HR0499 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0499 LRB095 12252 KXB 37360 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Ernest "Ernie" Brown, a member of IUOE Local 399, has been awarded the 2007 Illinois AFLCIO's Robert G. Gibson Award for outstanding service to his union and his community; and

WHEREAS, Ernie Brown was selected from a list of many nominees from around the State; the annual Labor award is named for the Illinois AFL-CIO's first Director of Community Services, Robert G. Gibson, who went on to become the president of the State Federation and who was committed to community service throughout his entire 32-year association with the organization; Mr. Gibson encouraged, even insisted that union leaders and members work in their communities to help improve the lives of other working families who might be struggling financially and emotionally; and

WHEREAS, Ernie Brown has been employed by the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) for twenty-four years; he is a twenty-two year member of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 399, and currently serves as the union's auditor; and

WHEREAS, Ernie Brown started his career at MPEA as a housekeeper and worked his way up to become chief engineer of MPEA's North Building and a spokesperson for his union; he supervises a team of engineers that ensures that all HVAC (heating and cooling) equipment is operating properly and that all exhibitors passing through the doors of the MPEA are happy with the facility and the service his team provides; and

WHEREAS, Outside of work, Ernie Brown has been the pastor for St. Matthew Baptist Church in Chicago for over nine years; the church serves over 150 parishioners; he has also served as chairman of the church's Deacon Board and as chairman of the Trustee Board; Ernie Brown has a Bachelor's Degree in Theology and is currently working towards his Master's Degree in Divinity at Trinity University in Deerfield; and

WHEREAS, Most of Ernie Brown's spare time is spent at the church, counseling parishioners and teaching the Bible; and

WHEREAS, Candidates for the Robert G. Gibson Award are nominated by their Local union and their Central Labor Council; Ernie Brown was nominated by the Chicago Federation of Labor and International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 399; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Ernest "Ernie" Brown on his work with the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority and as pastor of Saint Matthew Baptist Church in Chicago and wish him the best in his future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Ernest "Ernie" Brown as a symbol of our respect and admiration.