GRADD NEWS RELEASE
One area community and three local individuals were recognized Monday night, September 19, at the 48th GRADD Annual Dinner at Reid’s Orchard in Owensboro.
The City of Beaver Dam was named the 2016 GRADD Community of the Year, for their
Beaver Dam Amphitheater Project. Utilizing public resources, the $2,168,000 amphitheater was funded through a bond issue and is supported by a three-percent restaurant tax enacted by the city. Those funds can only be used to promote and/or create tourism.
The amphitheater was designed to accommodate up to 5,000 attendees for concerts and other events. It’s equipped with a state of the art sound system, lighting system, and a 2,400 square foot covered stage, which can handle events of all sizes. There is nothing like it in the region!
Henderson County elementary school principal Rob Carroll, received the Charles Reid Regional Citizenship Award, recognizing a citizen from the public or private sector who has played a major role in the regional development efforts within the GRADD area.
Carroll took South Heights Elementary School, which was one of the lowest performing elementary schools in the Henderson County School District and in the bottom 25 in the state, and transformed the culture into what is known as the “1199,” which happens to be the school address, into a National Model School. The motto for the school is “YES WE CAN!” and is known for its innovation in motivating kids to do their very best.
Kim Logsdon, Executive Director for the Bluegrass Crossings Business Centre, won the Texal Brooks Regional Leadership Award, recognizing a current or former GRADD board or committee member who has demonstrated outstanding regional leadership.
Logsdon has devoted his entire career to public service and economic development activities. From acting as the Deputy Judge of Daviess County, to serving as the Executive Director of the West Kentucky office of the Kentucky Economic Development Cabinet, his passion for the GRADD region is most notable.
Serving as chairman of the Green River Economic Development Corporation for the last four years, Logsdon has had a very impressive record; overseeing the approval of 12 Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) loans which included the creation of 99 jobs, $1,137,016 in direct RLF investment, and $4,056,743 in leveraged funds (including owner equity).
Retired Congressman, Ed Whitfield received the Wendell H. Ford Regional Legislative Leadership Award, recognizing a city, county, state or national elected official who has dedicated their life to working with legislative issues for the citizens of the GRADD region.
Whitfield’s influence and commitment has made a tremendous impact in so many cities within GRADD. In the Green River region, he has been instrumental in funding a wide spectrum of projects that have greatly enhanced the district. He was a cosponsor of H.R.370 (Coal-to-Liquid Fuel Promotion Act of 2007) and H.R.683 (Investment in Energy Independence Act of 2006). These pieces of legislation helped enhance our energy security, while also providing economic opportunities for Kentucky, specifically the Green River region. This pledge of service to communities reflects his unwavering commitment to assist the citizens of the Commonwealth. The 48th GRADD Annual Dinner was sponsored by Independence Bank, AT&T, Atmos, Canteen, Owensboro Health, Q-Wireless, Riney Hancock CPAs, Big Rivers, Century Aluminum, E.M. Ford & Company, Kentucky Utilities, Owensboro Municipal Utilities, Ross Sinclaire and Associates, and SIHO Insurance Services.
For more information, please contact Kim Wells, GRADD Executive Assistant, at 270-926-4433 or kimwells@gradd.com.
(Above Photo: Beaver Dam Amphitheater)
(Above Photo: Rob Carroll)
(Above Photo: Kim Logsdon)
(Above Photo: Ed Whitfield)