[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 98 (Wednesday, June 27, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1153-E1154]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE LIFE OF GARY C. SAIN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN L. MICA

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 27, 2012

  Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute today to a good friend 
and national leader for tourism, Mr. Gary C. Sain. Gary passed away 
unexpectedly on Friday, May 4th after addressing a dinner event in 
support of the Central Florida Boys and Girls Club, which was one of 
his community efforts, where he provided vital leadership in support of 
our youth. I was at that event and spoke to Gary as he shared his 
excitement about Central Florida

[[Page E1154]]

being the leading national tourist destination. Everyone in our region 
will testify that we have never had a better champion for tourism in 
Central Florida.
  Gary began his career in the hotel industry and held positions at 
several of the hotel industry's top brands for more than 40 years. He 
diversified his career to the cruise industry, serving as marketing 
director for one of the industry's top brands. As a well-respected 
marketing expert, Gary then went to work for a top international 
hospitality marketing agency. In February 2007 Gary was selected to 
chief executive of Visit Orlando.
  As the leader of the organization that markets and sells the Orlando 
area as the number one family leisure destination in the world, and one 
of the top meetings and convention destinations in America, Gary is 
credited with Orlando reaching a record 51.5 million visitors in 2010, 
the first U.S. destination to surpass the 50 million visitor milestone. 
In 2011 Orlando set another record with more than 55 million visitors.
  Gary sat on national and international boards of directors including 
the U.S. Travel Association, Visit Florida, Destination Marketing 
Association International and Meeting Planners International. He was a 
resource for members of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. 
Senate, providing information on travel issues affecting America 
domestically and internationally. Gary was a great husband to Pam and 
the proud father to two lovely daughters, Olivia and Vanessa. He 
remains with us in sprit, fond memory and appreciation for sharing his 
friendship.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life and memory of 
Gary C. Sain.

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