Rocky Adkins honored by Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet

Representative was sponsor of the Kentucky Tourism Development Act in 1996

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Nov. 8, 2013) – Rep. Rocky Adkins, D-Sandy Hook,  received the 2013 Partner in Tourism Award from the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet for his leadership and support of the tourism industry.

Adkins, House majority floor leader, was the sponsor of the Kentucky Tourism Development Act in 1996 that established an incentive program for tourism development projects. He was honored Thursday evening during the Kentucky Travel Industry Association Annual Conference in Louisville.

The incentive program has helped attract more than $847 million in tourism investments in Kentucky since 1996.

“Rep. Rocky Adkins has been a longtime supporter of tourism in Kentucky, and we appreciate his continuing commitment to this industry that had an economic impact of $12.2 billion last year,” said Bob Stewart, Tourism, Arts and Heritage Secretary.

“I never envisioned in 1996 that this piece of legislation would become such a significant economic catalyst for Kentucky’s travel and tourism industry,” Adkins said. “But it gave us the ability to compete for large scale projects and prove that our commonwealth could support and sustain major attractions and businesses. I am humbled by this award and proud to be part of Kentucky’s success and continued growth in this important industry.”

Adkins was elected to the House in 1986 and represents Elliott and Lawrence counties, and a portion of Rowan County.

Adkins has been inducted into the Morehead State University Alumni Hall of Fame and the Junior Achievement Tri State Business Hall of Fame. He has been honored for his public service by many organizations and is the recipient of the East Kentucky Leadership Conference Public Servant Award, the FIVECO Area Development District President’s Award and the Ashland Area Labor Management Council Award.  He was the March of Dimes Goldenrod Division’s 2007 Honoree.

The Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet includes the Department of Travel and Tourism, Kentucky State Parks, Kentucky Horse Park, Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Kentucky State Fair Board, Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea, Kentucky Arts Council, Kentucky Historical Society, Kentucky Heritage Council, Kentucky Sports Authority, Kentucky Center for the Arts, Governor’s School for the Arts and the Frankfort Convention Complex.