[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 59 (Monday, April 3, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E287]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF JIM LACY

                                 ______
                                 

                           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 
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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