The Pawtucket City Council approved a resolution on Thursday congratulating Dr. Robert Billington for 40 years of service as executive director of the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council.

Council members praised Billington for helping raise the profile of the Blackstone Valley as a tourism destination and for securing recognition and awards cited in the resolution. The clerk read the proclamation and Mayor Donald R. Grebien and Council President Terrence E. Mercer joined other councilors in presenting the recognition. A roll-call vote recorded unanimous approval.

Billington addressed the council, recounting the council's origins in Pawtucket, early fundraising at Oktoberfest and the long-term work to promote sites such as Slater Mill. He thanked colleagues, recounted early supporters and described the Blackstone Valley as 'the capital city' of the region for tourism.

The resolution, as read at the meeting, thanked Billington for projects, programs and events that drew visitors to the valley and wished him health and happiness in retirement.