[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 45 (Wednesday, March 10, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1456-S1457]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO BRAD RICHARDSON

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, it was one decade ago that my friend 
Brad Richardson saw an opportunity in Hardin County. The community was 
ready to step on the gas pedal and start a new era of growth. It had 
the raw materials: a dynamic workforce, a premium location, and a 
strong ally in Fort Knox. All it needed was the right person to lead 
the way. Today, I would like to pay tribute to Brad, a visionary leader 
who helped realize the area's potential. At the end of this month, he 
will begin a well-deserved retirement with our sincere thanks.
  The first step was bringing everyone together. Brad is a natural team 
builder. He oversaw the consolidation of four local business advocacy 
groups into the Hardin County Chamber of Commerce. The new organization 
would help attract investment to one of Kentucky's most populous 
counties. As the chamber's inaugural president, Brad spent the next 
decade doing just that.
  One of Brad's first moves at the new Hardin Chamber was to restart 
the annual Small Business Expo. The event gives local entrepreneurs the 
opportunities to connect with customers and local leaders as they 
expand their operations. Brad also launched a Buy Local campaign to 
keep Hardin County's dollars in the community. In 2014, he was named 
the Chamber Executive of the Year by the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce 
Executives.
  Hardin County is more than a great place to live and work. It is also 
the proud home to Fort Knox, one of Kentucky's premier military 
installations and the location of the U.S. bullion depository. The 
installation supports over 20,000 local jobs and makes a multibillion 
dollar annual economic impact. In 2016, Brad was a driving force in the 
establishment of the Knox Regional Development Alliance. The group is 
tasked with promoting the relationship between the community and our 
Armed Forces. For his work to encourage the partnership, Brad was given 
the Fort Knox Gold Neighbor Award.
  I've worked closely with Brad and KRDA to invest in Fort Knox's 
infrastructure and capabilities. Last year,

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that hard work paid off. The Pentagon selected Fort Knox to host the 
reactivated V Corps headquarters. Kentucky is one of the most military-
friendly States in the country, and Hardin County was eager to welcome 
more than 600 additional soldiers. I am grateful to KRDA, Brad and his 
team, and our many other partners who made the stationing of the V 
Corps at Fort Knox a reality.
  Over the years, Brad increased chamber membership and made 
substantial innovations for his community and our Commonwealth. That 
record of accomplishment would be enough for anyone. But Brad was 
determined to bring his good humor and enthusiasm to every project. He 
made it a real pleasure to be part of his team. When Brad took this 
job, he set an ambitious goal to enhance the quality of life in Hardin 
County. By any objective standard, I think he succeeded.
  So we are all going to miss working with Brad at the Hardin County 
Chamber of Commerce. Along with his colleagues and friends, I extend my 
best wishes for a fulfilling retirement. On behalf of the Senate, I 
would like to congratulate Brad on all of his success and to thank him 
for many years of leadership in Kentucky.

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