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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1085-E1086]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING DAVE ADKISSON ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT
______
HON. HAROLD ROGERS
of kentucky
in the house of representatives
Friday, August 30, 2019
Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of
Dave Adkisson, for his years of dedicated service in expanding business
and enhancing opportunity throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky. A
true champion for business-community outreach and development, Dave's
retirement in October 2019 marks an impactful 15-year career dedicated
to advancing businesses and promoting workers' priorities with the
Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.
Dave was raised in Owensboro, Kentucky, where he first sowed the
seeds of his passion for business and community development. After
starting his career at the local chamber of commerce, his success and
community leadership were further evidenced when he was twice elected
mayor of Owensboro.
After serving as president of the Birmingham, Alabama Chamber, Dave
returned home to the Commonwealth to serve as head of the state chamber
in 2005. Due to his leadership and selfless discipline, the Kentucky
Chamber became the state's largest business association. Dave expanded
the Chamber's Frankfort headquarters to focus on Kentucky-first policy
and local community development. Due to the economic growth and
business advancements under Dave's efforts, the state chamber doubled
in size and became a prominent voice, advocating for Kentucky on the
national scale. With Dave as president and CEO, the Kentucky Chamber of
Commerce was named the State Chamber of the Year by the Council of
State Chambers.
[[Page E1086]]
Dave has used his state chamber position by serving the Commonwealth
community in multiple positions, including serving as the chairman of
the American Chamber of Commerce Executives, and the chairman of the
national Council of State Chambers. In each role, Dave worked to ensure
that not only local business-community relationships existed, but also
that Kentucky businesses were featured, utilized and grown on the
national landscape. He has been an incredible force in the field of
commerce and economic development for the Commonwealth.
I am particularly proud of Dave's tireless advocacy for enhancing our
business community through education and workforce development.
Kentucky's workforce is the best in the country, and his efforts to
create the Kentucky Chamber Workforce Center and the Leadership
Institute for School Principals have certainly yielded tremendous
results. It is clear that his personal passion has shown through in
these successful initiatives.
Dave has been a true leader for Kentucky and we will do our best to
continue his dedicated work for the region we all love. As he enters
retirement, my wife Cynthia and I wish Dave, Bonnie and their entire
family immense joy and blessings in the years to come.
____________________
