[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 107 (Tuesday, July 20, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1368]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING THE CAREER AND RETIREMENT OF TOM CALIPER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 20, 2010

  Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to 
join me in recognizing the career of Tom Caliper as he retires as 
business manager of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 551 and as executive 
director of the Egyptian Building and Construction Trades Council.
  Tom Caliper is the son of Frank and Lola Caliper. Frank, in addition 
to serving as Mayor of the Village of Colp, Illinois, for 52 years, was 
the owner of Caliper Plumbing and Heating. Tom undoubtedly learned the 
plumbing trade from his father, but Tom says his father also taught him 
a great deal about leadership and about caring for others, qualities 
that Tom has put to good use both as a labor leader and through his 
extensive charitable work.
  Through 29 years in leadership for the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 
551 and 25 years at the head of the Egyptian Building and Construction 
Trades Council, Tom Caliper has made an indelible mark on the labor 
landscape of Southern Illinois. One of his most effective achievements 
was the implementation of a project labor agreement whereby all 
publicly funded projects in Southern Illinois would be constructed by 
Southern Illinois tradesmen and women. This led to increased economic 
and community development in the region as wages earned by Southern 
Illinois workers were re-invested within Southern Illinois communities.
  Not only was Tom Caliper a driving force for organized labor but he 
was also responsible for improving the lives of countless area families 
through his volunteer and charitable efforts. Tom was instrumental in 
starting the ``Coats for Kids'' campaign which, through his tireless 
fund-raising and organizational efforts over the years, has provided 
needed warm-weather clothing for area children. It was important to Tom 
that the children who were the beneficiaries of the ``Coats for Kids'' 
program received only new, good-quality clothing, nothing second-hand.
  Tom Caliper has been the model of leadership throughout his career. 
He has worked effectively in representing and advocating for his 
members, he has helped create additional opportunities for job creation 
and he realized the importance of giving back to his community.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in an expression of 
appreciation to Tom Caliper for his years of dedicated service to the 
working men and women of Southern Illinois and to wish him the very 
best in the future.

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