HR1186 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1186 LRB100 22478 ALS 41429 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate John Martens on the occasion of his retirement as President of the Carpenter's Union Local 839; and

WHEREAS, John Martens began his journey with the Carpenter's Union at Barrington Local 2014 on May 12, 1979; from that day forward, he was a dedicated and active member; his commitment to the Brotherhood was recognized when he was appointed, and then elected, Conductor in 1982; the Barrington and Hoffman Estates Locals merged in 1984, and he continued his service as Conductor; in 1987, he was elected Refreshment Chairman, a position he successfully held until 1994; his service to the Board expanded when he was elected Vice President in 1994; he was elected Recording Secretary in 1997 and then President in 2006, a position he has successfully held for the last 12 years; and

WHEREAS, In addition to positions on the Board, John Martens has served as a delegate to various conferences, including the AFL-CIO Building and Construction Trades Legislative Conference, the Illinois State Council Convention, the Midwest Labor Management Conference, the UBC General Convention, and the International Apprentice Contest; and

WHEREAS, John Martens extended his service beyond Local 839, serving on the Trial Board for the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters since 2000; he has represented Local 839 as a delegate on the Council since 1994; he has also served, and represented Local 839, on the Hoffman Estates Economic Development Commission since 2008; additionally, he actively worked with former President T. Richard Day in establishing the Local's Political Action Committee to help support local candidates who support Union issues; and

WHEREAS, John Martens dedicated many hours to various community initiatives within the Hoffman Estates community, including the Hoffman Estates Fishing Derby and Sustainability Bird House Build and the Christmas in April Program; he also walked in parades to promote the Brotherhood and support legislative candidates, worked the political phone bank, and canvassed for political candidates; he has led the Local through difficult times of adversity and has always been an aggressive supporter of the Brotherhood; his service is an inspiration to other Brothers and Sisters; and

WHEREAS, John Martens was raised in Barrington; he graduated from Barrington High School in 1977; he joined the Chicago District Council of Carpenters Apprenticeship Program and completed his training on the job and at Washburn Trade School in Chicago; he is looking forward to spending his retirement traveling and exploring the United States and Canada on his motorcycle; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate John Martens on his retirement as President of the Carpenter's Union and his 39 outstanding years of service, and we wish him success in his future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to John Martens as an expression of our esteem and respect.