TRIBUTE TO BOB QUICK

On 2026-09-29, Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered a floor speech titled "TRIBUTE TO BOB QUICK" in the Senate.

TRIBUTE TO BOB QUICK

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 154 (Tuesday, September 29, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 154 (Tuesday, September 29, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S5162] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO BOB QUICK Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, I rise today to pay tribute to a true leader of business in central Kentucky, president and CEO of Commerce Lexington, Bob Quick. Bob marked 25 years of service to the organization earlier this year and retired at the end of July. Bob deserves significant recognition for the positive change he has implemented in the Lexington business community, so I ask my colleagues to please join me in honoring and celebrating his more than 25 years of dedicated service. Before coming to Lexington in 2001, Bob had previously served as executive vice president of the Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce and also president of the Evansville, Indiana Chamber of Commerce. Already a seasoned chamber veteran, he was impressed by what Lexington offered him and his family, and he knew he could find a way to make a difference as well. Bob immediately got to work. Under his leadership, he oversaw the 2004 merger of Lexington's economic and workforce development organizations, streamlining the process for promoting business development in the region. Commerce Lexington, Inc., was the chamber's new name, and its founding ushered in a new age for the city and its future success in economic development and growth. Since then, Bob has successfully led nearly 2,000 members of the Lexington chamber in its efforts to shape business policy. His accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. Commerce Lex has received numerous awards during Bob's leadership. These include being named the Chamber of the Year and Economic Development Organization of the Year. Bob's work has also led to the Greater Lexington Region being named a top place for business and industry. His leadership in promoting greater regional collaboration through trust and relationship building is one of his lasting legacies. His involvement in those efforts led to the creation of the regional public policy group, improvements in regional infrastructure in central Kentucky, elevated regional marketing efforts and events like the Greater Lexington Washington, DC, Fly-In and the Regional Summit--all integral to advancing the region's economic success over the years. Bob is a driven professional, and his impact continues to put Lexington in a better position, but it is clear that where Bob distinguishes himself most is through his character. He is a positive force in the lives of so many and all those around him benefit from his presence and steady leadership. Often quick to credit others, Bob's peers praise him for leading with grace and dignity. They have seen how well he connects with people and always seeks to collaborate with local leaders on important projects. I have had the pleasure of visiting with Bob during numerous occasions back home in the Commonwealth and in Washington, DC. It is evident that he cares deeply for the Lexington community and has dedicated a lot of effort to making sure the city punches above its weight, which supports the Commonwealth as a whole. There is no doubt Bob has succeeded in this goal, and the greater Lexington community continues to grow thanks to his work. In addition to his role at Commerce Lexington, Bob has served central Kentucky as a board member for several other organizations, including the Lexington Industrial Foundation, Bluegrass Sports Commission, and Downtown Lexington Partnership Board. He has also helped represent Lexington's interests on a wider scale through regional organizations focused on sustainability, business competition, and policy groups. There are few areas where Bob is not actively involved in making positive change. I know Bob's wife Julie and his entire family are so proud of him for his hard work and dedicated service, and I am glad they are a staple of the Lexington community. There are two types of leaders: those who seek to make a point and those who actively make a difference. I am certain Bob is a difference- maker. Lexington is better off thanks to Bob Quick and his hard work in the community. Once again, I would ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating him on a successful career and thanking him for his 25 years of service to Commerce Lexington. ____________________