The event gave local officials, business and civic leaders, and others from throughout the Purchase area the opportunity to look back on the successes of the last 50 years.
Comer, during his speech, stated "A lot of people when they think about the Area Development Districts just think about the economic development grants, or things like that. They don't think about all the programs and services for the majority of our population. I wanted to mention that today as we're here to celebrate the achievements of the past 50 years because there are a lot of great things that the Area Development Districts have worked closely with, with our people on the ground in the local communities."
As the PADD does each year at its July Annual Meeting, the Board elected new officers. This year, Congressman Comer installed the newly elected officers, including McCracken County Citizen Representative Arthur Boykin as Chairman, Hickman County Judge/Executive Kenny Wilson as Vice-Chairman, Benton Mayor Rita Dotson as Secretary, and Ballard County Judge/Executive Todd Cooper as Treasurer.
After his election, Chairman Arthur Boykin said, “It’s an honor to serve as Chairman of an organization whose goal is to improve the quality of life for all the residents of the Purchase Area; especially an organization where we already see 50 years’ worth of success.”
PADD executive director Jennifer Beck Walker, in her remarks, thanked members of the PADD board and staff, both past and present, as well as committee members, representatives of local, state and federal government agencies, and partner organizations for their work over the last 50 years.
She said, “I am amazed at what I see being accomplished in our region; all of us, working together.”
