[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16191]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 THE PASSING OF BILLY THOMPSON HARDMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DOUG COLLINS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 23, 2013

  Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, Georgia lost a true champion and 
advocate for our great State last week. Billy ``Bill'' Thompson Hardman 
spent much of his life working to put Georgia on the map as a 
destination for both domestic and international tourists. His efforts, 
which spanned decades, helped draw millions to enjoy the wonderful 
natural and manmade wonders Georgia has to offer.
  Bill was born in Colbert, Georgia on June 5, 1926. He served in the 
U.S. Merchant Marines in World War II, after which he attended Piedmont 
College and Mercer University.
  In 1959, Bill was appointed Georgia's first tourism director, where 
he served for more than a decade. During his tenure, he built the 
state's first eight welcome centers, launched a tourism advertising 
program, conducted the nation's first Governor's Conference on Tourism, 
and promoted Georgia throughout the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Bill 
founded Hardman Productions after leaving state government in 1970. His 
company conducted a variety of events, including travel and RV trade 
shows.
  During this time, Bill was hired to lobby on behalf of the Georgia 
World Congress Center. He met his goals of raising public support for 
the Center and ensuring that the Center would be built in Atlanta.
  Bill also served as chairman of the Travel Association of America, 
now the U.S. Travel Association. He served more than 40 years on that 
association's board, which gave him the distinction of having the 
longest tenure of any member.
  I have tremendous respect and admiration for all Bill did to promote 
tourism in Georgia and grow that industry into such a meaningful part 
of our State's economy. My family and I extend our prayers and thoughts 
to the large family and extensive circle of friends Bill leaves behind. 
Bill's impact on Georgia will be felt for generations to come, and we 
are grateful for his legacy.

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