[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 114 (Thursday, September 14, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S9628]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF JUNE COLLIER FLETCHER

 Mr. SHELBY. Mr. President, today I honor June Collier 
Fletcher, one of Alabama's most influential women, who died on 
September 9, 2006. She rose from a meager upbringing to become the 
president and CEO of National Industries, Inc. Once the largest private 
employer in Montgomery, June built National Industries from the ground 
up to become a major automotive supplier employing 5,000 Alabamians.
  June's drive and ambition allowed her to become a leader in an 
industry dominated by men. Under her guidance and leadership, National 
Industries became a flourishing $130 million-a-year electrical 
connection business.
  Over the years, June was recognized for her hard work, dedication, 
and expertise and received numerous awards and accolades. She served as 
a member of the Commerce Department's prestigious Industrial Policy 
Advisory Committee, testified before Congress on automotive issues, and 
was a sought-after speaker on the subject of international trade. June 
received the Industry Week Excellence in Management Award and was 
selected to the Committee of 200, an organization of the top 200 women 
business leaders in America.
  In addition to her work in the automotive industry, she was also 
active in petroleum exploration and production, farming, and garment 
manufacturing. In the 1980s, June's company was awarded a government 
contract to produce chemical warfare protective clothing which was used 
during the first gulf war.
  June was an inspiration to many and I am truly grateful for the 
endless contributions she made to Alabama and our Nation. She will be 
missed by her husband Tim Fletcher; her five children, Kara Davis, Ondi 
Cain, Roessler Collier, Arin Burroughs, Kohler Collier; her 
stepchildren, Tom Fletcher, Jr., Carrie Fletcher; her 12 grandchildren 
and 2 great-grandchildren. She will also be missed by her many friends 
and the numerous people she worked with whose lives she touched 
throughout her magnificent journey.

                          ____________________