[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 120 (Wednesday, July 20, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E761]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF DESTINATION ANN ARBOR PRESIDENT AND CEO MARY 
                                  KERR

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                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 20, 2022

  Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Mary Kerr, 
President and CEO of Destination Ann Arbor on the occasion of her 
retirement. Her honorable 27 years of dedication to our Washtenaw 
County community are worthy of commendation.
  Ms. Kerr's service to Washtenaw County started even before her time 
in tourism. Ms. Kerr began her career in hospitality as a manager at 
the historic Haab's Restaurant in Ypsilanti, Michigan. She served as 
the Executive Director for the Ypsilanti Convention and Visitors Bureau 
before becoming Executive Director for the Ann Arbor Convention and 
Visitors Bureau. Under Ms. Kerr, the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti Convention 
and Visitors Bureaus were merged into one countywide entity, bringing 
together our diverse communities of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti for good.
  During her time at Destination Ann Arbor, Ms. Kerr was instrumental 
in growing the budget of the organization. She also oversaw the 
creation of the Ann Arbor Sports Commission, a ten-year destination 
master plan for Washtenaw County that consists of a strategic plan to 
boost the local economy and other key initiatives to ensure Ann Arbor 
is a destination for travelers and locals alike. Outside of work, she 
continues to advocate for the hospitality industry through her roles on 
various boards in Washtenaw County.
  Ms. Kerr has been recognized for her dedicated service through 
various awards, such as the Lifetime Achievement Award by Michigan 
Meetings and Events. She was also named CVB Star of the Year at the 
Pure Michigan Governor's Conference on Tourism. Her stellar work as an 
ambassador for our community makes her beyond worthy of this 
recognition.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Ms. Mary 
Kerr for her 27 years of service. As we come together to celebrate her 
retirement, all of us in the Washtenaw community reflect on the great 
work she has done that will benefit our area for years to come. I join 
with her family, friends, and colleagues in wishing her the very best 
in her retirement.

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