[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 138 (Friday, August 15, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E770]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        CONGRATULATING TERRY NELSON ON HIS RETIREMENT FROM FTIUM

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ANGIE CRAIG

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 15, 2025

  Ms. CRAIG. Mr Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Terry Nelson on 
his retirement as Co-Chair of the Finishing Trades Institute of the 
Upper Midwest (FTIUM), following over four decades of leadership and 
advocacy in the labor industry.
  After graduating from Minnesota's own Hennepin Vocational Technical 
Education Center, Nelson began his career with the International Union 
of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) in 1982.
  In 1992, Nelson began the first of numerous leadership roles, when he 
was elected as a trustee for the Minneapolis Painters Health and 
Welfare Fund and the Minneapolis Painters Pension Fund. He served in 
several roles within IUPAT including as President of Local Union 386 
and Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer for District Council 82. In 
this role, he helped the Council remain solvent during the Great 
Recession, led negotiations for stronger contracts and worked with a 
developer to create a software program to streamline the reporting 
process for prevailing wage concerns. He went on to continue serving 
his union as a Chairman of the General President's Advisory Committee 
and Special Assistant to the General President. Nelson also helped 
mobilize members to advocate for union priorities and has been a strong 
partner for my office in advocating for organized labor.
  Since 2007, Terry has served as the co-chair of the Finishing Trades 
Institute of the Upper Midwest (FTIUM), helping FTIUM gain 
accreditation in 2018. He has long advocated for expanding educational 
pathways for trade students and I had the pleasure of working with him 
on my bipartisan Supporting Apprenticeship Colleges Act.
  Nelson leaves a tremendous legacy as a public servant--in fact, 
Governor Walz even declared August 11, 2025 ``Terry L Nelson Day'' in 
Minnesota. I am grateful for his leadership and dedication to ensuring 
workers receive the pay and benefits they deserve. It has been an honor 
working with Terry over the years and I look forward to a continued 
friendship with him.

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