[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 31 (Tuesday, February 28, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E260]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING HOLT HICKMAN AT THE TEXAS INDEPENDENCE DAY IN FORT WORTH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KAY GRANGER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 28, 2012

  Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a man who has 
preserved Fort Worth's unique history and has made sure it is available 
for future generations; Holt Hickman. This Weatherford native is being 
honored at the Texas Independence Day in Fort Worth, and I couldn't 
think of a better Cowtown honoree.
   While Holt is being recognized for his commitment to Fort Worth's 
past, his business career has been about innovation and looking to the 
future. Holt is responsible for helping bring air conditioning to 
automobiles turning the feature from a luxury to a necessity. The first 
Japanese cars sold to the U.S. market had air conditioning only because 
Holt convinced the auto makers this was the future. Holt is not only a 
successful businessman who has had local, national and international 
reach, he has also been one of the many tenacious civic leaders in our 
community who have made Fort Worth what it is today.
   Holt helped save and preserve the Fort Worth Stockyards in what was 
one of the largest historic preservation projects in the country. He 
accomplished this in part by working with passionate and committed 
partners. Because of his efforts, the Stockyards are one of the most 
visited and beloved areas of the city today. As Mayor, I was privileged 
to have Holt as a partner and that friendship has continued throughout 
my career. His energy, generosity, and vision will continue to enhance 
our city's cowboy heritage for generations to come. I couldn't think of 
a more deserving Texan to be honored on the day of our state's 
independence.

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