Since its designation in 2013, Paducah, a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art, led by the Paducah Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), actively contributes to the promotion of the Network’s objectives and values. Acting as the CVB Executive Director, Mary Hammond has been appointed to serve as representative of state and local interests to the U.S. National Commission for UNESCO through December 2018.

This appointment will significantly contribute to the Creative City's action in communication and awareness raising on activities and strengthen the sharing of experiences, knowledge and best practices between UCCN and other UNESCO programmes. “We have been impressed with the commitment to building a strong, diverse network of Creative Cities here in the U.S. and throughout the world that Paducah has displayed” declared Allison Wright, U.S. National Commission Executive Director.

Mary Hammond was instrumental in Paducah's pursuit of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) designation and will now represent the city and the Network within the 100-member Commission of national stakeholders. Here what she declared to WKMS about the UCCN designation: “It's not about us. It's not even just flat tourism. It's our community and who we are and taking it to a global awareness. Being a part of a global effort.” By working with UNESCO and collaborating with other cities, she said, the designation gives Paducah a platform of global recognition and sustainability.