Dale Davis is being remembered as a person with a huge impact on Emporia following his death this past weekend.
Noting his time on the Emporia City Commission, Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas and Emporia Enterprises, Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jeanine McKenna says Davis did his best to help Emporia grow and thrive.
Former Emporia city commissioner Ray Toso says Davis was driven to make Emporia better, whether through his civic leadership roles or through his time as an executive at Sauder Custom Fabrication.
Former city commissioner Jim Kessler says Emporia had a lot of economic success whenever Davis was involved.
Former David Traylor Zoo director Lisa Keith says Dale and his wife, Carolyn Davis, were key advocates for the zoo and the city.
Former city manager Mark McAnarney says the Davis’ impact on Emporia’s quality of life was significant.
Among his many honors, Davis’ contributions led to the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce bestowing its Lifetime Achievement Award on him in 2015, and the Kansas Chamber gave Davis its Ad Astra Award. Dale and his wife, Carolyn, earned the zoo’s Lifetime Advocate Award last year.
Funeral services are pending.
Photos courtesy Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce and Kansas Chamber
