The Labor-Management Council of Greater Kansas City

Congratulations to Allan Dillingham, Builders' Association government relations director and active member of the LMC particularly the Issues Committee, on his appointment to the Kansas City, Mo. Parks Board by Mayor Sly James.

The LMC is saddened by the death of Independence City Councilman Will Swoffer. We will miss his dedication to Independence.

The 26th annual Mid-America Labor/Management Conference is set for July 5-8 at the Lodge of the Four Seasons. The outstanding lineup of speakers includes two international union presidents, top utility firm executives, public officials, labor attorneys and more. Rooms at the Lodge are filling fast so both room reservations and conference registrations are urged soon. Check www.malmc.org for details and registration forms, which can be done on-line.

One of our region's labor law titans, Al Yonke, has died. Founder of the firm now known as Arnold Newbold Winter and Jackson, Al Yonke counseled unions and fringe benefit funds for many years. Visitation is today, 4-7 p.m. at McGilley Chapel, 12301 State Line and funeral Mass tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. at St. Thomas More, 11822 Holmes. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Thomas More Chapel, De La Salle or the Bishop Sullivan Center.

Also Kevin Gray will be remembered at a rosary and visitation today from 5-8 p.m. also at St. Thomas More and celebration of his life from 1-5 p.m. tomorrow at the Midland Theatre. Contributions can be made to the Kevin Gray Family Educational Fund, c/o Country Club Bank, 11181 Overbrook Suite 100, Leawood, KS 66211, to St. Teresa's Academy, to Benedictine College or to the Greater Kansas City Sports Commission.

Both families are in our prayers and these two leaders will be missed.

The LMC mourns the death of Kevin Gray, executive director of the Greater Kansas City Sports Commission. Kevin was a good friend and understood the significant impact of sports, not just major league but all sports, on economic development and worked hard to ensure that sports created good jobs in our community. His leadership and positive approach will be greatly missed.

Congratulations to Colleen White, Strategic Workplace Solutions, and Linda Winter, Arnold Newbold Jackson & WInter, for being selected as Women Who Mean Business by the Kansas City Business Journal.

The LMC is pleased that its foursome took first place in the 2nd flight at the Blue Cross Blue Shield Labor Golf Tournament last week. The foursome included Lindsay Bechtold, Argosy; Terry Stone, North Kansas City School Board; Erin Williams, United Labor Credit Union; and Bob Jacobi, LMC. The LMC's own golf tournament is July 18; contact the LMC for details on sponsorship, playing, in-kind donations and/or volunteering.

Construction Committee Engages Elected Leaders

Construction Industry Steering Team Summary of Minutes

8 a.m., Thursday, June 9, 2011, Mark One Electric Co., Inc.

Attending: Sam Alpert, Rosana Privitera-Biondo, KC Borden, Greg Chastain, Sang Duong, Gerald Eagan,  Don Greenwell, Scott Hoisington, Joe Hudson, Kevin Istas, Steve Janasz,  Dennis Joyce, Mike Kotubey, Pat Julo, Garry Kemp, Dave Kendrick, Bob Looman, Payne Mendenhall, Herb Millard, Dan Osman, Barbara Schilling,  Lonnie Scott, Art Tanner,  John Tompson, Bob Jacobi.

•Introductions and thanks to Rosie Biondo and Mark One for hosting.

•The Missouri and Kansas legislative sessions ended with no detrimental legislation passed but also with few positive accomplishments.  A special session in Missouri on economic development is possible.  Strategies for educating legislators were discussed and will be pursued.

•Mayor James is seeking applications for appointment to KCMO boards and commissions. The LMC will share information on key appointments and help coordinate support for potential appointees.

•KCMO ordinance 110418 will be considered by the council; the committee vote was 4-1 against passage.  The ordinance would put on the ballot a petition generated by opponents of production of nuclear weapons components at the new Honeywell plant now under construction and would call for replacing such production with “new environmentally sound energy or other environmental technologies.” Committee members are asked to communicate to Councilman Jermaine Reed and ask him to vote no.

•The Council for American Business is planning to update the prevailing wage study of eight years ago.  Funds will be sought for the study from industry and industry supporters.

•Sheet Metal Workers Local 2 is sponsoring the Crossroads series on Ch. 38, which highlights Kansas City history, and urges committee members to watch.•A new branding effort for the Kansas City area is being developed.  “America’s Creative Crossroads” will highlight the creative assets of the city to attract business, visitors and workers.  More information will be available soon.

•NICE sponsored a successful iBuild Showcase and is beginning to plan for next year.  During June meetings with teachers on the Crayons to CAD curriculum will be held as well as on potential high school activities beyond the Showcase.

•Pipefitters Local 533 and the Mechanical Contractors Association were congratulated for agreeing to a new contract.

•Upcoming events include:

*Rockhurst University Alumni Golf Tournament, June 13, Milburn

*SkillsUSA Conference, June 20-23

*Working Families Friend Golf Tournament, June 29, Teetering Rocks

*YouthBuild Open House, June 30, 1-3 p.m., 5307 Wayne  *Mid-America Labor/Management Conference July 5-8, Lodge of the Four Seasons

*KCK Chamber Golf Tournament July 13, Painted Hills

*LMC Golf Tournament, July 18, Oakwood Country Club

*LMC Board of Directors meeting, July 21, Rockhurst University

*Building Trades Golf Tournament, Aug. 18, Eagles Landing Golf Club

*Dave Peterson Memorial Golf Tournament, Aug. 28

*KC Crew Golf Tournament, Aug. 30, Falcon Ridge

*ASA Golf Tournament, Sept. 27, Loch Lloyd

•The next meeting will be 8 a.m., Thursday, July 14 at Mark One Electric Co., Inc., 909 Troost, in the conference center.

•M/S/C to adjourn at 9 a.m.

The National Institute for Construction Excellence has elected Alise Martiny, Builders' Associaiton/Heavy Constructors Association workforce development manager, as President for 2011-12. Dave Kendrick, Greater Kansas City Building and Construction Trades Council business manager, is Vice President and Bob Jacobi, LMC executive director, is Secretary-Treasurer. Sang Duong, SMACNA-KC associate director, joins the Board of Directors and Rosana Privitera-Biondo, Mark One Electric Co., Inc. president, was also elected to the board as her term as immediate past president expires. KC Borden, KC NECA executive director, is now immediate past president. NICE is responsible for the iBuild Showcase and Crayons-to-CAD programs.

Congratulations to LMC board members recently reelected to their posts: Terry Akins, co-chair, reelected as Business Manager, IBEW Local 124, and Donna Birks, executive committee, reelected as Financial Secretary, UAW Local 31.