Story - The Meade County Messenger


Vol. 114, No. 15	April 2, 2008

Lt. Gov. Mongiardo addresses Chamber

Photos by Sandra Stone
Lt. Gov. Dan Mongiardo and Rep. Jeff Greer congratulated the 2008-2009 directors of the Meade County Area Chamber of Commerce. Serving on the board are Paul Poole, president; Matthew Pike, vice-president; Delaine Streible, secretary; Vickie Bryson, treasurer; and directors Gary Chapman, Ray Cottrell Jr., Roxann Curts, Christie Parcell and Kelly Roberts.

By SANDRA STONE
Messenger Staff

Lt. Gov. Dan Mongiardo was the guest of honor and featured speaker at the annual awards dinner and installation of officers hosted by the Meade County Area Chamber of Commerce March 27.

“Meade County has a friend in Dr. Dan,” said Rep. Jeff Greer in introducing the lieutenant governor. “He cares. He wants things to be better.”

Saying he was in a contest with the other speakers to see who could be the most brief, Mongiardo touched on a few issues of importance to Kentucky in the 21st century.

The first, he said, is the high cost of health care. “If we don’t fix this problem, we’re in trouble. It’s not about who pays for it, who else pays for it, or any other fancy financing,” said Mongiardo. Rather, he said, Kentucky can lead the nation in changing the face of health care through information technology.

Adventure tourism is another way, said Mongiardo, for Kentucky to capitalize on resources we already have – beautiful land, more shoreline than any other state except Alaska and great people to welcome visitors. A statewide trail system for horses, hiking, biking and four-wheeling is currently in the planning stages with the hope of having part of it ready for the Equestrian Games in 2010 when the plan is for horses to come from all areas of the state bearing water to pour into a common pool at the Kentucky Horse Park. When Kentucky uses its natural assets, said Mongiardo, rural areas can develop their own economies.

BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure) is on the minds of many in Meade County, and it is on the minds of many in Frankfort as well. It is anticipated $300 million in state tax dollars will go toward expanding infrastructure, building schools and roads and other efforts to accommodate more than 12,000 new people to the region over the next few years.

Arch Chemicals Award: Tom Wilkerson, Jeanna Turner and Lt. Gov. Dan Mongiardo.

When asked about the casino gaming amendment, Mongiardo said he didn’t think they would have one this year, but expressed his concern about the state’s largest industry (thoroughbred horses) being adversely affected by competition from other states. ‘We’re ignoring our number one cash crop,” said Mongiardo. “If we lose these horses because other states are increasing purses for horses born in their states, we’re in trouble. If that were to happen, the times we are in are miniscule to the times we will face.”

In his remarks, Chamber President Paul Poole addressed Meade County’s future. “As the Chamber, it’s our role and responsibility to put the best face on Meade County,” he said. The past year has been about that, with efforts continuing to relocate the Chamber office to a more suitable location. Weather has not cooperated, but work continues, through the help of many volunteers, slowly and surely.

Volunteer of the Year Award: Paul Poole, Tim Gossett and Lt. Gov. Dan Mongiardo.

The Chamber has also been involved in promoting Meade County through the BRAC Action Group, going on road tours to other areas and welcoming visitors to Meade county.

The benefits of membership in the Meade County Chamber are numerous, said Poole. “Great people, great fellowship, interesting programs at monthly luncheons, community relations meetings, various social activities in connection with the county, those are just a few,” said Poole.

“Most amazing to me is the quality of people I’ve encountered,” continued Poole. “Our greatest resource is our people, and our board of directors exemplify that.”

Then it was time for the awards portion of the program, and Lt. Gov. Mongiardo was pressed into service to help present the four awards to individuals and organizations who have gone above and beyond in their service to both the Chamber of Commerce and the community as a whole. First was the Arch Chemicals Award presented by Tom Wilkerson to Farm Bureau Insurance. Jeanna Turner accepted the award on their behalf. “We’re proud to have our name on an award that represents the business of the year,” said Wilkerson.

James Kimbell Award: Paul Poole, Vickie Bryson and Lt. Gov. Dan Mongiardo.

Poole then presented the James Kimbell Award for ongoing service to the Chamber of Commerce to Vickie Bryson. “She’s one of those people who gets it,” said Poole, “who understands it’s about what’s best for Meade County.”

The Volunteer of the Year award went to Tim Gossett for his tireless efforts in coordinating renovation efforts on the Chamber’s new location. “You can see his love for Meade County,” said Poole. “It’s evident in how hard he works for Meade County.”

The final award was for the individual or organization who has demonstrated sustained and exceptional service to Meade County. Presented by Lt. Gov. Mongiardo, the award went to the Pets in Need Society for their continued efforts on behalf of Meade County’s four-legged friends. PINS president Liz Bell and vice president Jennifer Marshall accepted the award on the behalf of the organization which has been instrumental in creating a high-quality animal shelter and reducing the number of unwanted dogs and cats in Meade County through their spay and neuter program. “Thanks to all the businesses here who help make our organization what it is,” said Bell.

Community Achievement Award: Jennifer Marshall, Liz Bell and Lt. Gov. Dan Mongiardo.

Following the formal portion of the program, auctioneers Stephen Barr and Matthew Pike conducted the auction, assisted by Tim Gossett and the evening’s master of ceremonies, Brandenburg Mayor David Pace.

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