[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 16 (Wednesday, February 1, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Pages S255-S256]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO KEN HARVEY

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize a 
distinguished Kentuckian who has worked tirelessly and selflessly in 
public service for over 25 years. I am sad to report to my colleagues 
today that Mr. Ken Harvey, the longest serving tourism director for any 
county in the Commonwealth, is retiring today.
  Ken has worked since 1986 as the executive director of the London-
Laurel County Tourist Commission in southeastern Kentucky. During his 
tenure, tourism growth in the area has tripled, the number of motels in 
the area has more than doubled, and the number of restaurants has 
doubled. Ken's coworkers, friends, and neighbors know that such a feat 
would not have been possible without Ken's endless energy and 
enthusiasm in his work.
  When Ken moved to London, KY, with his wife Cheryl many years ago, he 
was working for Kmart and was sent to Kentucky for a temporary 
assignment. But, in Ken's own words, London ``just felt like home.'' It 
is to the rest of the town and county's benefit that Ken and Cheryl 
decided to put down roots and make London their home.
  In addition to his long tenure as executive director of the London-
Laurel County Tourist Commission, Ken keeps busy with many other 
pursuits. He is a longtime board member of the Southern/Eastern 
Kentucky Tourism Development Association and has served as that 
organization's president. He has been a board member of the Kentucky 
Tourism Council Federation and served that group for several terms as 
chairman or vice chairman. He has served with the Kentucky Festival 
Association and the Kentucky Main Street Board. Ken is also an avid 
historian who has volunteered for the Kentucky Civil War Trail and 
helped coordinate Civil War reenactments.
  Ken is also a member of the Optimist Club, the Laurel County Rotary 
Club, and a Leadership Tri-County graduate. He was named Laurel County 
Man of the Year by the News Leader in 1990. And I would certainly be 
remiss if I did not mention what many believe to be Ken's greatest 
achievement as tourism director--for many years he has been the driving 
force behind the World Chicken Festival.
  The World Chicken Festival brings over 200,000 visitors to Kentucky 
each year for what has become one of the top 10 festivals in the 
Southeastern United States. It offers entertainment, talent shows, art 
exhibits, carnival rides, and of course food--particularly chicken. It 
has been noted for exhibiting the world's largest stainless steel 
skillet. Lasting 4 days, taking up 10 square blocks, and free to 
visitors, I am sure my colleagues will understand when I say that under 
Ken's leadership, the World Chicken Festival is one of Kentucky's most 
``egg-citing'' events.
  Ken's retirement will be Kentucky's loss but certainly his family's 
gain. I understand he is looking forward to spending more time with his 
6-year-old grandson. On behalf of the people of London, Laurel County, 
and all of Kentucky, I want to thank Mr. Ken Harvey for his many years 
of service. He will be missed, and I certainly wish him all the best in 
his well-earned retirement.
  Mr. President, a recent article printed in the Laurel County area 
publication the Sentinel Echo highlighted Mr. Ken Harvey's many 
achievements. I ask unanimous consent that said article be printed in 
the Record.

[[Page S256]]

  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

                [From the Sentinel Echo, Nov. 28, 2011]

                            Harvey To Retire

               Longest-Serving Tourism Director in State

                           (By Nita Johnson)

       Laurel County, KY.--What began as a year's assignment in 
     1982 evolved into the longest-running term of a tourism 
     commissioner in the state.
       Ken Harvey, executive director of the London-Laurel Tourist 
     Commission, announced his plans to retire on Feb. 1, after 
     serving in that capacity for 26 years.
       He has seen much growth during his tenure with the tourist 
     commission, with his latest focus on developing the Heritage 
     Hills property off Falls Street.
       But the evolution of the World Chicken Festival, the Redbud 
     Ride, various athletic events and a motel tax are just a few 
     of the accomplishments that have brought revenue to the 
     tourism commission during Harvey's term--accomplishments he 
     credits to the board members with whom he has served.
       Board members returned the compliment, with Tourism 
     Commission Board President Caner Cornett describing Harvey as 
     ``one of a kind.''
       ``He's a self-propelled man. Ken only knows one speed--full 
     force,'' Cornett said. ``He's the kind who can talk to 
     someone on jail work release or the governor and show no 
     partiality. He has that kind of personality.''
       Cornett said Harvey's exit as tourism director leaves 
     ``some big shoes to fill.''
       ``He'll be hard to replace. His knowledge and experience is 
     invaluable,'' he added.
       Though coming to London from Ohio, Harvey said just a few 
     months after settling here, he and wife Cheryl knew they 
     wanted to stay in the area.
       ``It just felt like home,'' he said. ``When we came here, 
     there were 650 motel rooms. Now there are 1,300,'' he said. 
     ``Interstate 75 is an attraction in itself for travelers 
     going north or south. We have a good cross-section of dining 
     here and our board is made up of citizens whose home is 
     here.''
       Other attractions that have increased the tourism business 
     are the annual Battle of Camp Wildcat, which Harvey considers 
     ``the best in the state,'' along with the location of the 
     Harley-Davidson dealership.
       Harvey has been honored several times for his diligence in 
     promoting tourism in the London area and is proud that the 
     London commission is highly respected across the state. While 
     he readily admits he does not wish to retire, he realizes 
     that his ongoing health problems and three recent back 
     surgeries are limiting his ability to serve in the capacity 
     that he wishes to continue.
       ``It's time. I hope they bring in someone with fresh ideas 
     that can continue to develop the Heritage Hills property and 
     give some new ideas for other developments,'' Harvey said. 
     ``Besides, I have a grandson who is six years old and I'm 
     looking forward to spending lots and lots of years with 
     him.''

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