Operating Engineer - Winter 2014

Local Spotlight
Local 37 Dedicates New Headquarters in Baltimore County
INTERNATIONAL UNION OF
Operating Engineers Local 37 recently
opened a new home located in
Dundalk, Maryland. The ceremony
was attended by a slew of local
politicians, as well as many members
of the Union’s executive board,
including Joseph F. Shanahan, Robert
A. Holsey, Jr. and Charles E. McGee,
Jr. Local 37 represents approximately
1,800 members.
Baltimore County Executive Kevin
Kamenetz opened the event by praising
the union’s decision to relocate to
Dundalk.
“It’s good to have Local 37 here in
Baltimore County,” Kamenetz said.
“This is a great move for the union
...and obviously the role that they will
play in the community is exemplified
by the turnout of elected officials,
because we do value your presence.”
Kamenetz followed his speech
by presenting an Executive Citation
commending Local 37 for over 113
years’ worth of work.
‘’The International Union of
Operating Engineers has served as a
valuable advocate for operating and
stationary engineers, significantly
enhancing the quality of Life for
‘families throughout Baltimore County
and the state of Maryland’ Kamenetz
said. “Your commitment to protecting
the rights of Maryland’s workers
should be a source of great pride for
your organization.”
[above] Local 37 leaders and elected officials cut the ceremonial ribbon to open the new
headquarters building in Dundalk, MD. [photo] IUOE Local 37
Shanahan dedicated the new building
to Ronald Buchholz, Jr., a member who
died in 2012, from injuries incurred in
an automobile accident.
Buchholz rose up the ranks of the
union in an extremely short amount
of time, becoming the vice president
in approximately seven years’ time.
According to Shanahan, he was a
beloved member of the union who had
a future as bright as any.
“Ronnie’s death has affected
everyone differently, and we all have
fond memories of our time with him,
and each grieves in a different manner,”
said Shanahan. “It is for that reason the
sitting officers and our executive board
and members have come together in
wishing to honor Ron’s life.”
A plague has been placed outside of
the new home for Local37. “We wanted
to put this plaque up so that everyone
who comes in here knows about
Ron Buchholz,” Shanahan said. The
dedication was followed by a moment
of silence in honor of Ron’s life.
Joseph Shanahan, Local 37’s
Business Manager and International
Trustee, then had an opportunity to
speak, saying that the day marked
another milestone for an already
storied union.
After the ribbon was cut to signify
the official opening of the building,
20 INTERNATIONAL OPERATING ENGINEER