AQSC's Hy Cooper retires after long travel industry career

With Cooper’s retirement, Pamela Harding will take over his territory in addition to her current duties and become regional sales director for the West.

'Hy has been an extraordinary asset to the American Queen Steamboat Company over the years,' said Ted Sykes, AQSC president and chief operating officer. 'We will surely miss one of our top producers and wish him a very happy and relaxing retirement.'

Cooper launched his career at TWA in 1963 where his responsibilities included reservations, ticketing, inside sales, sales representative, senior sales representative, account executive and director of sales running a sales team of 21 employees. He even washed airplanes during strikes.

Cooper joined the Delta Queen Steamboat Co. in 1982 and then American Queen Steamboat Co. at its launch.

Considered a natural born salesman and a gifted presenter, Cooper brought in several major accounts and helped the travel agency community fill the boats.

After growing up in Boston, he has finally lost his Boston accent and plans to enjoy his retirement with his wife of more than 40 years, two grown daughters and three grandchildren.