[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 86 (Wednesday, June 9, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1049]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO NELDA BARTON-COLLINGS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 9, 2010

  Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Nelda Barton-Collings, a business savvy Kentuckian who adopted a 
passion for public service through her family legacy and through her 
own determination, improved our region.
  Nelda Barton-Collings is a pioneer for women in business and 
entrepreneurship in Kentucky. Nelda's career was shaped by her hard-
working family. Her father spent 20 years as a county commissioner 
while also running the family grocery store with her mother. Her 
parents laid a firm foundation of strong work ethic and civic 
responsibility. Nelda dedicated her life to those values and became the 
first woman to chair the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.
  Nelda faced several challenges along her journey to success. At the 
age of 48, she suffered through the death of her husband and became a 
widow with five children. Determined to support her family, Nelda went 
back to college to learn more about business, entrepreneurship and 
healthcare. She soon joined her late husband's business partner to 
bring his original business dreams to life. Today, they own nursing 
homes, newspapers, banks and a pharmacy. Nelda's tenacity and spirit 
carried her through many challenging times to now see the fruits of her 
hard labor shared among families across the state.
  For 28 years, Nelda was the Republican National Committee-Woman from 
Kentucky. She was the first woman from Kentucky to address the RNC and 
call the meeting to order. As an ambassador for our fine Commonwealth, 
Mrs. Barton-Collings greeted every U.S. President with her sweet 
southern hospitality and gave them a priceless bluegrass welcome. She 
made such a lasting impression, that President Ronald Reagan appointed 
her to the Federal Council on Aging and President George H.W. Bush 
appointed her to the President's Council on Rural America.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Nelda 
Barton-Collings, a true friend to Kentucky, our great nation and a 
mentor to women in business and entrepreneurship.

                          ____________________