Saturday was a day of celebration as community members, dignitaries, supporters, friends and family members gathered for the grand opening and ribbon cutting at the new Genesis Express, Inc. Community Center building.
Bobby Acree, Vice President of Genesis Express, welcomed the crowd and acknowledged the challenging and lengthy journey that led to the realization of this dream.
click to download audioHe recognized the original eight members who organized and established Genesis Express in 1987, as well as several other individuals and groups who have been faithful supporters and volunteers in helping this dream come to fruition.
Cadiz Mayor Todd King thanked Genesis Express and their spouses for their community contributions and presented President George Radford and Jonathan White with a plaque and the Key to the City.
click to download audioTrigg County Judge-Executive Stan Humphries said all of the fish fries, barbecues, fundraisers, and hard work have finally yielded results.
click to download audioTrigg County Schools Superintendent Bill Thorpe praised the community’s generosity and highlighted the benefits students receive from Genesis Express, along with the love they demonstrate towards the youth in the community.
click to download audioEdge Media Group President/CEO Beth Mann, has been involved in the project from the beginning and shared discussions she had with Radford not to borrow money for the $1.2 million facility and instead rely on the community for supporting the project. Mann expressed gratitude to all involved and emphasized that this milestone marks the beginning, not the end. Looking ahead, she underscored the community’s responsibility to support Genesis Express financially to fully utilize the facility.
click to download audioRetired Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Bill Cunningham expressed his gratitude for Genesis Express’s impact on the Trigg County community. He shared a message about the influence of interactions with children and the potential for transformation. Cunningham commended Genesis Express for leaving a lasting impression on the community and quoted Langston Hughes.
click to download audioThe crowd also heard remarks from 8th District State Representative Walker Thomas, Mary Ann Lander, Scott Sutherland, Carrie McGinnis with Murray State University, and Coach Jim Wallace.
Following the ribbon cutting, Radford thanked all of the volunteers, community members businesses, and others who have made this dream come true. He said this facility is just the beginning for Genesis Express and this facility will help prepare the youth in our community for life after high school. He says their goal is to change the culture in Trigg County.
click to download audioFollowing Radford’s comments, everyone was invited to tour the facility located at 205 Jefferson Street in Cadiz.
To hear all of the comments from the celebration, click on the audio link below:
