[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 13249]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO DAVID ECHOLS, A LEADER IN ALABAMA INDUSTRIAL RECRUITMENT

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                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 15, 2010

  Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to mark the passing of a 
giant personality in my home state's industrial recruitment efforts and 
an individual who was one of the most influential for transforming 
Alabama into the auto manufacturing hub of the South.
  David Echols passed away on June 20, 2010. For most Alabamians, David 
Echols might not be a household name, but his legacy--both inside and 
outside our state--is monumental.
  Back in the early 1990s, David Echols, a project manager with the 
Alabama Development Office, was tasked, nearly single-handedly, by 
state officials to go after a major unknown manufacturer. He had no 
idea at the time that Mercedes Benz was on the other end of his 
recruiter's fishing line, but he confidently cast his lure and after 
expert angling, reeled in what many believe to be Alabama's biggest-
ever industrial recruitment prize.
  Mercedes not only located in Vance, Alabama, but also expanded its 
operations, and with it, enabled Alabama to capture the eye of many 
other manufacturers.
  For many, this would have been a success to crown one's career, but 
for David, it was just another day at the office. He continued to earn 
his reputation as a tireless advocate for Alabama, pressing ahead to 
help land Toyota's truck engine manufacturing plant in Huntsville, 
Honda's SUV auto manufacturing facility in Lincoln, and Hyundai's North 
American manufacturing base in Montgomery, Alabama.
  Those who worked with David have observed that he possessed the 
skills and energy of a team of individuals and it will require more 
than one person to fill his enormous shoes. They also note that he 
relished in getting the job done, rather than standing in the 
spotlight--a role he left to others.
  Echols' passage at the young age of 53 is a loss for his family and 
our entire state. I regret that his remarkable efforts on behalf of 
Alabama workers were not better known during his lifetime. He deserves 
to be remembered for contributions which certainly equal those of any 
of our elected officials.
  To David's wife, Cynthia Nicholson Echols, and his daughters, 
Elizabeth Smith Melancon and Mary Katherine Echols, I extend my 
condolences and prayers in this time of loss. The entire state of 
Alabama has been made better by the unselfish service of your husband 
and father. May he rest in peace.

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