[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 97 (Wednesday, July 14, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S8113]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                    TRIBUTE TO JOHN A. FORLINES JR.

 Mrs. DOLE. Mr. President, I rise to salute a true gentleman 
who has just announced his retirement from the position of Chairman and 
CEO of the Bank of Granite based in Granite Falls, NC: Mr. John A. 
Forlines Jr. John is a man of great integrity and ability.
  John's bank has become legendary, as it is often called ``the best 
little bank in America.'' However, his achievements extend beyond his 
professional life, for he is also well known for an outstanding history 
of service to his community, state and his country.
  I had the pleasure of serving with John as a trustee for Duke 
University, and I was continually impressed with his intelligence, his 
dedication and his great enthusiasm for Duke University and higher 
education. A native of Graham, NC and a graduate of Duke, John joined 
the U.S. Army finance department in 1940, and eventually rose to the 
rank of Major.
  John's extraordinary career with the Bank of Granite began in 1954, 
when he assumed the position of President. Soon after, he was named 
chairman of the North Carolina School of Banking at the University of 
North Carolina-Chapel Hill, and began his lifelong relationship with 
the American Bankers Association. He was later named Chairman of the 
North Carolina Banking Association. John's work has resulted in the 
continued growth of stronger communities across North Carolina. Through 
his work he has provided the capital for many businesses to be 
established and grow, creating good jobs. He work also financed 
countless homes for families and individuals across the state.
  In addition, John has furthered his commitment to the communities of 
North Carolina through his dedication to service in his personal life. 
He serves on the Board of Elders of First Presbyterian Church in 
Lenoir, NC. He also holds positions on the Board of Directors for the 
North Carolina Citizens for Business and Industry; Caldwell County 
Hospice Inc.; Piedmont Venture Partners; and The Forest at Duke, a 
retirement community.
  John's dedication to his profession and community has been recognized 
through the years with numerous honors and distinctions. These 
accolades include Financial World Magazine CEO of the Year for banks 
$300-$500 million in assets from 1992 to 1995. He received Duke 
University's Distinguished Alumni Award in 1994; and was inducted into 
the North Carolina Business Hall of Fame in 1999.
  John Forlines epitomizes the American spirit through his 
entrepreneurial skills and his ever present commitment to family and 
community. He serves as an inspiration to us all. I appreciate his warm 
friendship and his tremendous service on behalf of all North 
Carolinians.

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