decades. In 
addition, the building heights on Sea Island and St. Simons were 
limited to three stories in order to ensure all buildings stand below 
the tree line.
  Other key additions to the community include aid in constructing the 
first bus service between Brunswick and Jacksonville, creating a 
telephone exchange, and Alfred Jones' active involvement in the 
development of the Brunswick Pulp and Paper Co., now owned by Georgia-
Pacific and employing over 850 people.
  This fall, Sea Island Co. plans to open the Ocean Forest Golf Club, 
which will be one of the premier courses and will create more 
employment opportunity on the island. In fact, despite the recent 
troubled economy, the company has continued to grow and thrive.
  Sea Island Co. has been recognized numerous times throughout the 
years for its accomplishments. Alfred Jones received the Distinguished 
Georgian Award, and the Society of American Travel Writers' Connie 
Award honoring his achievement in creating a balance between the use 
and preservation of Georgia coast.
  The tradition of the Jones family is also evident today; Alfred W. 
Jones, Sr.'s four children are the principal owners of Sea Island Co. 
Alfred W. Jones, Jr. is the chairman, while siblings Howard Coffin 
Jones, Katharine Jones O'Connor, and Marianna Jones Kuntz all serve as 
directors.
  However, Mr. Speaker, the emphasis on family does not stop here, even 
the employees, guests, and residents of the islands are also considered 
family. In fact, the staff includes many third-generation employees. 
Sea Island Co. encourages hiring many members of the same family. 
Recently, 17 relatives were employed there simultaneously.
  With emphasis on family values, and achieving that critical balance 
between development and conservation, Mr. Kingston and I ask that you, 
Mr. Speaker, and my colleagues join me in commending the Sea Island 
Co., which serves as an example for other businesses across the nation.


                          ____________________