SHAWANO, WI- A Shawano man is getting an unique opportunity to be a guest at Tuesday’s State of the Union Address. Randy Lorge, a long time plumber, has been selected as Senator Tammy Baldwin’s virtual guest.
“I’m not there and you are not going to see me in the crowd, I’ll be watching from home.”
On a normal year, this opportunity would have led Lorge to Washington on Tuesday and a chance to sit in on the Address in person. With COVID still being a factor, the guests are all virtual. Lorge says that does not take away the honor.
“Just being recognized and getting your name called out as someone in the plumbing industry who stood out in the state of Wisconsin means a lot to me, it is not something that happens every day.”
Lorge is a lifelong member of UA Local 400, and a third generation plumber with over 30 years of experience. As the Director of Workforce Training and Development at the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, Lorge has trained hundreds of apprentice plumbers throughout Wisconsin.
“I am honored that Senator Baldwin has selected me as a way to highlight the hardworking men and women across Wisconsin who are fueling America’s recovery,” Lorge said. “When you look at the infrastructure bill, you start talking about what is going on across the state of Wisconsin when it comes to lead service lines, that is where the joy comes from.”
Lorge says lead service lines have been impacting water for a long time, and work continues.
“You can go back to Flint Michigan and the lead in the lines and that was the worst, best thing to happen to the United States, it really opened up our eyes. Water is life at the end of the day and if we are bringing water in, but doing it through a lead service, what good are doing?”
Lorge has taken his expertise global.
“From India to South Africa and other places, the organization that I am working for right now, we write codes for 11 different countries.”
Lorge expertise also comes in education when it comes to plumbing.
Lorge got to go on a virtual call which was a reception for the guests with the President’s Senior Advisor.
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