[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 140 (Friday, August 30, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1085-E1086]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING DAVE ADKISSON ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 30, 2019

  Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of 
Dave Adkisson, for his years of dedicated service in expanding business 
and enhancing opportunity throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky. A 
true champion for business-community outreach and development, Dave's 
retirement in October 2019 marks an impactful 15-year career dedicated 
to advancing businesses and promoting workers' priorities with the 
Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.
  Dave was raised in Owensboro, Kentucky, where he first sowed the 
seeds of his passion for business and community development. After 
starting his career at the local chamber of commerce, his success and 
community leadership were further evidenced when he was twice elected 
mayor of Owensboro.
  After serving as president of the Birmingham, Alabama Chamber, Dave 
returned home to the Commonwealth to serve as head of the state chamber 
in 2005. Due to his leadership and selfless discipline, the Kentucky 
Chamber became the state's largest business association. Dave expanded 
the Chamber's Frankfort headquarters to focus on Kentucky-first policy 
and local community development. Due to the economic growth and 
business advancements under Dave's efforts, the state chamber doubled 
in size and became a prominent voice, advocating for Kentucky on the 
national scale. With Dave as president and CEO, the Kentucky Chamber of 
Commerce was named the State Chamber of the Year by the Council of 
State Chambers.

[[Page E1086]]

  Dave has used his state chamber position by serving the Commonwealth 
community in multiple positions, including serving as the chairman of 
the American Chamber of Commerce Executives, and the chairman of the 
national Council of State Chambers. In each role, Dave worked to ensure 
that not only local business-community relationships existed, but also 
that Kentucky businesses were featured, utilized and grown on the 
national landscape. He has been an incredible force in the field of 
commerce and economic development for the Commonwealth.
  I am particularly proud of Dave's tireless advocacy for enhancing our 
business community through education and workforce development. 
Kentucky's workforce is the best in the country, and his efforts to 
create the Kentucky Chamber Workforce Center and the Leadership 
Institute for School Principals have certainly yielded tremendous 
results. It is clear that his personal passion has shown through in 
these successful initiatives.
  Dave has been a true leader for Kentucky and we will do our best to 
continue his dedicated work for the region we all love. As he enters 
retirement, my wife Cynthia and I wish Dave, Bonnie and their entire 
family immense joy and blessings in the years to come.

                          ____________________