NC Cotton Grower Honored for Lifetime of Community and Industry Service
June 25, 2018 North Carolina cotton grower and leader David Burns has received the Long Leaf Pine Award, one of the most prestigious awards conferred by the Governor of North Carolina.
Bestowed by The Order of the Long Leaf Pine Society, the award honors persons for exemplary service to the State of North Carolina and their communities that is above and beyond the call of duty, and which has made a significant impact and strengthened North Carolina.
Burns was recognized for his dedicated years of service to his local and state communities, as well as to the larger community of U.S. cotton growers.
Burns served the U.S. cotton industry as president of the Southern Cotton Growers Association, president of Cotton Council International, and as a director on Cotton Incorporated’s Board. During his tenure as Cotton Board chairman, Burns fostered an easy assimilation of importers onto the Board, while maintaining a focus on the common goals of the dual constituency. For these efforts and his ongoing leadership, he was inducted into the Cotton Research & Promotion Hall of Fame in 2015.
Locally, Burns has served as chair of the County Commissioners of Scotland County, chair of the Scotland Memorial Hospital Board, chair of the St. Andrew’s College Board, and as a member of the Richmond Community College Foundation Board. He has also served as chair of the Cape Fear Council of the Boy Scouts of America and was actively involved North Carolina’s Southeast Regional Economic Development Partnership.
Statewide, Burns served on the Department of Transportation Board and the Agriculture and Forestry Awareness Study Commission.
The award was presented to Burns during a June 16 ceremony in Southern Pines, NC. On behalf of North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, the award was presented by Gene McLaurin, former North Carolina Senator from District 25 and former mayor of Rockingham, NC, who nominated Burns for the award.
“I can think of no better example of citizen leadership,” said McLaurin. “David has consistently answered the call to serve North Carolina, and the state is a better place as a result of his efforts. Governor Cooper and I are pleased to honor his service.”
Based on information provided by The Cotton Board
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