[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 133 (Tuesday, September 6, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1185]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING MARTY HELFERS ON HIS RETIREMENT

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. CHERI BUSTOS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 6, 2016

  Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Marty Helfers 
as he retires from a long and fulfilling union career.
  Marty Helfers began his distinguished career in the building and 
construction trades as a gas serviceman in 1979. Later working as a 
steamfitter and project manager, his leadership ability earned the 
respect and admiration of his colleagues. In 2007, he was selected to 
be the Executive Director of the West Central Illinois Building and 
Construction Trades Council. Representing the interests of 17,000 
workers across 13 counties, he skillfully improved the relationships 
between labor, owners, developers, and contractors. He recognized the 
fact that strong and healthy labor organizations are fundamental to a 
thriving middle class.
  In addition to his work for the Trades Council, Marty has made career 
opportunities in the building and construction trades more accessible 
for young workers as a certified instructor of apprentice plumbers, 
steamfitters, welders, and service technicians and also as a chair of 
the Peoria Construction Career Expo. He is an active member of 
Steamfitters Local 353 and sits on the Heart of Illinois United Way 
Board of Directors, the Tri-County Construction Labor-Management 
Council, the Peoria Area Management Council, the West Central Illinois 
Labor Council, and the Illinois Prevailing Wage Council.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Mr. Helfers once again for 
his commitment to organized labor and the community alike. I wish him 
the best in his well-earned retirement.

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