Union News and Events - IUPAT

INTERNATIONAL UNION OFPAINTERS AND ALLIED TRADESDistrict Council 15 – Nevada, Colorado, ArizonaService CelebratedCongratulations to Brother Thomas Webbof Local Union 79 (Denver) for hisdecades of service to the InternationalUnion of Painters and Allied Trades. Picturedhere is Business Agent Mike Williams (left) presentingBrother Webb with his 75-Year Pin.District Council 16 – Northern CaliforniaGeneral President James Williams Treks West to District Council 16- By Mike West/DC 16While in training at the IUPAT headquarters in January, weasked General President James Williams to attend a districtcouncil meeting here in Northern California. The “ask” was basedon comments he made in the most recent Journal about attendinglocal union meetings. He instantly agreed, and, after choosingJuly as the month of the visit, we were able to plan a few otherevents for his visit as well.The first stop for the general president and his staff afterarriving in the Bay Area was San Jose for a Local Union 1621meeting. After listening intently, he made a few remarks andreminded the attendees that there are actually three meetingsthat take place when a local union or district council meeting iscalled - the meeting before the meeting; the meeting itself; and themeeting in the parking lot after the meeting. General PresidentWilliams made it a point to stay at LU 1621 until every lastquestion by the members was answered.The following day, we had our district council staff meetings inthe morning, a reception for local candidates in the early eveningand then our district council meeting at 7:00pm. General PresidentWilliams attended and commented at each of these meetings. Hemade a special point of telling the candidates how important it isto come back and thank the members for their support whethertheir campaigns are successful or not. He also commented on thestructure of our district council meetings and how well-preparedour reports were,among other things.On July 19th, wehosted an open houseat the new DistrictCouncil 16 trainingcenter in San Leandro.In attendance werethe leaders of thevarious managementIUPAT Western Region Generalassociations, signatory Vice President James Reid (right)contractors, District presented a $91,000 check fromthe International to ExecutiveCouncil 16 staff,Director Mark Watchers for theJATTF Training completion of the new DistrictCouncil 16 training center.Center staff, GeneralPresident Williams andInternational staff. IUPAT Western Region General Vice PresidentJames Reid presented a $91,000 check from the International toExecutive Director Mark Watchers for the completion of our newtraining center. District Council 16 BMST Doug Christopher gave atour of the recently completed multi-craft training center while therest of the guests enjoyed a BBQ lunch.We were very proud to have General President Williamsattend multiple events over a three-day period here in DistrictCouncil 16.10July-september 2012 • J ournal