Tribute in Honor of Clay Parker Davis

Floor Speech

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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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