[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 8 (Tuesday, January 15, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E44]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CELEBRATING THE RETIREMENT OF RON POWELL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 15, 2019

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration 
that I take this time to honor Mr. Ronald Powell and to wish him well 
upon his retirement from his position as president of Local 881, United 
Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) International Union, and as vice 
president of the UFCW International. Ron has devoted his life to the 
working men and women of the UFCW, and for his unwavering dedication, 
he is to be commended. Mr. Powell will be honored at a retirement 
celebration taking place at Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse in Oak Brook, 
Illinois, on Wednesday, January 23, 2019.
  In 1961, Ronald Powell began his career for Local 881 when he was 
hired as a field representative. Due to his hard work and commitment, 
Ron was promoted to field staff supervisor in 1968 , and went on to 
become vice president/director of field operations in 1973. His career 
continued to thrive, and in 1983, Mr. Powell became president of Local 
881. In addition, he served as vice president of the UFCW 
International. Currently, Ron serves as vice president of the Illinois 
AFL-CIO and is a trustee for the UFCW Midwest Pension and Benefits 
Fund. Throughout his successful career, Mr. Powell fought for the 
rights of union members and American workers. Under his direction, 
Local 881 has become a progressive leader on behalf of its members in 
the areas of work-site representation, membership services, benefits, 
communication and activities.
  In addition to his successful career, Ron has dedicated much of his 
time and efforts to charitable endeavors for organizations including 
the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Jackson Park Hospital, Little City 
Foundation, and United Way of Illinois, to name a few. Mr. Powell's 
dedication to the community and his career is exceeded only by his 
devotion to his amazing family. Ron and his beloved late wife, Lois, 
have four amazing children, twelve grandchildren, and four great-
grandchildren.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in commending Mr. Ronald Powell for his outstanding 
contributions to Local 881, and to the United Food and Commercial 
Workers (UFCW) International Union. Throughout my career, Ron has been 
a tireless advocate for working people and an even better friend. For 
his lifetime of leadership and tireless dedication to his community, 
Ron is worthy of the highest praise, and I wish him well upon his 
retirement.

                          ____________________