[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 76 (Thursday, June 3, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1023]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RECOGNIZING GREG GROUNDS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM GRAVES

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 3, 2004

  Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Greg Grounds, 
Mayor of Blue Springs, Missouri from 1990 through April 2004 and former 
Alderman of Ward 1. Greg's community involvement has always been 
extensive whether it be in public office or in volunteer work. In the 
past, he has served in such capacities as the Mid-America Regional 
Council Board of Directors, Chairman of the Jackson County Suburban 
Mayors Association, and worked with the National League of Cities' 
Finance, Administration and Intergovernmental Relations Policy 
Committee. Greg is also a past Co-Chair and Member of the Eastern 
Jackson County Betterment Council and a past President of the West Gate 
Division of the Missouri Municipal League.
  Greg's efforts as Mayor and Alderman contributed heavily to the 
development and successful growth of Blue Springs over the past fifteen 
years. Greg has helped lead many important projects such as the 
development of the Adams Dairy Corridor that included the construction 
of the Adams Pointe Golf Club and the Adams Pointe Conference Center, 
construction of several new parks and recreation facilities for the 
community including Wilbur Young Park, the Hidden Valley Park Sports 
Complex, and Vesper Hall, and residential and commercial development 
valued in excess of $310 and $140 million respectively. In addition, 
his leadership resulted in the addition of 980,000 square feet of new 
retail space and the annexation of 2,000 acres in south Blue Springs 
for which Greg helped to develop a South Annexation Plan in preparation 
for its future growth.
  Greg is a fine asset to the city of Blue Springs and the entire Sixth 
District of Missouri. Through his rich career in community, volunteer 
and public service, he is the epitome of an ideal citizen. Mr. Speaker, 
I proudly ask you to join me in commending the career, as well as the 
future of Greg Grounds, who exemplifies stellar qualities of dedication 
and service to Northwest Missouri.

                          ____________________