2007 ANNUAL CONFERENCE
The cultivation and maintenance of a highly-skilled workforce is playing an increasingly pivotal role in the economic vitality of Southwestern Illinois and the St. Louis Metropolitan region at large. Location and infrastructure are no longer the only main selling points for businesses looking to build, expand or relocate. The focus has shifted to workforce availability.
To address this issue, the Labor Management Committee appropriately themed its 2007 Gateway Labor Management Conference: Workforce 2012: Are We Ready?
The conference was attended by hundreds of representatives of government, education, labor and management from both sides of the river, who together proactively addressed this regional issue. Deputy Director of Federal Mediation Conciliation Services, Scot Beckenbaugh was on hand to examine the scope of this issue from a national perspective; Vice-President of the United Way, Russ Signorino highlighted local workforce trends; President of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Glen Poshard, reiterated the importance of education and training; and nationally-renowned motivational speaker, Gordon Graham, spoke on the topic of “navigating change.” Those in attendance also took part in concurrent workshops on related topics.
Among the conference’s highlights was the presentation of the 2007 Weier Award to ConocoPhilips and the many unions represented within the Wood River Refinery. The parties were recognized for their steadfast commitment to fostering positive labor management relationships during a lunchtime ceremony.
(Pictured Left to Right) Herb Johnson of the Missouri AFL-CIO; Michael Carrigan of the Illinois AFL-CIO; Rick Schwarz of ConocoPhillips; Tom Declue III of GRP; Mike Huntsman of ConocoPhillips; Mike Toner of Pipefitters Local 553; Jay Hawley of ConocoPhillips; Kevin Hamilton of Carpenters Local 377; Chuck Brodie of Washington Group International; Jack Tueth of IBEW Local 649; John Passiglia of Boilermakers Local 363 and Dale Stewart of the Southwest Illinois Building Trades Council.
