[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 141 (Monday, September 8, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1720]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  JOE POWELL: LABOR LEADER OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BOB FILNER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 8, 2008

  Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a longtime leader in 
the labor movement, Joe Powell. Joe is the business manager/financial 
secretary of the Sheet Metal Workers' Local 206 representing 
approximately 1,300 members. As business manager, Joe serves as the 
chairman of the committee which negotiates wages, hours, and conditions 
of employment.
  As financial secretary, Joe assumes full responsibility and liability 
to the local union and the Sheet Metal Workers' International 
Association for all monies received and recorded. AdditionaIly, Joe 
serves in numerous capacities with other Local 206 affiliates such as 
the trustee for the Sheet Metal Workers' Trust Fund, chairman of the 
San Diego Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee, JATC, executive 
board member for the AFL-CIO Labor Council, co-chairman for the Local 
206 401(a) plan and executive board member of the San Diego Building 
and Construction Trades Council.
  Joe showed his desire to participate in the advancement of his 
union's labor movement in 1994 when he was elected conductor for Sheet 
Metal Workers' Local 206. He served in this position until 1997 when he 
ran for and was elected as a trustee of the Sheet Metal Workers' Local 
206. Joe served as a trustee until 2000 and in July 2000, he was 
elected as business representative of his local. From 2000 to 2004, Joe 
was responsible for the dispatching and drug testing of members and 
handling any grievances that may arise. From 2004 to the present, Joe 
Powell has served as business manager and financial secretary-treasurer 
of Local 206.
  Advancement in education has also been a priority to Joe as he has 
completed numerous courses and training that has greatly aided his 
career development. In addition to completing his 4-year apprenticeship 
training and becoming a certified instructor in CPR and first-aid 
training, he attended the National Labor CoIlege at the George Meaney 
Center where he received the bachelor's degree in labor studies.
  Joe has been a resident of Alpine, California, his entire life along 
with his wife and daughter. His wife and family have been very 
supportive of his career choices.
  I am very proud to join with the San Diego labor community in 
honoring Joe Powell as the 2008 Labor Leader of the Year.

                          ____________________