[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 140 (Thursday, October 8, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S11960-S11961]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO DOUGLASS FONTAINE

  Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a fellow Pascagoulian 
and personal friend, Mr. Douglass Fontaine. Doug has devoted his life 
to an industry for which Mississippians are proud to be recognized--
hospitality.
  A third generation hotelier, Doug grew up surrounded by the hotel 
industry. Both Doug's parents and grandparents managed the historic 
Allison's Wells Spa in Way, Mississippi. He too took his turn at 
managing Allison's Wells after returning from Germany, where he managed 
an R & R hotel. He then eventually relocated to Pascagoula, and for 
more than 35 years has owned La Font Inn. Doug has not

[[Page S11961]]

only brought a friendly and welcoming smile to patrons, but a legacy 
for hotels around the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean.
  While being the only Mississippian to serve as President and Chairman 
of the Board of the American Hotel and Motel Association, Doug 
implemented his world renowed program ``Quest for Quality.'' This has 
not been Doug's only contribution to society. He has held many 
positions of leadership, including residing over such community service 
organizations as the Jackson County Heart Fund, Rotary Club, United Way 
of Jackson County, and many others.
  Doug has dedicated himself to economically develop his Gulf Coast 
community by working to establish the Mobile-Pascagoula Airport, Naval 
Station Pascagoula, the Sunplex Industrial Center, and again many 
others. He also chaired the committee to ``Save the Homeport'' from 
base closures for many years. Currently, Doug is serving on the Board 
of Directors of the Hancock Band, a position he has held for more than 
27 years, and serves as a lifetime Director of the American Hotel and 
Motel Association.
  On October 23, 1998, the Mississippi Hotel and Motel Association will 
establish a Hotel and Restaurant Scholarship in his name. This great 
honor could not be bestowed upon a finer person. An opportunity for 
future members of the industry, this serves as a deserving tribute to 
Doug, his wife Lou, and their children and grandchildren. I am proud to 
congratulate this great Mississippian.

                          ____________________