[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 168 (Wednesday, November 19, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2334]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO MR. CHARLES P. IVERSEN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 18, 2003

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call your attention to an 
exceptional individual who I have long been proud to call my friend, 
Mr. Charles P. Iversen. On Friday, November 21, 2003, members of the 
Plumber's Union Local No. 14 will celebrate Charlie Iversen's 
retirement from the union by coming together to pay tribute to Charlie 
and his lifelong commitment to and leadership in the labor movement.
  Over the past 45 years, Charlie Iversen has worked tirelessly on 
behalf of the men, women, and families in Plumber's Local No. 14. Using 
his administrative experience and talent for creative leadership to 
greatly improve the work environment and expand the business interests 
for plumbers throughout Northern New Jersey, Charlie has left an 
indelible mark on the lives of many, demonstrating the positive 
difference that a single person can make. It is therefore only fitting 
that he be recognized in this, the permanent record of the greatest 
freely elected body on earth.
  In 1955, Charlie Iversen embarked upon what would become a 
distinguished career in the field of plumbing engineering when he took 
a position with William Zabransky Jr., Inc. During his time in the 
employ of William Zabransky, Charlie joined Local No. 326 as an 
Apprentice, and pursued certification in a UA Training Program at 
Purdue University. Upon his graduation from Purdue, he became an 
instructor at Plumber's Local No. 14 Training School while continuing 
to augment his own personal education at Kean College, Rutgers 
University, William Paterson College, and Fairleigh Dickinson 
University.
  In 1982, after 27 years as an esteemed employee of William Zabransky, 
Jr., Inc., Charlie was elected to the position of Business Agent of 
Plumber's Local No. 14. In this capacity, Charlie exhibited his 
diligence as an administrator and his boundless enthusiasm as a 
spokesman for the business interests of Local No. 14, leading him to be 
named the Union's Business Manager/ Administrator in 1996.
  Perhaps most inspiring is the way in which Charlie Iversen has 
balanced his love for his work with his interest in furthering the 
cause of the labor movement. As an active member of the American 
Society of Plumbing Engineers, a former Vice President of the New 
Jersey State Association of Pipe Trades, a Trustee of Plumber's Local 
No. 14 Pension, Welfare, Education, and Annuity Funds, and a Treasurer 
of Local No. 14's Political Action Committee, Charlie has worked hard 
to ensure that members of Local No. 14 receive the representation and 
benefits that they deserve. Through word and deed, Charlie has spent 
the last 45 years demonstrating that the only real success in life 
comes from a whole-hearted commitment to serving the members of the 
community in which you live and work.
  Mr. Speaker, the job of a United States Congressman involves so much 
that is rewarding, yet nothing compares to recognizing the 
extraordinary efforts of individuals like Charlie Iversen. I ask that 
you join our colleagues, the members of the Plumber's Union Local No. 
14, Charlie's family and friends, and me in recognizing Charles P. 
Iversen for his outstanding service to the families of Local 14.

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