Brothers and sisters:
Resolutions are an important part of the new year. They cause us to reflect on what was successful, where we fell short and offer an opportunity for positive change as we move forward. Reflecting on my 2015, personally this has been a very interesting year. My second daughter was married, I fulfilled a childhood dream by riding my bike from Cleveland to Cincinnati, accompanied my wife on a 50th birthday trip to Bar Harbor, Maine paid for by our children and I once again get to work with the best-of-the-best at NEIEP on another issue of Lift Magazine.
Most of my failings have come from inner issues manifesting themselves in ways that I prefer they had not. This is where I know that to become the person I am supposed to be I need to concentrate my efforts in the new year. My goal for my daily 7 to 3:30 is to make the equipment a little better for me and my coworker being there. I use that same yardstick in the work I do for the local, NEIEP and any of my personal dealings. Many times I meet the measure, occasionally I exceed it but more times than I care to admit I fall short… way short. It is the inner conflict of my perfectionist nature meeting the limitations placed on me.
Between this writing and the first of the year, I will be thinking very hard and long about these issues, making the changes I need to and how I intend living the last third of my life.
The January meeting, in addition to being a special called meeting for the installation of officers, will also feature the election of three delegates to the 31st IUEC General Convention. The three delegates will join Business Manager Tim Moennich in Chicago July 11 through the 15th as the issues effecting the industry are discussed and resolutions put forward by the locals are evaluated for inclusion in negotiating our next contract. The deadline to the International is April 12, 2016 for resolutions from the locals. If you have something you feel strongly about, write it down and send it to Tim for submission to the International.
Instructor John Taylor is readying two continuing education opportunities. The first offering is a microprocessor based control class followed by a class on solid state motor control. Instructor Rick Myers is instructing a CPR and first aid class for the interested constructor. For more information, contact Tim at TMoennich@iueclocal17.org or call the hall at 216-431-8088. Both educational opportunities are offered through NEIEP and Local 17.
Where are they working?
Joe Simcic and Lucas Jenke installing elevators at the Holiday Inn for Otis,
Jeff Ward and Nick Meyer doing a jack in Aurora for Thyssen,
Matt Pinchot and Andrea Rodrigues at American Greetings for Otis,
Ryan Todd working in Youngstown with Local 45 member Dave Carr for Schindler,
Gerard Szmerkovsky and Craig Nolty installing six cars at the Cleveland Clinic Avon for Otis,
Mike Miller and Matt Paige, at Crocker Park for Otis,
Drew Williams, Jim Ehrbar, Chris Scholle, Pat McCann and Rob Zadravec at Gateway Parking East for Thyssen,
John Patton and Tom Gombar doing a jack at Tri-C west for Kone,
John Goggin and Mike Hogan at Witon Manor doing full load tests for Schindler,
Neil Beechuck and Kevin Driscoll installing a car at Kent State University for Thyssen,
Joe Sumph and Local 45 member Frank Sano doing a mod in Oberlin for Schindler,
Bob Meyer and Matt Harden installing a hydro at PPG for Kone.
As of this writing the bench is empty.
The Brothers of Local 17 send their condolences to Brother Jim Sinclair whose mother passed away October 10th.
Until next month,
Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.
Don
DKnapik@windstream.net
International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 17 