[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 147 (Monday, October 1, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2031]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNITION OF RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JACK KINGSTON-

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 1, 2007

  Mr. KINGSTON. Madam Speaker. I rise today in recognition of the 
retirement of Vernon Martin, the Executive Director of the Coastal 
Georgia Regional Development Center. Vernon has been a valuable partner 
in my efforts to represent the First District of Georgia and a great 
friend.
  Over the many years that we have known each other, he has been 
wonderful to work with and always kept the safety, security, and well-
being of the community in the forefront of his thoughts. Vernon has 
dedicated 38 years of service to Coastal Georgia Regional Development 
Center, where he was instrumental in the economic development of the 
region. The service area for his office has undergone tremendous change 
in the past four decades. Coastal Georgia needed leadership and hard 
work to transition from the slow growth rates that characterized prior 
eras to the booming growth that the region is now experiencing. Vernon 
and his staff at the RDC have provided steady guidance and support to 
the communities they serve, helping them prepare for the future and 
adapt to change.
  Vernon's list of accomplishments over the years is a long one. He was 
active in the creation of Coastal Emergency Management Plan to insure 
the safety of Georgia's costal communities during hurricanes, 
established the Nation's first and largest rural revolving loan fund, 
helped to create one of the Nation's first regional rural tourism 
program and was involved in coordinating off-base impact planning for 
two major military installation expansions. In 2004, Vernon was awarded 
the Walter Scheiber Leadership Award for his support to the Association 
and for his outstanding leadership and innovation as a regional council 
executive director.
  Although he will be missed at the Regional Development Center, we are 
all glad to know that he will still serve in an advisory capacity and 
help transition to a new Executive Director. I'm sure Vernon is 
counting the days until he can fully enjoy the beautiful Georgia 
weather on his beloved motorcycle. I wish him the best of luck in his 
retirement.

                          ____________________