[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 141 (Tuesday, September 29, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1381]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING JAY POTESTA UPON HIS RETIREMENT

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                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 29, 2015

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to stand before you and my 
colleagues today to applaud Mr. Jay Potesta upon his retirement from 
his position as the Director of Governmental Affairs for the 
International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation 
Workers. Jay has devoted his life to the interests of men and women in 
the trades, and to the communities of Northwest Indiana, Indianapolis, 
and beyond. He also has served in many leadership roles throughout his 
illustrious career. For his lifetime of service, Mr. Potesta will be 
honored at a retirement dinner taking place at the Baymont Inn and 
Suites in Plainfield, Indiana, on Saturday, October 3, 2015.
   Jay Potesta started his apprenticeship for Sheet Metal Workers Local 
20 in 1976, and I am assured that he can capably use tools. Following 
his apprenticeship, Jay worked tirelessly on behalf of his members and 
every American who wants to make a living wage. Among his many 
positions, he has represented the union as Business Manager of Sheet 
Metal Workers Local 20, Vice President of the American Federation of 
Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), President of the 
Indiana State Building and Construction Trades Council, President of 
the Great Lakes State Council, Trustee of the Gary and the Indianapolis 
Pension Funds, General Vice President of the Sheet Metal Workers 
International Association's (SMWIA) General Executive Council, and his 
most recent position, Director of Governmental Affairs for the 
International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation 
Workers, formerly known as SMWIA. Jay also has been a public servant, 
having been elected to the Hammond Indiana School Board. He has 
additionally served on numerous other boards throughout the communities 
in which he has lived, including the Capitol Improvement Board and the 
National Democrat Club. Jay also is a Master Mason, 32nd Degree Mason 
Scottish Rite, Orak Shrine.
   Northwest Indiana has a rich history of excellence in its 
craftsmanship and loyalty from the men and women in the trades. For 
many years, Jay Potesta has displayed this unwavering dedication to the 
members of the Building Trades, and his numerous positions have 
provided him with the opportunity to touch the lives of countless 
individuals.
   Jay's dedication to the community and his career is exceeded only by 
his devotion to his amazing family. Jay and his wonderful wife, Pam, 
have two children and four grandchildren.
   In sum, Jay Potesta has led a life of dedication. A life in which he 
has been deeply serious about his responsibilities, all while possessed 
with a wonderful self deprecating sense of humor. I am blessed to have 
known Jay since 1983. He has been my friend for these many years, the 
type of friend who would be the last man standing if all others 
deserted you. For that I thank him and I respectfully request that you 
and my other dignified colleagues join me in commending Jay for his 
many years of service and in wishing him well upon his retirement.

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