PLATTSBURGH — Former Plattsburgh-Saranac Lake Building and Trades Construction Council President Tom Millea has long supported local workers for local projects.

That's especially true when it comes to construction projects that receive tax breaks or other government assistance, he says.

"I feel it's important to have local people work on these jobs."

Millea said dollars spent by local workers pass through the area economy seven times.

His 16 years as president of the Trades Council, along with involvement with organizations such as the County of Clinton Industrial Agency and the North Country Regional Workforce Investment Board, has helped him push for local workers.

"Those are good positions for a guy in labor to be on to keep up to date with what's going on locally."

Millea also spent two years as business manager of Local 781 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and was later assistant business manager for the Plattsburgh area after Local 781 merged with Watertown-based Local 910 in 1993. He resigned from that position earlier this summer.

WORKING HIS WAY UP
Millea was born in Iowa, and his family moved to Hartwick in 1956.

After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, attending the Naval Electrical Construction Electrician School in Port Hueneme, Calif., and serving two tours in Vietnam with the Navy Seabees, including a stint in support of the 3rd Marine Division at Dong Ha, near the demilitarized zone.

After the service, Millea worked as an electrician near Albany as he sought acceptance in the IBEW apprenticeship program.

He moved to Plattsburgh in 1974 and was accepted as an apprentice. After four years of classes and training, he became a journeyman with Local 781 and held several positions before he was appointed business manager.

In that position, he was responsible for the day-to-day operation of the local, in conjunction with its executive board and members.

He was elected president of the Trades Council, which represents 14 building and construction trades.

"It provides good exposure to all the trades and their issues," Millea said.

COMMUNITY SERVICE
Over the years, he has served on boards for the City of Plattsburgh Economic Development, Clinton Community College Foundation, United Way of Clinton and Essex Counties and the Boy Scouts of America Adirondack District Twin Rivers Council, among others.

The Boy Scouts will recognize Millea on Thursday at its Adirondack District Good Scout Award Dinner.

Dinner Chairman Larry Bulman said Millea is being honored for his unwavering commitment to scouting.

Millea said he joined the board to help others reap the benefits of scouting, as he did in Hartwick. He was only one step away from becoming an Eagle Scout when he stopped his participation.

"I was honored to be asked to be part of this function for the Boy Scouts. I would recommend scouting for anyone who wants to get outside and enjoy adventure."

E-mail Dan Heath at: dheath@pressrepublican.com