2025 -- H 6401

========

LC003044

========

     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2025

____________

H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

CONGRATULATING ROBERT BILLINGTON ON HIS RETIREMENT AT THE END OF

JUNE, 2025, AS THE DIRECTOR OF THE BLACKSTONE VALLEY TOURISM COUNCIL

AFTER FORTY YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE

     Introduced By: Representatives Phillips, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, J. Brien,
Casey, Marszalkowski, Ackerman, Santucci, and Paplauskas

     Date Introduced: June 10, 2025

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, Robert Billington, the founder of the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council in

1985, has lived a long and distinguished life. A direct descendent of the Pilgrims who arrived on

the Mayflower, Mr. Billington was born in Pawtucket. At an early age he developed a fascination

with history. He later joined the United States Coast Guard where he served aboard the USCGC

Vigorous, worked on two International Ice patrols, and served our nation with honor and

distinction; and

     WHEREAS, After receiving an honorable discharge from the Coast Guard, Mr.

Billington joined his family’s manufacturing business on the Blackstone River, while

simultaneously attending Johnson & Wales University earning both an undergraduate degree and

a doctorate degree. He also served as an adjunct professor at Boston University, Bristol

Community College, Johnson & Wales University and Lasell University; and

     WHEREAS, In 1985, Robert Billington created the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council

and discovered his true calling. His accomplishments and the positive impact he has had on the

entire Blackstone Valley have been substantial. Among his greatest achievements was the

establishment of a partnership fifteen years ago with the Sustainable Tourism Lab to bring

together global experts twice a year to teach and learn about sustainability; and

     WHEREAS, Other milestones under Mr. Billington’s leadership included receiving

certification from the United Nations World Tourism Organization, and earning the Ulysses Prize

for Excellence in the Creation and Dissemination of Knowledge in Tourism. Mr. Billington also

played a key role in the development of the Blackstone Valley Bikeway; and

     WHEREAS, In addition to prioritizing development along the Blackstone River, Robert

Billington takes great pride in having overseen the construction of five riverboats—The

Blackstone Valley Explorer, two River ferryboats, the Hope and the Renaissance, and an English

Canal boat, the Samuel Slater. Under his guidance, the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council

launched popular annual events including the Chinese Dragon Boat Races & Taiwan Day Festival

in Pawtucket, which draws ten thousand people, and the Polar Express Holiday train ride in

Woonsocket, which draws 18,000 people. Mr. Billington serves as the conductor of the Polar

Express and plans to continue in this role during retirement; and

     WHEREAS, Robert Billington has also served as the Commissioner of the Blackstone

Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission, led the creation of the Blackstone River

Watershed Council, Water Cruises of Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame, and

the Cumberland Historic District Commission. As the Past Chairman of the Old Slater Mill

Association, he led efforts to establish the Blackstone River Valley National Historic Park; and

     WHEREAS, In recognition of his exemplary service, Robert Billington has received

numerous honors and awards, including the Tourism for Tomorrow Award from the World

Travel and Tourism Council, the Phoenix Award from the Society of American Travel Writers,

and the aforementioned Ulysses Prize. Mr. Billington also was recognized as the Person of the

Year by World Travel Awards; and

     WHEREAS, Robert Billington is the beloved husband of Debbie Billington and the

devoted father of Ryan, a Commander in the United States Navy and Executive Officer on the

USS Howard, and Sarah, a segment producer with The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Mr.

Billington is also the proud grandfather of four grandchildren; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

heartily and joyously congratulates Robert Billington on his retirement at the end of June after

forty years of exemplary service as the Director of the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council; and

be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Mr. Robert Billington, Executive Director,

Blackstone Valley Tourism Council.

========

LC003044

========

LC003044 - Page 2 of 2