[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 27, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E14]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


           HONORING THE DISTINGUISHED CAREER OF RALPH VAUGHN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART GORDON

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 27, 1998

  Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, it goes without saying that in Rutherford 
County, when someone hears the words, ``My friend, my friend,--are you 
excited?,'' one can only expect to be greeted by the jovial and 
gregarious, Mr. Ralph Vaughn. Eleven years ago, we were fortunate 
enough to find someone of his caliber and talents to tackle the 
challenges facing Rutherford County and the Chamber of Commerce.
  Today, I rise to honor the distinguished career of the retiring 
Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce President, and one of the most 
enthusiastic individuals I know, Mr. Ralph Vaughn.
  When Ralph joined the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce in 1986, 
the organization had two employees and an annual operating budget of 
less than $100,000. Now, under his leadership, the chamber has seen 
membership double, staff increase to twelve and the operating budget 
grow to over $700,000.
  Probably the single greatest accomplishment for which Ralph will be 
remembered is the recent transition of the Chamber office from a log 
Cabin to its new 10,000 square foot State of the Art facility.
  Ralph has been a driving force in preparing Rutherford Countians for 
the challenges of an expanding economy and continued growth. It was 
Ralph's innovations and hard work that helped push tourism from a $34 
million a year industry to over $110 million dollars today. It was also 
Ralph's vision that helped conceptualize a long range economic 
development strategy for growth in Rutherford County, known as 
Rutherford 20/20.
  Ralph has not only helped Rutherford County grow, but he also never 
forgot his hometown of Smithville, Tennessee. Before coming to head the 
Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce, Ralph had a distinguished career 
in the broadcasting industry which had him managing a successful AM/FM 
station in Smithville.
  However, this is not all Ralph did to help his community. Back in 
1971, he and a small group of community leaders founded the now 
internationally famous Fiddler's Jamboree in Smithville. This event has 
grown from about 8,000 attendees to over 110,000 in 1996 and was 
recently named the Official Jamboree and Crafts festival of the State 
of Tennessee.
  Ralph's cheerful smile will surely be missed by the folks at the 
Chamber, but one thing is for sure he has left an indelible mark on 
both the success and growth of our community. I am sure he will never 
stop making new friends and promoting Rutherford County. It has truly 
been a privilege to work with this man, and I wish him the best of luck 
in his new endeavors.




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