Pictured above: Illinois AFL-CIO President Tim Drea (center) receives Labor Leader of the Year award at Chicago & Western Lakes PMC’s awards banquet from (left to right) PMC Vice President John Grande, President Bob Howard, Secretary-Treasurer Tyson Little, and MTD Executive Secretary-Treasurer Mark Clements.
The temperature may be rising with the onset of the summer months, but so is the solidarity. The Maritime Trades Department’s Port Maritime Councils are already abuzz with activity, particularly the Greater South Florida and Chicago & Western Lakes councils.
South Florida once again hosted a remarkably successful Shoot for the Cure event in May, fundraising for March of Dimes. The Council tested out a new location for this year’s iteration of the event, moving from the outskirts of Lake Okeechobee to a more accessible venue in Vero Beach. Approximately one hundred trade unionists and allies across the region participated in the clay shoot, which raised over $40,000 for maternal and infant health. MTD Administrator and Chief of Staff Brittanie Potter represented the MTD national office at the event.
In June, the Chicago & Western Lakes Port Council put on this year’s installment of their popular Admiral’s Cup Golf Tournament at the Harborside International Golf Center in the council’s home city. In addition to a full day on the course, the event included its traditional awards banquet where MTD Executive Secretary-Treasurer Mark Clements provided brief remarks.
Illinois AFL-CIO President Tim Drea received the council’s Labor Leader of the Year award. Additionally, Business Representative Pat Noonan from Carpenters Local 1185 received the Able Helmsman award, retired President Tom Flynn of Teamsters Local 179 received a Lifetime Achievement award, and Business Representative Robert Fital of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers District Council 1 received the Friend of Labor award.
Later on in the summer, MTD’s Port Maritime Councils will offer additional programming, including Toledo’s Labor Day banquet and parade, Southern California’s Harbor Labor Coalition parade, and Michigan and St. Louis golf outings.