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A MESSAGE FROM
MICHAEL HAND
ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE SECRETARY-TREASURER
STABILITY
I was humbled when our Executive Secretary-Treasurer, William Sproule asked me to serve as the Assistant Executive Secretary- Treasurer of the Keystone + Mountain + Lakes Regional Council of Carpenters. It is an enormous responsibility that I fully accept and look forward to doing my part in putting our union in a position to meet all of our goals. It cannot be ignored that there have been several changes to our collective union over the past couple of years. However, the stability our union provided its members through all of these changes also cannot be ignored. Labor unions and other long-standing organizations, in general, must continually change and evolve as time goes on. This inevitable process creates an opportunity to accomplish more. We at the KMLRCC are excited for the next steps we are taking in the long carpenter's history for our region.
The United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America's organizational structure makes stability within change possible. When leadership changes happen due to retirements or promotions, we have a standard on all levels that keep our organization moving forward. Our regional managers, organizing department, team rooms, council representatives, and local presidents all care deeply for their fellow brothers and sisters of the union. Their hard work and dedication have provided our members with the ability to have dignity in earning a living in the construction industry. It is this very structure that allows us to maintain day-to-day operations while also planning for the future.
The stability of our union begins at home. Members have gone above and beyond in their work on the job site and off. Our skilled members have been helping to complete projects across the region that are building the local economy and providing new life to our states, counties, and towns. We are lucky to have members that are going above and beyond the call of service by completing meaningful Member Union Participation (MUP) projects that are improving the quality of life of their neighbors. Whether it is building a playground, installing handicap ramps, or protesting unscrupulous developers in our region, we are leaders in the community. These acts have provided our union with the ability to show elected of cials that we are a force in the community, and that our involvement is necessary for any decisions that affect working class families. It is in uence like this that keeps our union strong no matter how we or our environment evolves.
The construction industry is a volatile one. We are forever up against unscrupulous contractors, labor brokers, and right-to-work politicians. Our union must stay active, organized, and educated with a sense of direction that makes sure we are ready to continue our growth. Every step of the way, there will be focused plans on how we keep our union on the right path and protect our workers.
Bob Burns
Regional Manager, DC, VA
Bruce Garganio
Regional Manager, NJ (southern area)
Peter Growing
Regional Manager, NJ (northern area)
Drew Simpson
Regional Manager, PA, WV
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