[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 83 (Friday, June 23, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1249]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING JACK WEATHERFORD ON HIS RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART GORDON

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 22, 2006

  Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Jack Weatherford for his 
extraordinary service to the Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport 
Authority. Mr. Weatherford served on the task force that established 
the airport authority, and after many years of outstanding work, he is 
now retiring.
  Today, I honor Mr. Weatherford for his achievements in Rutherford 
County's aviation industry, but his success has not been limited to 
that field. For 40 years, Mr. Weatherford led Mid-South Bank and Trust, 
which later merged with Sun Trust Banks. He served as President of the 
Tennessee Bankers Association, and in 1986, he was honored with the 
establishment of the Jack O. Weatherford Chair of Finance at Middle 
Tennessee State University.
  A resident of my hometown of Murfreesboro, TN, Mr. Weatherford has 
been instrumental in Smyrna Airport's success. Under his leadership, 
the airport added ten new buildings and hangars and developed a 400 
acre business park that included new infrastructure, a business center 
and a new terminal.
  Smyrna Airport now is the State's third largest airport and its 
busiest general aviation airport.
  During Mr. Weatherford's 14 years as Chairman of the airport 
authority, the airport received many accolades, including the 
Governor's Silver Star Award and the Tennessee Department of 
Transportation's Best Governing Body and Airport of the Year awards.
  While the airport's growth has kept him busy, Mr. Weatherford has 
found time to remain active in the community. He helped found the Main 
Street Association and Leadership Rutherford, and he has been active 
with the Chamber of Commerce, MTSU Foundation and Rotary Club.
  Mr. Weatherford's leadership has served Rutherford County well and 
will make it a better place for years to come.

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