WHEREAS, Edwin D. Hill, a visionary leader of the IBEW, deeply respected by both his peers in the labor movement and the union's signatory employers, is retiring from the presidency of the Brotherhood after a 14-year tenure; and

WHEREAS, Edwin D. Hill has been a loyal and dedicated IBEW brother since his initiation into the apprenticeship program of Local 712 in his native Beaver, Pa., in 1956, and his subsequent service as a local officer, business manager, international representative, third district president, secretary and secretary-treasurer, international president; and

WHEREAS, during an era of economic and political challenge, Edwin D. Hill exhibited the courage to promote a Code of Excellence, restoring and reshaping the reputation of the union as the best source of quality and diligence across the organization's branches; and

WHEREAS, that same courage was instrumental in developing a market recovery program that aligned the union's membership with the realities of the construction marketplace; and

WHEREAS, the IBEW, under President Edwin D. Hill's tenure, has encouraged open discussion and debate on the future of the organization; and

WHEREAS, under International President Hill's guidance, the union developed new tools to bolster the accountability of those entrusted to grow the Brotherhood; and

WHEREAS, under Edwin D. Hill's leadership, the IBEW has modernized its communications tools, including the establishment of The Electrical Worker and the wide use of video and social media to spread the union's message; and

WHEREAS, Edwin D. Hill spearheaded the broadest, most sophisticated effort in the North American labor movement to promote the IBEW's reputation and brand; and

WHEREAS, under International President Hill's inspiration and personal involvement, the IBEW has extended its political influence by challenging adversaries and friends alike to stand beside North America's working families; and

WHEAREAS, that direct involvement has included defending public unions against assaults on collective bargaining by right-wing governors as well as walking picket lines with workers standing up to union busting; and

WHEREAS, International President Edwin D. Hill has been honored by trade unionists in other nations, including Italy and Australia; and

WHEREAS, under International President Edwin D. Hill's leadership, IBEW launched both a diversity training program and RENEW, an unprecedented effort to mentor a new generation of union members and leaders; and

WHEREAS, International President Edwin D. Hill's work ethic has set a standard for all international and local leaders to follow; and

WHEREAS, under International President Edwin D. Hill's strong governance, the IBEW's financial base has been strengthened and secured; and

WHEREAS, in all his actions and throughout his career, Edwin D. Hill has brought honor to the IBEW and earned respect for himself and his union; and

WHEREAS, International President Edwin D. Hill has offered his ongoing support and activism to International President Lonnie R. Stephenson and the IBEW's other leaders; and

WHEREAS, International President Edwin D. Hill's personal mission to better the lives of working families has been fulfilled many times over; and

WHEREAS, we are proud and truly blessed to call Edwin D. Hill our brother;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the International Executive Council does hereby convey upon Edwin D. Hill the honorary title of International President Emeritus, IBEW, coincident with his retirement.