[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 59 (Monday, April 3, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E289]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF CLAY PARKER DAVIS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 3, 2023

  Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
one of my closest long-time friends, Clay Parker Davis, upon his 
retirement from The Center for Rural Development's Board of Directors 
in Somerset, Kentucky.
  When I embarked on a mission to establish The Center for Rural 
Development (The Center) in southeastern Kentucky, Clay was one of the 
first local leaders that we recruited to help advise the board on 
industrial development and financial issues in our rural region. Clay 
was the founding Board Chairman when The Center opened in 1996 and has 
remained a dedicated advisor for more than 25 years. The Center was 
designed to launch innovative programs in leadership, economic 
development, education, advanced telecommunications, technology 
improvements and public safety training, while also serving as a venue 
for performing arts and cultural events in the community. The Center is 
now an iconic centerpiece of southeastern Kentucky, thanks to the 
innovative leadership of Clay Davis.
  In addition to his service at The Center, Clay's expertise has been 
coveted by a number of Kentucky organizations and he has worn several 
hats, including Citizens National Bank President/CEO for 35 years, 
First National Bank and Trust Executive Vice President in Georgetown, 
YMCA President in Somerset, Kentucky Bankers Association Past 
President, Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce, the City of 
Somerset, and the Somerset-Pulaski County Industrial Foundation, among 
others.
  When I consider the individuals who made the biggest impact in 
southern and eastern Kentucky over the last four decades, I count Clay 
Davis among those who invested a great wealth of wisdom and worked 
tirelessly to make our region a better place to live. I want to 
personally express my deepest gratitude for his loyal friendship, 
trusted advice, and courageous leadership over the years. Recently, 
Clay has been in a valiant battle for his health, and I'd like to close 
with this blessing on his behalf from Numbers 6:24-26: ``May the Lord 
bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be 
gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you 
peace.''

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