The Leadership Hardin County Class of 2019 was not going to let the crazy Ohio Valley weather put a damper on their day in Frankfort. While the temperature outside reached 70 degrees with threats of floods and thunderstorms, the atmosphere inside seemed far different.

After arriving at the Capital our class was able to tour the Governor’s Mansion, where we had a very knowledgeable guide. While our guide provided us with many educational facts, she also mentioned a few unique ones. She mentioned that Governor Stanley and his family had a couple of pets, an alligator and a monkey. The alligator grew so big that they kept it in the basement of the mansion, while the monkey escaped his cage to explore the mansion. These types of facts are not always found in history books but are certainly ones that need to be told.

Before lunch, our class had an opportunity to meet with Hardin Counties local legislators and have a Q&A session. Representative Duplessis, Representative Moore, Representative Rowland, Representative Schamore, and Representative Webber all discussed various topics that not only Hardin County face but the entire Commonwealth. Two main topics were the pension issues the state faces & school safety. We were all very appreciative of their time and allowing us the chance to have a better understanding concerning these topics.

To conclude our visit to the Capital we had one last stop and that was to meet with the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. Ashli Watts, Senior VP of Public Affairs and a Graduate of Central Hardin High School spoke with us about the role of the State Chamber. We learned that they closely monitor what’s going on that will impact our business communities.

As our day came to an end the Leadership Class of 2019 took one last picture on our trip to Frankfort on the steps of the State Capital.

April R. Ford
AVP, Business Development Officer
Citizens Union Bank