2009 Midwest Region Laborers’ Retiree Conference

A record 155 representatives attended the 4th Annual Midwest Region Laborers’ Retiree Conference held at the Anthony C. Romolo Training Center in Mt. Sterling, Illinois. The 2-day event, held October 12-13, brought together Retiree Council representatives, Local Union Business Managers and staff of LIUNA Midwest Region programs and affiliated funds to exchange information crucial to the advancement of our Retiree Councils mission of keeping LIUNA retirees active and an integral part of our Union’s life.

LIUNA Vice President and Midwest Regional Manager John F. Penn welcomed participants to the conference and introduced keynote speaker LIUNA National Retiree Coordinator Terence J. O’Sullivan, who congratulated the attendees for leading the entire International Union on the number of participating Local Retiree Councils in a region.

Presenters on day one included Edward M. Smith, President of Union Labor Life Insurance Company (ULLICO) on recruiting more retirees to council meetings, LUCCO Financial Partners with a presentation regarding term-life insurance, Tommye Robb, Administrator of The Therapy Center, explaining the importance of utilizing an Audiologist for hearing testing and the detriment of seeking discount hearing aids and Ron Litherland, Administrator Illinois Laborers’ & Contractors Joint Apprenticeship and Training Program who discussed utilizing retirees at our Regional Training Funds to assist in teaching Labor History classes and in mentoring Apprentices.

Day two of the conference featured Sara Hoots with “All About Dance and More” who led the group in chair based yoga exercises, Curtis Davis of the Illinois Department of Veteran’s Affairs on available veteran benefits and procedures for applying for those benefits and Sean Stott, Midwest Region LIUNA Director of Governmental Affairs, discussed the vital importance of Retiree political involvement and voting.

The highlight of the conference is always the Local Council reports, when representatives highlight their Councils’ activities and exchange ideas and information. By all accounts this year’s participants left the conference energized and ready to take what they learned back home. Make no mistake about it. LIUNA Retirees feel the power!

If you would like more information regarding Retiree Councils, call 1-800-218-2253.

 

Local 1140 Celebrates 70th Anniversary

Laborers’ Local 1140 in Omaha, Nebraska celebrated it’s 70th Anniversary on August 22nd with a party for it’s members at the Comfort Inn and Suites. Participants enjoyed dinner, drinks and live music as well as opening remarks from Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle and Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman. “I believe it’s a testament to the hard work our members do and their importance to this community that the Governor and the Mayor came to pay their respects tonight,” said Business Manager Ron Kaminski. “It’s a special night for all of us.”

LIUNA Vice President and Midwest Regional Manager John F. Penn and LIUNA International Representative Dave Hayes also attended to give their congratulations to the local and it’s members.

Above: Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman chats with Local 1140 members. Bottom left: partygoers make their way through the dinner line. Bottom right: Business Manager Ron Kaminski welcomes Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle.