[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 81 (Tuesday, May 11, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S2445]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO JIM CAMERON

 Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I recognize Jim Cameron, who served 
Volusia County and its residents, as the senior vice president of 
government relations at the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce. After 
38 years of service, I thank Jim for his years of work and wish him 
well as he retires.
  In its 101-year history, Jim holds the longest tenure at the Daytona 
Regional Chamber of Commerce. As Vice president of government 
relations, he understood local, State, and Federal economic issues 
facing Volusia County. Throughout his tenure, Jim's professional 
relationships with some of Florida's most influential political and 
business leaders bettered his community.
  In 1985, Jim's was working to receive approval from the State 
legislature to utilize hotel bed tax revenues towards financing a 
county-run convention center. After a span of 5 years, Volusia County 
opened the Ocean Center Convention Center in Daytona Beach Center due 
in part to his efforts. This is just one of many career highlights that 
Jim is proud of.
  Jim's more recent community accomplishments include advocating for 
SunRail's extension in Volusia County, helping the Hard Rock Hotel 
establish a resort in Daytona Beach, and working with Space Florida to 
recruit aerospace manufacturing to Volusia County. Simultaneously, he 
was also instrumental in important State legislative matters and 
advocating for pro-job policies.
  Jim is fond of the professional relationships he has formed 
throughout his career, with many evolving into close friendships. His 
personalized approach to government relations is best seen on his 
guarantee to pay $1,000 if he does not return your call within eight 
business hours.
  Jim grew up in Montgomery, AL, graduating with a double major in 
history and political science from the University of Alabama. After 
graduation, he was appointed to the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce 
in Anniston, AL, to oversee industrial and public affairs. He later 
moved to Daytona Beach, where he began working at the Daytona Regional 
Chamber in 1983.
  I am grateful for Jim's decades of faithful and dedicated service to 
our State and for his work with my office. I extend my best wishes to 
Jim, his wife Rita, and to his family on a well-earned 
retirement.

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