[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 34 (Monday, February 25, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1429-S1430]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO ERNEST MATT HOUSE

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, later this week, Leadership Tri-County 
from Knox, Whitley, and Laurel Counties in my home State will present 
one of its highest honors: the Leader of the Year award. I was 
delighted to learn this year's title will be given to Ernest Matt 
House, a lifelong resident of London, KY, and a remarkable example of 
entrepreneurship. I would like to take a few moments today to pay 
tribute to Ernest Matt and his many accomplishments in Kentucky.
  From an early age, Ernest Matt's talents were on full display. In 
high

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school, he excelled both in the classroom and on the field, earning 14 
varsity letters and a place in the Kentucky High School Athletic 
Association's Hall of Fame, but these achievements, of course, were 
just the beginning. Ernest Matt received a full scholarship to play 
football at Eastern Kentucky University. There, he was EKU's starting 
quarterback for 3 years and lettered all 4. His notable time in the 
Colonel's uniform merited inclusion into the school's athletic hall of 
fame, and he still ranks among the best quarterbacks in its history.
  After his graduation, Ernest Matt returned to Laurel County and began 
working at his family's grocery store. Named for both of his 
grandfathers, he had big shoes to fill in the family business, but it 
didn't take long for Ernest Matt to learn the competitive business and 
set his sights on the future. Although a lot has changed in the grocery 
business and in the community, Ernest Matt holds onto the tradition of 
personal service that keeps bringing loyal customers back to the store. 
Over the next years, his continued entrepreneurial success earned him 
distinction both in the local community and across the Nation.
  Leadership Tri-County was established more than three decades ago to 
foster and develop emerging local leaders. Its programs in Kentucky 
invest in the men and women who have spent their lives making their 
communities a better place to live. This award is given each year to an 
individual who has contributed to the area's growth and development, 
and Ernest Matt clearly fits the bill. Through his business success and 
service on local, regional, and State board and commissions, Ernest 
Matt has quite a legacy of achievement.
  A man of deep faith, Ernest Matt credits his good works both to 
Christ and to his loving family, especially his wife Kim. I am sure 
she, along with his children and grandchildren, are quite proud of him. 
Kentucky has been made better because of Ernest Matt's many 
contributions, and I would like to congratulate him for being named the 
2019 Leader of the Year. I encourage my Senate colleagues to join me in 
recognizing his work.

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