Backup Documents 11/09/2021 Item # 4A 4a
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, Jack Wert was hired as Collier County's first tourism director and sole employee in
December of 2002, promising to grow the operation over an employment commitment
to the County of five years; and
WHEREAS, nineteen years later, Jack Wert has retired from his role leading an office of ten
employees, a portfolio of advertising and marketing contractors, research firms,
and international tourism representatives; and
WHEREAS, over the course of his employment, Jack Wert and his team of destination marketing
professionals were responsible for attracting a total of 30.97 million visitors to
Collier County and the collection of $348 million in Tourist Development Taxes,
providing for an economic impact of $29.7 billion benefiting the businesses and
residents of the county; and
WHEREAS, under Jack Wert's coordination, the creation of the internationally recognized
Paradise Coast brand was developed; and
WHEREAS, Jack Wert's steady leadership and professionalism has guided our tourism recovery
efforts through natural and economic obstacles including the Gulf oil spill, the Great
Recession, red tide, hurricanes, wildfires, Zika, and a coronavirus pandemic; and
WHEREAS, during the pandemic, Jack Wert's efforts in marketing and messaging the Paradise
Pledge of local businesses' safety protocols put Collier County on the fast track to
tourism rebound and helped to protect the 45,000 jobs in the leisure and hospitality
industry, many at risk of temporary or permanent loss; and
WHEREAS, Jack Wert has earned the opportunity to enjoy the fruits of his labor, to write a
book imparting his wisdom to others, to consult and advise a new generation of
destination marketing professionals, and to renew his lapsed Merchant Marine
Captain's license.
NOW THEREFORE, the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County, Florida, wishes to
express its grateful appreciation to Jack Wert for many years of outstanding
service in leading the tourism marketing efforts of Collier County, for being a brand
in himself as a gentleman and consummate professional, and for making the Paradise
Coast an international destination.
DONE AND ORDERED THIS 9th Day of November 2021.
` �� BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
CO i E ' OUNTY FLO///RIDA
PENNY TA` OR, AIRMAN