One of the Russell County Industrial Development Authority's founding members was recognized during the March 2021 board meeting for his 30 years of service. Gene Smith has represented the city of Russell Springs on the board and helped bring about many improvements during his term, including the development of two industrial parks and the recruitment of many businesses.

“We’ve accomplished a lot,” Gene told his fellow members during Monday's meeting. “It’s amazing that we have such a group that gets along as well and accomplishes so much. I’m extremely proud to be a part of that group.”

Gene lauded the sponsoring members of the authority, Bank of Jamestown, First National Bank, and DUO Broadband, as well as the cities of Jamestown, Russell Springs, and the Russell County Fiscal Court for their annual financial contributions supporting the board, during good times and bad, over the last 30 years. “We do always owe a debt of gratitude for the foresight those institutions have shown."

He also expressed appreciation to DUO Broadband for their additional support of meeting and office space as well as support personnel.

In recognition of Gene's service, board member Stephen Branscum read the following Resolution of Appreciation from the RCIDA board:

WHEREAS, in 1991, the County of Russell and the Cities of Jamestown and Russell Springs, Kentucky established by Ordinance the creation of the Russell County Industrial Development Authority;

WHEREAS, the mission of the aforesaid Authority was to serve as agent on behalf of the aforementioned local units of government to promote industrial and community development for the purpose of enhancing the quality of life for its citizens, and;

WHEREAS, Mr. Gene Smith was initially appointed as a founding member of said Authority for a three (3) year term representing the City of Russell Springs; and since that time, Mr. Smith has been reappointed consecutively and has served faithfully until his term expired March 17, 2021, which spans a period of thirty (30) years, and;

WHEREAS, during this time of service, Mr. Smith has served various roles on the Authority while at the same time fulfilling his role of being President of Lawless & Smith Welding & Hardware and;

WHEREAS, Mr. Smith in serving in his various capacities on the Authority was instrumental in the establishment of the Russell County Business Park and the French Valley Business Park, now known as the Lake Cumberland Regional Industrial Complex and;

WHEREAS, these parks have enabled the Authority in working with many local, state and federal agencies to successfully find the financial resources to build the necessary infrastructure to be in the position to recruit industry and business to locate within them, and;

WHEREAS, through the efforts of Mr. Smith and his fellow board members, the Authority has been able to successfully recruit and locate companies such as Lily Creek Industries, Tantus Tobacco, Hitachi Automotive, GGF Manufacturing, BRUSS North America, Dr. Schneider Automotive, and JOMEL Seams Reasonable; and at the same time to assist existing industries to improve, and;

WHEREAS, in order to give Mr. Smith recognition for his time, expertise and benevolence given to Russell County, Kentucky, the Russell County Industrial Development Authority by unanimous vote does hereby adopt this resolution of grateful appreciation and recognition to Mr. Gene Smith and to make it a permanent matter of the minutes of the Russell County Industrial Development Authority.

ADOPTED, this 22nd day of March 2021.

Russell Springs has not named Gene's replacement.