[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 178 (Thursday, December 3, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2885-E2886]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         IN HONOR OF JAY DUNN'S RETIREMENT FROM IBEW LOCAL 146

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. PHIL HARE

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 3, 2009

  Mr. HARE. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the long and dedicated 
service of Mr. Jay Dunn, an outstarlding member of IBEW Local 146 in 
Decatur, Illinois. Jay retired from the Local on November 30, 2009 
after a distinguished career serving the people of Decatur and his 
brothers and sisters in the labor movement.
  A long-time resident of Decatur, Jay started in the labor movement 
when he was accepted into IBEW Local 146's apprenticeship program in 
1973. After starting work in July of 1973, Jay completed his first year 
of classroom instruction and on-the-job training and was initiated into 
the local in August 1974.
  Jay became a journeyman wireman in May 1977 after an extensive 4-year 
apprenticeship program and since then has held many roles in the local, 
including serving as a job foreman, general foreman, and steward. He 
served on and chaired numerous committees for the local and was a 
member of the executive board at the time of his appointment to 
business manager/financial secretary.
  Jay took great pride in building the labor community's presence in 
the Decatur area. This culminated in Jay being named the president of 
the Decatur Building and Construction Trades in 2000. His tenure was 
marked by his aggressive representation of working men and women. His 
many accomplishments include

[[Page E2886]]

successfully pushing an effort to recruit minorities into area unions 
and his work in setting up programs designed to prepare individuals for 
entry into an apprenticeship program. He also worked tirelessly to get 
members of labor registered to vote and elected to office.
  Jay's love of service goes beyond his work with his fellow tradesmen 
and women. Jay has maintained a long career in public service and has 
served on the Economic Development Corporation of Decatur/Macon County, 
the City of Decatur Electrical Commission, and currently the Macon 
County Board as its chairman. Jay has shown a dedication to our 
community that is second to none.
  I wish Jay, his wife Cheryl and his family the best as Jay prepares 
to retire.

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