| Archive Description | Oral History - Bill Hartman
Mr. Hartman was raised in La Porte, Baytown and Beaumont before moving to Fort Bend in 1977. He and his family have been involved in the newspaper business for decades beginning with his father’s involvement for 35 years as editor and publisher of a family owned newspaper business in Texas and in the South. Bill started Hartman Newspapers, Inc. (HNI) in 1974 when the opportunity arose to purchase 7 of the newspapers from the Carmage Walls family. The printing of the papers was done in Rosenberg so it was natural to move closer to the operation. Today, HNI owns a dozen newspapers of various sizes concentrating on community news. He, his father and his son have all served as President of the Texas Daily Newspaper Association.
Bill, with other community leaders was instrumental in creating the Fort Bend Economic Development Council in 1986 to recruit clean businesses and industries. He served as President of the Rose-Rich Chamber of Commerce, the Rosenberg Rotary, the Fort Bend County Fair board, Richmond State School Volunteer Services Council, OakBend Medical Center board and President of the Baseball Writers Association of America Houston Chapter.
He and his wife, Laura enjoy spending time with 11 grandchildren and 2 dogs. |
|---|
Fort Bend County