[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 91 (Tuesday, June 6, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7799-S7800]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                       TRIBUTE TO CHARLES H. LAND

 Mr. SHELBY. Mr. President, I rise today to bring to the 
attention of my Senate colleagues the retirement of Charles Land, 
publisher of the Tuscaloosa News. After 40 years of service to the 
News, the city of Tuscaloosa, and the State of Alabama, Charlie has 
decided to turn over the job of publishing the Tuscaloosa News, and 
hopes to spend more time working in the community, golfing, fishing, 
and writing. I would like to take just a few moments, Mr. President, to 
recognize the outstanding professional and community leadership Charlie 
has provided over the years.
  A native of Memphis, TN, Charlie Land grew up in Tuscaloosa, attended 
Tuscaloosa public schools and the University of Alabama, and served his 
country for 3 years in the U.S. Army. Charlie's newspaper career began 
in high school, where he covered sports for the school paper--an 
experience that helped prepare him for his first position at the 
Tuscaloosa News as a sportswriter. In 1966, he was named Alabama 
Sportswriter of the Year, and his success led to a series of promotions 
at the News.
  In 1978, Charlie was named publisher of the Tuscaloosa News, and 
since then he has been a leader in the newspaper industry not only in 
Alabama, but throughout the southeast. He has served as president of 
the Alabama Press Association, a board member of the Southern Newspaper 
Publishers Association, president and board member of the Alabama Press 
Association Journalism Foundation and has won several State writing 
awards from the Associated Press and the Alabama Press Association.
  In addition to this professional success, Charlie Land has been an 
outstanding civil leader, dedicating his time and energy to many worthy 
causes. He is currently the chairman of the President's Cabinet at the 
University of Alabama as well as a member of the National Steering 
Committee and chairman of the Journalism Department division for the 
University of Alabama Capital Campaign. In the past, Mr. Land has 
served as board member of Crimestoppers, president of the United Way of 
Tuscaloosa County, president of the Greater Tuscaloosa Chamber of 
Commerce, and a board member of the Society of Fine Arts.
  Mr. President, Charlie Land's dedication to his community and his 
professional abilities are apparent, and I could mention the many, many 
awards and honors he has received in recognition of his work. But, as 
much as Charlie is a business and community leader, he is also a friend 
and advisor to many organizations and individuals in Tuscaloosa and the 
State of Alabama.
  Recently, the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama organized a tribute 
in honor of Charlie Land. The people who have worked with him over the 
years praised him for having done so much for Tuscaloosa. ``When 
Charlie is your friend, you need few others,'' one attendee said. 
Others commented on his extraordinary insight and great skills as a 
listener and advisor. 

[[Page S7800]]

  Charlie Land's insight, dedication, attitude, and abilities have made 
him an invaluable member not only of the Tuscaloosa News, but also of 
the greater Tuscaloosa community. His retirement may mark the end of a 
remarkable newspaper career, but the contributions he has made to the 
newspaper industry, the arts, and Tuscaloosa area business and 
development will be his legacy.
  Mr. President, I would like to thank Charlie Land for many years of 
dedication and work on behalf of the people of Tuscaloosa and the State 
of Alabama. I know that the leadership and advice he provided the 
Tuscaloosa News will be missed, but I am confident that he will 
continue his involvement in community and civic activities. I thank him 
for his work, and wish him the best in his retirement.


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