[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 70 (Thursday, April 22, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S2163]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                      TRIBUTE TO MARY LILLY SMITH

 Mr. BLUNT. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a Springfield, 
MO, resident who has dedicated 38 years of her life in service to the 
city of Springfield by helping facilitate economic development, 
creating and retaining thousands of jobs, and bringing life to the 
downtown area. Mary Lilly Smith started her career in 1983 as a city 
planner for downtown Springfield, where she helped create the city's 
initial neighborhood conservation office. During the next 38 years, 
Mary played an instrumental role in nearly 100 key economic 
initiatives.
  Mary is best known for her 17 years as the economic development 
director. Along with her commitment to the downtown area, she created 
the Economic Development Incentives Policy Manual, which became a 
template for other towns and cities across the State to implement 
development policies. In addition to her economic development 
initiatives, Mary made sure to preserve the city of Springfield's 
incredible history. Throughout her nearly four decades of service, Mary 
has developed many different approaches to preserving and honoring the 
history of the area. She also developed the city's first capital 
improvement program, which facilitated a change in the review process 
for protecting architecturally significant historical properties.
  Mary leaves behind a legacy for the city of Springfield to be enjoyed 
by all for years to come. For her many years of service, she has earned 
her retirement. As she enters this new chapter of her life, I offer 
Mary best wishes.

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