[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 170 (Tuesday, November 17, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2791]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF LOCAL 360 OF THE UNITED ASSOCIATION 
                       OF PLUMBERS AND GASFITTERS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 17, 2009

  Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to 
join me in honoring the 100th anniversary of Local 360 of the United 
Association of Plumbers and Gasfitters, headquartered in Collinsville, 
Illinois.
  The Plumbers and Gasfitters Local 360 was chartered in 1909 in East 
St. Louis, Illinois. Situated on the Mississippi River, across from St. 
Louis and with a number of rail lines passing through it, the East St. 
Louis area early in the 20th Century was developing into a major 
industrial center. With commercial and residential development booming 
as families came to the region in search of work in the factories and 
stockyards, there was a need for skilled labor and for unions to 
represent those workers.
  Under the original charter, Local 360 represented plumbers, 
steamfitters, gasfitters, and steamfitter helpers. The original officer 
was William J. Stewart, who served as secretary for the new local until 
November 20, 1909.
  Local 360 has grown through the years and now represents 230 members 
in Madison and St. Clair counties. In addition to providing a strong 
voice for its members and providing the highest quality of labor, Local 
360 also is committed to giving back to the communities where its 
members live and work. The Local provides support for a number of 
charitable organizations, such as the Shriners, Salvation Army and the 
Special Olympics.
  In 1994, Local 360 moved its headquarters to Collinsville, Illinois. 
Current leadership is provided by William Hayes, business manager/
financial secretary-treasurer; Matthew Popov, recording secretary; Paul 
Koehne, president; and Thomas Kowalski, vice president. Through their 
continued commitment to quality representation for their members and 
community involvement, Local 360 is a positive example of organized 
labor in southwestern Illinois.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the 
leadership and members of Local 360 of the United Association of 
Plumbers and Gasfitters as they celebrate their 100th anniversary.