[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9396]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   RON POWELL'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY WITH THE UNITED FOOD AND COMMERCIAL 
                      WORKERS INTERNATIONAL UNION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 15, 2011

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sincerity that I take 
this opportunity to honor and congratulate Ronald E. Powell, who is 
celebrating fifty years of service with the United Food and Commercial 
Workers International Union (UFCW) Local 881. For nearly five decades, 
Ron has dedicated his life's work to the American Labor Movement and 
has been able to touch the lives of countless workers, families, and 
communities across the nation. In honor of Ron's fifty years of 
service, a celebratory reception will be held on June 16, 2011, at 
Gibson's Steakhouse in Chicago, Illinois.
  Ronald Powell began his career with the UFCW in 1961 when he was 
hired on as a Field Representative for Local 881. Because of his true 
dedication and strong leadership skills, he was promoted in 1968 to 
Field Staff Supervisor, and was then appointed Vice President/Director 
of Field Operations in 1973. In 1983, Ron's hard work and success led 
him to become President of Local 881. Under Ron's leadership, Local 881 
has become an exemplary organization, providing exceptional service in 
the areas of work-site representation, membership services, benefits, 
communications, and activities.
  In addition to his impressive career with Local 881, Ron serves as a 
Vice President on the UFCW International Executive Board, and is a Vice 
President for the Illinois State AFL-CIO. Ron also currently serves as 
a Trustee for the UFCW Midwest Pension Benefits Fund. In 2010, he was 
appointed by Governor Pat Quinn to serve on the Metropolitan Pier and 
Exposition Authority Board. Ron is also a past member of the Board of 
Directors for the International Employee Benefits Foundation and is the 
former Chairman of the Illinois State Investment Board. Ron's passion 
and unwavering devotion to the UFCW and its members is unmatched and he 
is to be commended.
  Ron selflessly gives of his time to many charitable organizations and 
has been a dynamic force in promoting the union's involvement in 
numerous civic endeavors. He has been a tremendous asset to the 
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and has helped to raise funds to facilitate 
research toward fmding a cure. He also initiated fundraising campaigns 
for the Jackson Park Hospital and the Little City Foundation and is a 
former board member for the United Way of Illinois and Blue Cross Blue 
Shield of Illinois. Although Ron has served the UFCW and his community 
with complete dedication, it is his commitment to his family that is 
most impressive. Ron and his wonderful wife, Lois, have four beloved 
children and twelve grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in commending Mr. Ronald Powell as he is honored for his 
lifetime of service and dedication to the UFCW, as well as the state of 
Illinois, Northwest Indiana, and communities nationwide. Ron's complete 
dedication and uncompromising loyalty are to be admired and he is 
worthy of the highest praise.

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