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[Page S5785]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
TRIBUTE TO DAVE ADKISSON
Mr. McDONNELL. Madam President, it is my pleasure today to salute a
transformative leader in my home State of Kentucky, Dave Adkisson. At
the end of October, Dave will retire as the president and CEO of the
Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, ending nearly 15 years of representing
our Commonwealth's employers and signature industries. His talent for
advocacy and consensus-building have benefited Kentucky, and I would
like to thank him for his many achievements for our State.
Dave began his career at his hometown chamber of commerce in
Owensboro, KY. His creativity and successful management won him a lot
of fans early on, and he was elected the mayor of Owensboro at the age
of 34. Championing several development projects and attracting new
businesses to the city, Dave was reelected to a second term without
opposition.
Leaving public service, Dave accepted an offer to lead the
Birmingham, Alabama, Chamber. The career move took Dave's talents out
of Kentucky, but he wouldn't be gone for long. He returned home and
began his current role leading the statewide chamber. At the helm of
our Commonwealth's largest business association, Dave has grown the
organization and expanded its reach. Now, it represents more than 3,800
businesses in Kentucky.
As the leader of the Kentucky Chamber, Dave has made a positive and
lasting impact on the public policies enacted both in Frankfort and in
Washington. His organization helped lead the charge to pass a right-to-
work law in Kentucky, giving workers more freedom over their paychecks
and drawing new investment into the Bluegrass State. Dave was also a
key ally in our drive to pass comprehensive Federal tax reform and cut
burdensome regulations. Kentucky's strong economy is a result, in part,
of Dave's leadership.
He has also been recognized nationally among his peers for his
important work. In 2017, the Kentucky Chamber was named the top chamber
in the country, and Dave has lent his expertise to several national
business associations. To foster future innovators, Dave cofounded
Leadership Kentucky, a highly selective program to equip prominent
Kentuckians with the skills to excel. It is just one example in a long
list of contributions Dave has made to improve our State's bright
future.
As Dave leaves the Kentucky Chamber, I am glad to know he will
continue leading various projects around the Commonwealth. I am sure
our communities will continue to benefit from his talent and guiding
hand. I am also reassured to know that, while Dave is spending some
well-deserved time with his wife Bonnie and their family, the Kentucky
Chamber will be in the capable hands of its new president, Ashli Watts.
A seasoned advocacy veteran, Ashli can build upon the years of success
and help the Kentucky Chamber continue to be a strong voice for our
state's job creators.
So, Mr. President, I would like to thank Dave for his years of
leadership in Kentucky. As an elected official and a public policy
advocate he has created a legacy of accomplishment that will be enjoyed
for years to come. It is a privilege to pay tribute to my friend today,
and I ask my Senate colleagues to join me in honoring Dave Adkisson and
wishing him a fulfilling retirement.
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