[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 17328-17329]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            TRIBUTE TO NORTHWEST INDIANA FEDERATION OF LABOR

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 6, 2006

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to congratulate 
some of the most devoted and proficient workers in Northwest Indiana. 
The Northwest Indiana Federation of Labor AFL-CIO will recognize 
several individuals for their dedication during the 32nd Annual 
Community Awards Reception to be held at the Duneland Falls Banquet 
Center in Chesterton, Indiana on Thursday, August 31, 2006. These 
individuals, in addition to the other Northwest Indiana Federation of 
Labor members who have served Northwest Indiana so diligently for such 
a long period of time, are a tribute to the ideal American worker: 
loyal, dedicated, and hardworking.
  At this year's event, several individuals will receive special 
recognition. Mr. Thomas Conway, United Steelworkers International Union 
Vice President, is this year's recipient of the President's Award. Mr. 
Conway is being honored for enhancing the well-being of workers 
throughout Northwest Indiana by countless contributions which further 
the philosophy of the Labor Movement.
  Mr. James W. Callahan, City of Hammond Building Commissioner, will 
receive the Service to Labor Award for special recognition in assisting 
organized labor to improve the quality of life for workers in Northwest 
Indiana.
  On behalf of the Pangere Corporation, Mr. Steve Pangere, President, 
will be presented with this year's Union Label Award for unselfish 
devotion to the Labor movement through its promotion in all areas of 
endeavor.
  On behalf of the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied 
Workers Local 26 and Roofers Local 26 Joint Apprenticeship and Training 
Committee Apprentice Program, Mr. Jeff Lussow, Business Manager, and 
Mr. Keith Vitkovich, Apprenticeship Coordinator, will accept the 
Community Service Award for exemplary service to the community and the 
enhancement of the quality of life for all.
  Mr. Patrick Malott, Sr., United Steelworkers #6787, will receive the 
George Meany Scout Award, an honor bestowed upon him by the Boy Scouts 
of America.
  Mr. James G. Stemmler, Business Manager for the Iron Workers Local 
395, will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The 
exceptional service he has provided to the community deserves our 
admiration and respect. His dedication and commitment demonstrated for 
his community is representative of the values we cherish in Northwest 
Indiana.
  For the 2006 Business Sector Awards, Mr. John C. Mang is this year's 
recipient of the President's Award. The years of hard work he has put 
forth are a true inspiration to all. Mr. Calvin E. Bellamy is this 
year's recipient of the Retail/Wholesale Sector Award, while Mr. Mike 
Schaller, President, Schaller and Mandemack Construction, Incorporated, 
will receive the Building Trades Sector Award. Finally, Mr. Don 
Potrebic, Lake County Councilman and retired member of the United 
Steelworkers Local 1014, will be honored with this year's Service/
Municipal Sector Award.
  Northwest Indiana has a rich history of excellence in its 
craftsmanship and loyalty by its tradesmen. These individuals are all 
outstanding examples of these qualities. They have demonstrated their 
loyalty to both the union and the community through their hard work and 
self-sacrifice.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me 
in congratulating these dedicated, honorable, and outstanding citizens, 
in addition to all of the hardworking union men and women in America. 
They have shown commitment and courage toward their pursuits, and I am 
proud to represent them in Washington, DC.

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