Through the Years

Ric Golding - Past Board Chairman

You have a long history with the bureau, even farther back than 20 years ago. Can you explain the history and how far it has come?

“We came aboard with the previous version of this bureau, then it had some hiccups and from that we really revamped and formed this organization through the court system, to have two representatives from each of the counties. I was on the committee that interviewed and eventually hired jo kathmann to run the facility and I’ll tell you what, it was immediate from the start that she was the right person for the job.”

Is there anything that stands out in your time with the bureau that you’re especially excited about?

“I used experience that I saw from other counties and working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers we were able to get a bike path built along the Kaskaskia River on either side of the river right below the Dam right down to U.S. 50. My wife and I walk that almost every day, and of anything that I’ve done I think that is probably one of the things that I’m very, very proud of.”

After being affiliated with us for so long, do you still find yourself following along?

“Oh yes. There’s a large billboard in the Breese area on new 50 coming toward Carlyle, and it’s always got a nice advertisement – in the corner you’ll see the ILLINOISouth Tourism logo, and that’s a big deal to me. I still always look for that logo, I just can’t help it.”