[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 104 (Thursday, June 21, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S4337]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO WENDELL LAWRENCE

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I would like to take a moment to 
recognize Wendell Lawrence, of Elizabethtown, KY, who will be retiring 
from his role as the executive director of the Lincoln Trail Area 
Development District, LTADD, on August 1. After 35 years of service, 
including more than two decades as the executive director, Wendell 
leaves a lasting impact on his community and has helped the 
organization fulfill its mission.
  Comprised of eight counties--Breckinridge, Grayson, Hardin, Larue, 
Marion, Meade, Nelson, and Washington--the LTADD was formed in 1968 to 
foster regional strategies and partnerships to benefit the citizens of 
the Commonwealth. Kentucky was the first in the Nation to establish a 
statewide system of regional development organizations.
  This region is an important part of Kentucky's economy and culture. 
It is the home of both the Abraham Lincoln National Historical Park and 
Fort Knox, a vital U.S. Army installation and the site of the U.S. 
Bullion Depository. Comprised of small businesses, heritage sites, and 
agricultural centers, the Lincoln Trail is a rich part of both our 
Commonwealth's history and its future. Under Wendell's leadership, the 
LTADD has helped communities and organizations secure grants and 
resources to help the area continue to thrive.
  During his time leading the district, Wendell has helped establish a 
number of partnerships to increase the region's competitiveness and 
benefit its workers. With organizations like OneKnox and WIRED65, the 
region has leveraged unique geographical and commercial resources to 
help it flourish. Wendell also worked closely with Fort Knox to expand 
the installation's potential and to assist Fort Knox area military 
personnel transitioning out of service into the workforce through his 
role as the former advisory board chairman of Where Opportunity Knox. 
Although the region has changed and developed during his tenure, 
Wendell's diligent leadership of the LTADD has set the area and many of 
its award-winning municipalities on a pathway to a bright future.
  This year marks the 50th anniversary of the LTADD. At a recent event 
to commemorate, its half century of excellence, the members showed 
their gratitude to Wendell by surprising him with their Lifetime 
Achievement Award. Wendell's dedicated service to the district 
throughout his impressive career has endeared him to so many in this 
area.
  In addition to his passionate work in the Lincoln Trial area, Wendell 
also used his talents for the good of Kentucky and other causes close 
to his heart. As a previous chairman of the Kentucky Association of 
District Directors, he helped encourage economic growth throughout the 
Commonwealth. A retired captain in the U.S. Army Reserve with 23 years 
of Active and Reserve service, he is also passionate about our Nation's 
military and is a life member of the Reserve Officers Association and 
former member of the board of directors of the George S. Patton Museum 
and Center of Leadership at Fort Knox.
  On a personal note, I have always enjoyed working with Wendell on 
behalf of the people of Kentucky. His decades of leadership have 
produced tangible benefits for the Lincoln Trail area, which will 
continue to be felt for years to come. In addition, his daughter Amanda 
is a constituent caseworker in my Louisville office. It is clear that a 
commitment to helping Kentuckians runs in the family.
  When Wendell retires later this year, he will begin a new chapter in 
his life. Whatever his next adventure may hold in store, I am confident 
that with the support of his wife, Jackie, and their children, Amanda, 
Thomas, and Meredith, he will continue to find success.
  I would like to join the people of Kentucky and the staff of the 
Lincoln Trail Area Development District in thanking Wendell for his 
years of achievement and wishing him well in the future. I urge my 
Senate colleagues to join me.

                          ____________________