The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“TRIBUTE TO BRAD RICHARDSON” mentioning Mitch McConnell was published in the Senate section on pages S1456-S1457 on March 10.
Of the 100 senators in 117th Congress, 24 percent were women, and 76 percent were men, according to the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
Senators' salaries are historically higher than the median US income.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO BRAD RICHARDSON
Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, it was one decade ago that my friend Brad Richardson saw an opportunity in Hardin County. The community was ready to step on the gas pedal and start a new era of growth. It had the raw materials: a dynamic workforce, a premium location, and a strong ally in Fort Knox. All it needed was the right person to lead the way. Today, I would like to pay tribute to Brad, a visionary leader who helped realize the area's potential. At the end of this month, he will begin a well-deserved retirement with our sincere thanks.
The first step was bringing everyone together. Brad is a natural team builder. He oversaw the consolidation of four local business advocacy groups into the Hardin County Chamber of Commerce. The new organization would help attract investment to one of Kentucky's most populous counties. As the chamber's inaugural president, Brad spent the next decade doing just that.
One of Brad's first moves at the new Hardin Chamber was to restart the annual Small Business Expo. The event gives local entrepreneurs the opportunities to connect with customers and local leaders as they expand their operations. Brad also launched a Buy Local campaign to keep Hardin County's dollars in the community. In 2014, he was named the Chamber Executive of the Year by the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Executives.
Hardin County is more than a great place to live and work. It is also the proud home to Fort Knox, one of Kentucky's premier military installations and the location of the U.S. bullion depository. The installation supports over 20,000 local jobs and makes a multibillion dollar annual economic impact. In 2016, Brad was a driving force in the establishment of the Knox Regional Development Alliance. The group is tasked with promoting the relationship between the community and our Armed Forces. For his work to encourage the partnership, Brad was given the Fort Knox Gold Neighbor Award.
I've worked closely with Brad and KRDA to invest in Fort Knox's infrastructure and capabilities. Last year, that hard work paid off. The Pentagon selected Fort Knox to host the reactivated V Corps headquarters. Kentucky is one of the most military-
friendly States in the country, and Hardin County was eager to welcome more than 600 additional soldiers. I am grateful to KRDA, Brad and his team, and our many other partners who made the stationing of the V Corps at Fort Knox a reality.
Over the years, Brad increased chamber membership and made substantial innovations for his community and our Commonwealth. That record of accomplishment would be enough for anyone. But Brad was determined to bring his good humor and enthusiasm to every project. He made it a real pleasure to be part of his team. When Brad took this job, he set an ambitious goal to enhance the quality of life in Hardin County. By any objective standard, I think he succeeded.
So we are all going to miss working with Brad at the Hardin County Chamber of Commerce. Along with his colleagues and friends, I extend my best wishes for a fulfilling retirement. On behalf of the Senate, I would like to congratulate Brad on all of his success and to thank him for many years of leadership in Kentucky.
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