[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 130 (Friday, August 1, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1669]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO NELSON ELECTRIC

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LATHAM

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 31, 2008

  Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Nelson 
Electric of Ames, Iowa, on celebrating its 100th anniversary and to 
express my appreciation for their commitment to providing an important 
service to Iowans in the Central Iowa area.
  In 1908, Ben Nelson left his job at the Ames Municipal Power Plant 
and began his own business offering electrical contracting services. He 
contracted his first jobs by going up and down Main Street in Ames and 
building a reputation of good service at a fair price. His son Chuck 
joined the crew, and they worked together for 40 years, including 
persevering through the Great Depression. Chuck's sons, Paul and Jerry 
began working at the company in the 1960's and still manage the company 
today. Jerry's sons, Chris and Matt are now the fourth generation of 
the family to work at Nelson. Nelson Electric began working on wagons 
and carts but have kept up on the ever changing electric codes and work 
in the commercial/industrial design build sector of today, taking on 
residential and small business projects as well.
  I commend Nelson Electric of Ames for providing quality and dedicated 
service to Iowans for over 100 years. It is an honor to represent the 
Nelson family and all the members of the Nelson Electric crew in the 
United States Congress, and I wish them continued success in serving 
their community.

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