Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-02-25

CELEBRATING THE RETIREMENT OF BOB JAMESON AFTER 13 YEARS WITH VISIT FORT WORTH

Context

On 2026-02-25, Representative Craig A. Goldman (R-TX-12) delivered a floor speech titled "CELEBRATING THE RETIREMENT OF BOB JAMESON AFTER 13 YEARS WITH VISIT FORT WORTH" in the House.

Full Text

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 37 (Wednesday, February 25, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 37 (Wednesday, February 25, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E164-E165] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING THE RETIREMENT OF BOB JAMESON AFTER 13 YEARS WITH VISIT FORT WORTH _____ HON. CRAIG A. GOLDMAN of texas in the house of representatives Wednesday, February 25, 2026 Mr. GOLDMAN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the career and public service of a distinguished leader in Fort Worth's tourism and economic development community. After 13 years of service, Bob Jameson will retire this April from his role as President and Chief Executive Officer of Visit Fort Worth. [[Page E165]] For more than a decade, Mr. Jameson guided the city's official destination marketing organization through a period of remarkable growth and increasing national recognition. Under his leadership, Fort Worth's tourism economy expanded significantly, with gains in economic activity, visitation, employment, and tax revenue reaching unprecedented levels. These achievements supported thousands of local jobs and elevated Fort Worth's standing as a premier destination for travel, sports, arts, culture, and conventions. Local leaders have noted that his tenure established a durable framework for continued success. During his time at Visit Fort Worth, Mr. Jameson helped position the city as one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in the Nation. Annual visitation grew to more than 11 million visitors each year, generating an estimated $3.5 billion in annual economic impact. His leadership raised the profile of Visit Fort Worth and transformed its annual meeting into a major citywide event. Through the creation of the Fort Worth Sports Commission, the Hear Fort Worth music office, the Fort Worth Film Commission, and the Fort Worth Tourism Public Improvement District, his influence can be seen across numerous sectors of the local economy. This has reinforced sustainable growth, enhanced collaboration across public and private sectors, and solidified Fort Worth's commitment to cultural vitality and economic opportunity. Beyond his executive role, Mr. Jameson has been an instrumental civic leader in Fort Worth, serving on the boards of Arts Fort Worth; the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce; the Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce; the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Near Southside; Fort Worth Opera; the Cliburn; the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra; Fort Worth Sister Cities International; and Downtown Fort Worth Inc. His service reflects the dedication, leadership, and pride that define Fort Worth as a community. On behalf of the 12th Congressional District of Texas, I am proud to congratulate Bob Jameson on his retirement and to extend my sincere best wishes as he begins the next chapter of his life. ____________________

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CELEBRATING THE RETIREMENT OF BOB JAMESON AFTER 13 YEARS WITH VISIT FORT WORTH Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 37 (Wednesday, February 25, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 37 (Wednesday, February 25, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E164-E165] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING THE RETIREMENT OF BOB JAMESON AFTER 13 YEARS WITH VISIT FORT WORTH _____ HON. CRAIG A. GOLDMAN of texas in the house of representatives Wednesday, February 25, 2026 Mr. GOLDMAN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the career and public service of a distinguished leader in Fort Worth's tourism and economic development community. After 13 years of service, Bob Jameson will retire this April from his role as President and Chief Executive Officer of Visit Fort Worth. [[Page E165]] For more than a decade, Mr. Jameson guided the city's official destination marketing organization through a period of remarkable growth and increasing national recognition. Under his leadership, Fort Worth's tourism economy expanded significantly, with gains in economic activity, visitation, employment, and tax revenue reaching unprecedented levels. These achievements supported thousands of local jobs and elevated Fort Worth's standing as a premier destination for travel, sports, arts, culture, and conventions. Local leaders have noted that his tenure established a durable framework for continued success. During his time at Visit Fort Worth, Mr. Jameson helped position the city as one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in the Nation. Annual visitation grew to more than 11 million visitors each year, generating an estimated $3.5 billion in annual economic impact. His leadership raised the profile of Visit Fort Worth and transformed its annual meeting into a major citywide event. Through the creation of the Fort Worth Sports Commission, the Hear Fort Worth music office, the Fort Worth Film Commission, and the Fort Worth Tourism Public Improvement District, his influence can be seen across numerous sectors of the local economy. This has reinforced sustainable growth, enhanced collaboration across public and private sectors, and solidified Fort Worth's commitment to cultural vitality and economic opportunity. Beyond his executive role, Mr. Jameson has been an instrumental civic leader in Fort Worth, serving on the boards of Arts Fort Worth; the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce; the Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce; the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Near Southside; Fort Worth Opera; the Cliburn; the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra; Fort Worth Sister Cities International; and Downtown Fort Worth Inc. His service reflects the dedication, leadership, and pride that define Fort Worth as a community. On behalf of the 12th Congressional District of Texas, I am proud to congratulate Bob Jameson on his retirement and to extend my sincere best wishes as he begins the next chapter of his life. ____________________