[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 30 (Tuesday, February 14, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E122-E123]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE DISTINGUISHED CAREER OF JUD TEAGUE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DIANA HARSHBARGER

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 14, 2023

  Mrs. HARSHBARGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Jud Teague, 
Director of the Kingsport Chamber's Visit Kingsport Program, for his 
dedication to our community and commitment to tourism in Northeast 
Tennessee.
  A native of Powell, Tennessee, Jud Teague dedicated over 25 years of 
service to the tourism industry in East Tennessee. Jud graduated from 
the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science in agriculture. 
From there, he began teaching biology with the Knox County School 
System. His tenure as an educator also included a successful coaching 
career in baseball, football, and basketball at Bearden High School and 
Powell High School.
  Jud also found time to volunteer with local community sports 
programs, including Knox Youth Sports, and was later hired as their 
Executive Director. He was instrumental in developing Lakeshore Park, 
200 plus-acre facility with multiple trails, baseball, softball fields, 
and playgrounds, including a universal playground designed to be 
inclusive for children of every ability. Jud's involvement in youth 
baseball earned him a spot on the AAU Baseball Executive Committee. He 
also received the AAU National Baseball Volunteer of the Year award and 
the Disney Wide World of Sports Award of Excellence. He was later hired 
as the baseball senior sports manager for AAU at Walt Disney World 
Resort.
  Since 2006, Jud has served as the Executive Director of Visit 
Kingsport, where his collaborative efforts led to more than $100 
Million in local economic impact. As a result of his work, Visit 
Kingsport received multiple Pinnacle Awards for Excellence in Tourism 
from the Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association (NETTA).
  Adding to his list of accolades and accomplishments, Jud received the 
Tennessee Tourism Professional of the Year Award--the state's highest 
tourism honor--from the Tennessee Hospitality & Tourism Association. He 
is perhaps most proud of developing Miracle Field, a $2.5 million 
sporting complex. Jud created and spearheaded the project for his son 
Nicholas, who has Down syndrome, and other children with special needs.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Jud 
Teague on his years of service to the tourism industry and wishing him 
and his family the best of luck in his retirement.

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