This is my first report since the shutdown and I would like to welcome you back and I hope everyone had a great vacation.  I’d also like to extend a warm welcome to our new members and share the following information with you:

Union Hall Hours

9 to 4:30  Monday thru Thursday       

8 to 4:30  Friday

Also, I’d like you to know where the President’s office is located in the plant.  It’s right next to the cafeteria through the double doors.  You can reach me at either location.  If I’m attending a meeting or not at either location, you can leave a message at the following numbers:

Union Hall       534-7613         Plant Office     246-3197

Pager               339-5327 

Region 1D Area Conference

Chairman Louie Schreuder, Financial Secretary Larry Palmer, and myself attended the Region 1D Director’s Area Conference held in Mount Pleasant July 24-27.  In the past, I’ve attended this conference as Financial Secretary and at that time it was separated into two weeks.  The Independent Part Suppliers were covered one week and then GM/Delphi was covered the other week. 

This year they were held together as a cost savings measure, but it also served as a reminder to many of us there how fortunate we really are.  Local 1231 (the old Fisher #2) will probably be closed this fall and Local 137 (Greenville) is scheduled for March 2006.

Life Steps

Life Steps is scheduled to be in the plant Monday, October 24.  Be sure to watch the monitor for additional information on times and location.

Pre/Post Retirement Classes

Pre and Post Retirement classes are scheduled to start September 8 and continue through October 13 on Thursday’s.  At this time, the evening classes are filled, but there’s still room available for the day classes.  Anyone interested in these very informative classes may sign up at the Benefit Office.

Liability Insurance

Reminder:  Any elected or appointed union official interested in liability insurance may do so through Sterling Insurance at a rate of $125 per year. 

Millionaire Party

Members at the June membership meetings inquired as to how the Civil Rights Committee came out on their Millionaire Party.  In answer to that question, they had a net profit of $804, as well as, a profit of $162 for the raffle held that evening.  Please note, this was the first fundraiser of this type and there is a learning curve for putting on an event such as this.   

Standing Committees

I’ve been reviewing the Standing Committee applications and am almost finished.  I will be bringing this information to the Executive Board for their input and approval.

United Way Loaned Executive

Kristen Lambregtse has been selected the 2005 United Way Loaned Executive.  Kristen had an outstanding resume and I know she will be capable of doing a great job representing our plant.  Congratulations Kristen.      

Race Day

Race Day was a great success.  There was a total of 32 Local 730 raffle winners.  Congratulations to Joyce Gates who won the grand prize – a 27” flat screen TV.  I think all the Make-A-Wish families had a good time.  I know my family enjoyed themselves.  The Race Day Committee worked very hard all the way up to and through the clean up.  Thank you for a job well done and creating such a great event for our members to attend.  Those committee members are: 

Rocky Love         Don Southwell          Mike Walker

Joe Salamone       Ron Reese                  Jerry Reid

Dave Everts       Luanne VanderLaan   Ron Goos    

Frank Savickas     Dominic Marsiglia      Rick Bode

Larry Givens

Barb Henderson

President

Local 730, UAW