[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 49 (Friday, April 12, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E454]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE LIFE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF TOM STAED

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN L. MICA

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 12, 2013

  Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and 
accomplishments of an outstanding businessman, a community leader and a 
friend, Tom Staed. With his passing on February 26, 2013, both his 
family and our state have lost a loved one and strong voice for the 
benefit of our region.
  Tom was born on April 27, 1931, in Memphis, Tennessee and attended 
Sacred Heart Grammar School and Christian Brothers High School in 
Memphis before attending Memphis State. His college career was 
interrupted by the Korean War as he was called to serve in the United 
Sates Marine Corps and distinguished himself as an artillery 
coordinator. After being honorably discharged as a Corporal, he 
returned to Memphis State where he became Editor of the School 
Newspaper, President of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, graduated with a B.A. in 
Journalism, and then went on to Tulane University School of Law.
  While at Tulane, Tom met Barbara Dodd, and the couple soon married 
and moved to Daytona Beach, Florida. It was in Daytona Beach where Tom 
began his long, successful, and distinguished career in the hospitality 
industry; almost singlehandedly transforming the landscape of hotels on 
the coast of Volusia County through his 11 hotels and interests in the 
Ocean Eleven Resorts. He financed and purchased several old hotels in 
the Daytona area and was able to make them successful in a short time 
through hard work, determination, and a can-do style.
  Tom was a recognized leader and committed member of both the Florida 
and national lodging and tourism industries, and firmly believed in 
civic involvement. Some of the notable local, state, and national 
boards he was appointed to include President of Best Western 
International Inc., President the Florida Hotel and Motel Association, 
Chairman of Florida's Governor's Tourism Advisory Council, Visit 
Florida, Inc., Chairman of the American Hotel and Motel Association. He 
was the Florida Hotelier of the Year in 1982. He was also a past 
Chairman and Founding member of the Halifax Area Advertising Authority.
  Tom had a life long interest in politics and I recall the last time I 
saw Tom at one of his hotels, he spoke of past campaigns and issues he 
worked on over 30 years in Florida and specifically his times as a 
trusted friend and ally of leaders in both the Democrat and Republican 
Parties. He was truly a gift to all Floridians.
  As someone who served on numerous local associations, commissions and 
boards for civic and charitable organizations, Tom was a committed 
philanthropist that always focused on giving back to those less 
fortunate than himself.
  A devoted husband, father and grandfather, he truly made an indelible 
mark on his family, community and industry. In our community, the name 
Tom Staed stood for integrity, compassion and public service, and 
through that principled dedication he leaves a proud and distinguished 
legacy. Mr. Speaker, I ask all Members of the U.S. House of 
Representatives join me in recognizing Tom Staed's years of service and 
dedication to our community, our state and our Nation.