PRESIDENT

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

By: Barb Henderson

August 2006

I hope everyone had a great two weeks off. It sure seems like a long time ago doesn’t it!

Local 730 Picnic

I would like to start out by thanking our Recreation Committee and everyone that helped to make the picnic so enjoyable to so many. Some of our members made a few suggestions on doing some things a little different . The Recreation Committee is always looking for ways to improve on our activities, our members input is always welcome.

Local 730 Retirees Picnic

Our retirees had their picnic on July 26^th, again another very enjoyable day. Shop Chairman, Steve Rop, and our new Plant Manager, Max Miller were there also. The retirees enjoyed their visit very much. Max shared his vision for the plant and the retirees were able to ask questions. Steve led us in prayer before the meal.

The retirees asked me to thank Max for taking time out of his busy day to spend time with them, they really appreciated it.

Region 1D Breakfast Forum

Our Region 1D CAP Coordinator, Sue Levy has put together a breakfast forum once a month and invites a speaker. This months guest was Tony Campbell, Vice Chair for West Michigan United Way. He talked about not only the need for money, but for the need of volunteers, 2000 to be exact, and the difference in the needs in the community. He explained the difference living just six miles apart can make. If we all just carry a little of the load, it helps someone in need a lot, and maybe it will help close that six mile gap.

Speaking of volunteers...we have a few of our own! Frank Savickas, Chair of our Veterans Committee, helped tear down the moving Vietnam Wall at the VFW National Home for Children. Frank and Leon Chase also helped some of the Local 1231 Retirees at Kent Community Hospital’s Annual Fish Catch and Fry event. Thanks guys, your time and efforts never go unnoticed.

Region 1D Picnic

Larry Palmer, our Financial Secretary, helped serve and assist any of the retirees in need at their Region 1D Retirees Annual Picnic. Thanks Larry, once again you were available when needed.

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Our Civil and Human Rights Committee is also our Parade Committee this year, and are doing a great job. We will actually have a decorated float this year. We will have T-shirts and food tickets for our members that walk in the parade and work at the picnic at John Ball Park.

The Key Four has agreed to a second Rivertown Community Federal Credit Union ATM machine. This one will be close to the time clock at the Clay Avenue parking lot.

Manufacturing Manager, Jim DeLuca, came into our plant on August 16^th. At the Town Hall meeting he stated that our plant ranks in the top two for asking such excellent questions. Our members are always curious and ask great questions during his visits. However, there is always a few that do not get it right, such as someone misunderstanding DeLuca and thought he stated that he was going to take out OO and PP lines and close the plant by 2011, this simply is not true! He says he is pleased with what is said and what he hears on the plant floor. He always compares it to the last time he was here, if it stays the same, gotten worse, or improved. He feels that we always seem to get better, but we should always have the goal to improve.

Jim Jenkins, UAW Divisional Planned Maintenance Representative presented us with our banner for Phase III re-certification at the beginning of the tour.

The plants upcoming blood drive is Wednesday, August 29^th from 6:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. and Thursday, August 30^th from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

There was a Plant Manager Assimilation Workshop as Max wanted us to get to know him a little better. In doing so we learned that many times management and the UAW have the same goal, we all want to keep our jobs. This is good to know with negotiations going on.

The Womens Committee Tiger’s game bus trip on August 25^th is sold out! There are only a few remaining tickets left for the September 8^th game.