The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“TRIBUTE TO BOB HUNTER” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Commerce was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E756-E757 on April 3, 1995.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO BOB HUNTER
______
HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.
of new jersey
in the house of representatives
Monday, April 3, 1995
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, April 1, 1995, the First Annual Bob Hunter Memorial Flounder Tournament was held at the Clam Hut Restaurant in Highland, NJ. There was a spring flounder weigh-in and other activities, with proceeds benefiting the environmental organization Clean Ocean Action. While there have been and will continue to be many diverse tributes to the late Bob Hunter, I cannot think of one more fitting in epitomizing what Mr. Hunter's life meant to his many friends and well-wishers on the Jersey shore.
Bob Hunter has been nominated for New Jersey's prestigious Pinnacle Award for Excellence by a number of individuals and organizations who have all been helped and supported by him through the years. Throughout his life, he was a tireless booster of his native State--for example, his restaurant always offered a wide variety of New Jersey wines, while he always made sure Jersey seafood was served at the promotional festivals he helped organize. His death last October has left a void that has been deeply felt, most acutely by his widow, Lynn, and his two daughters, Maggie and Elizabeth, but also by many others who had the privilege of working with him or were just lucky enough to meet him at the Clam Hut.
Bob Hunter was born in Red Bank, NJ, and lived all his life in the nearby town of Rumson. Nineteen years ago, he was named general manager of the Clam Hut, one of the leading restaurants in a town noted for fine restaurants. In the intervening years, he, along with his wife of 17 years, Lynn Shugard, whose father founded the business, brought the waterfront restaurant from a beachfront stand to its present capacity of more than 300 diners in three inside rooms and an outdoor deck overlooking the Shrewsbury River. As general manager, Mr. Hunter also became involved in both the State and national restaurant associations, firmly believing that restaurants were central to New Jersey's tourism
[[Page E757]] and its overall economy. During his 16 years with the association, Bob rose through the ranks as a member of the board of directors and eventually as president.
Bob also maintained an active involvement with the promotional activities at Sandy Hook, the Gateway National Recreation Area facility adjacent to Highlands, known and loved by people from all over New Jersey. He could always be counted on to help any cause to promote New Jersey. He participated in Governor Whitman's Sampling in Atlantic City prior to her inauguration, frequently hosted Bayshore Development Office meetings for the Department of Commerce, and offered his restaurant for any event to advance tourism in New Jersey. He was a long-time member of the Highlands Chamber of Commerce, and brought a special passion to maintaining the lively waterfront business community. In his home town of Rumson, Bob coached Pop Warner football, served on the zoning board of adjustment, was treasurer of the Republican Club and was a Republican committeeman for many years. Notwithstanding his Republican affiliation, Bob maintained close ties with officials from both political parties--always willing to work with anyone who shared his devotion to improving the economy and quality of life on the Jersey Shore.
Mr. Speaker, it is a truly an honor for me to pay tribute to Bob Hunter, a good man and a great leader who made a difference for our community.
____________________
