Recognizing Greg Grounds
Recognizing Greg Grounds -- (Extensions of Remarks - June 03, 2004)
SPEECH OF
HON. SAM GRAVES
OF MISSOURI
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2004
Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Greg Grounds, Mayor of Blue Springs, Missouri from 1990 through April 2004 and former Alderman of Ward 1. Greg's community involvement has always been extensive whether it be in public office or in volunteer work. In the past, he has served in such capacities as the Mid-America Regional Council Board of Directors, Chairman of the Jackson County Suburban Mayors Association, and worked with the National League of Cities' Finance, Administration and Intergovernmental Relations Policy Committee. Greg is also a past Co-Chair and Member of the Eastern Jackson County Betterment Council and a past President of the West Gate Division of the Missouri Municipal League.
Greg's efforts as Mayor and Alderman contributed heavily to the development and successful growth of Blue Springs over the past fifteen years. Greg has helped lead many important projects such as the development of the Adams Dairy Corridor that included the construction of the Adams Pointe Golf Club and the Adams Pointe Conference Center, construction of several new parks and recreation facilities for the community including Wilbur Young Park, the Hidden Valley Park Sports Complex, and Vesper Hall, and residential and commercial development valued in excess of $310 and $140 million respectively. In addition, his leadership resulted in the addition of 980,000 square feet of new retail space and the annexation of 2,000 acres in south Blue Springs for which Greg helped to develop a South Annexation Plan in preparation for its future growth.
Greg is a fine asset to the city of Blue Springs and the entire Sixth District of Missouri. Through his rich career in community, volunteer and public service, he is the epitome of an ideal citizen. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending the career, as well as the future of Greg Grounds, who exemplifies stellar qualities of dedication and service to Northwest Missouri.