Tribute in Honor of Jim Lacy

Floor Speech

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Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my good friend, James ``Jim'' Lacy, 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, Jim was one of the first local leaders that we recruited to help advise us on agricultural issues in our rural region. Jim was one of the original board members 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 innovative leaders like, Jim Lacy.

In addition to his service at The Center, Jim's expertise has been coveted by a number of Kentucky organizations, including Kentucky Farm Bureau Board of Directors, Kentucky River Resource Conservation and Development Council, Southern Kentucky Agriculture Development Association, among others.

When I consider the individuals who made the biggest impact in southern and eastern Kentucky over the last four decades, I count Jim Lacy among those who invested a great wealth of wisdom and worked tirelessly to make our region a better place to live. I'll close with this blessing on Jim's 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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