[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 162 (Tuesday, October 15, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S5785]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO DAVE ADKISSON

  Mr. McDONNELL. Madam President, it is my pleasure today to salute a 
transformative leader in my home State of Kentucky, Dave Adkisson. At 
the end of October, Dave will retire as the president and CEO of the 
Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, ending nearly 15 years of representing 
our Commonwealth's employers and signature industries. His talent for 
advocacy and consensus-building have benefited Kentucky, and I would 
like to thank him for his many achievements for our State.
  Dave began his career at his hometown chamber of commerce in 
Owensboro, KY. His creativity and successful management won him a lot 
of fans early on, and he was elected the mayor of Owensboro at the age 
of 34. Championing several development projects and attracting new 
businesses to the city, Dave was reelected to a second term without 
opposition.
  Leaving public service, Dave accepted an offer to lead the 
Birmingham, Alabama, Chamber. The career move took Dave's talents out 
of Kentucky, but he wouldn't be gone for long. He returned home and 
began his current role leading the statewide chamber. At the helm of 
our Commonwealth's largest business association, Dave has grown the 
organization and expanded its reach. Now, it represents more than 3,800 
businesses in Kentucky.
  As the leader of the Kentucky Chamber, Dave has made a positive and 
lasting impact on the public policies enacted both in Frankfort and in 
Washington. His organization helped lead the charge to pass a right-to-
work law in Kentucky, giving workers more freedom over their paychecks 
and drawing new investment into the Bluegrass State. Dave was also a 
key ally in our drive to pass comprehensive Federal tax reform and cut 
burdensome regulations. Kentucky's strong economy is a result, in part, 
of Dave's leadership.
  He has also been recognized nationally among his peers for his 
important work. In 2017, the Kentucky Chamber was named the top chamber 
in the country, and Dave has lent his expertise to several national 
business associations. To foster future innovators, Dave cofounded 
Leadership Kentucky, a highly selective program to equip prominent 
Kentuckians with the skills to excel. It is just one example in a long 
list of contributions Dave has made to improve our State's bright 
future.
  As Dave leaves the Kentucky Chamber, I am glad to know he will 
continue leading various projects around the Commonwealth. I am sure 
our communities will continue to benefit from his talent and guiding 
hand. I am also reassured to know that, while Dave is spending some 
well-deserved time with his wife Bonnie and their family, the Kentucky 
Chamber will be in the capable hands of its new president, Ashli Watts. 
A seasoned advocacy veteran, Ashli can build upon the years of success 
and help the Kentucky Chamber continue to be a strong voice for our 
state's job creators.
  So, Mr. President, I would like to thank Dave for his years of 
leadership in Kentucky. As an elected official and a public policy 
advocate he has created a legacy of accomplishment that will be enjoyed 
for years to come. It is a privilege to pay tribute to my friend today, 
and I ask my Senate colleagues to join me in honoring Dave Adkisson and 
wishing him a fulfilling retirement.

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