[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 128 (Friday, July 25, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E730]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING UAW LEADER BRUCE BAUMHOWER AS HE RETIRES

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 25, 2025

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a remarkable, hard 
working, good natured man of labor: Bruce Baumhower from Toledo, Ohio 
in our 9th Congressional District. Mr. Baumhower formally retired on 
June 30, 2025 after serving as the President of United Auto Workers 
(UAW) Local 12, the longest run of service in the union's history--over 
a half a century. He will be honored at a special event prior to 
Toledo's 2025 Jeep Fest--a celebration he co-founded in 2016--on 
Saturday, August 2, 2025.
  Bruce Baumhower is a Toledo native who graduated from Whitmer High 
School in 1972. He started work at Jeep the same year. Throughout his 
employment at Jeep, Bruce involved himself in union activities, rising 
through the ranks after election to Steward, Bargaining Committee and 
Vice Chairman. In 1993 he was elected President of UAW Local 12, the 
second largest UAW local in the nation. He has been ably at the helm 
since. UAW Local 12, based in Toledo, represents approximately 16,000 
members at 47 worksites. His leadership is humble yet reliably strong 
and honorable, and always visionary.
  Throughout Bruce's tenure as leader of UAW Local 12, he has steered 
the union--and the Toledo community--through crisis and calm. Most 
notably, he led the effort to establish the plants and supplier park 
that built the Wrangler and the Gladiator, two locations that have 
defined Toledo's skyline and its workforce. He has been an integral 
part of redefining Jeep as Toledo's identity and his integrity and work 
ethic symbolizes Toledo, Ohio--a city whose motto is: Laborare est 
Orare, ``To Work is to Pray.''
  In addition to his duties as President of UAW Local 12, Bruce is 
president of the UAW's Community Action Program, which coordinates 
political and community action for all seven Toledo area UAW locals. 
Mr. Baumhower currently also serves on the board of Imagination Station 
and the Regional Growth Partnership.
  As one of the founders of Toledo's Jeep Fest, Bruce has further 
imprinted Jeep on Toledo. It is said that he and another member had a 
conversation about Jeep's 75th anniversary. From that moment, Jeep Fest 
was born. Eight years later, it is a three day festival drawing 
thousands of people from all corners and highlighted by a parade of 
hundreds of iconic Jeeps. Currently Bruce serves on the Board of 
Directors of Jeep Fest and leads off the parade with union members, who 
are both actively working and retired, all proud of Jeep's continuing 
and amazing success--America's most popular vehicle. The parade 
celebrates and American success story led by union members who show 
great pride in their roles and led by an energetic President.
  The great UAW pioneer Walter Reuther noted, ``There is no greater 
calling than to serve your fellow men. There is no greater contribution 
than to help the weak. There is no greater satisfaction than to have 
done it well.'' Bruce Baumhower epitomizes these words. His noble 
spirit guides the Union and the City in which he has played such a 
pivotal role.
  Now as he formally retires, we, wish him well on his journey, knowing 
he will be spending his time with his wife Kim, three children and 
eight grandchildren, engaged in all they most enjoy. I thank Bruce for 
all he has given to our community and our Nation during a trying era 
for US automotive manufacturing. He makes us proud. May he enjoy a 
well-earned retirement. May God Bless him unselfishly and continually.

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