The Labor-Management Council of Greater Kansas City

The LMC recognizes Workers Memorial Day, remembering workers who have died on the job as well as the need for safety to be the top priority in all workplaces. Thanks to the Builders' Association for hosting a moving ceremony today with the participation of OSHA, Missouri and Kansas Departments of Labor, Greater Kansas City AFL-CIO and many families of fallen workers.

The Labor-Management Council of Greater Kansas City (LMC) honored Kansas City, Mo. Mayor Quinton Lucas and Rockhurst University President Thomas Curran, S.J., at its 43rd Anniversary Celebration and 22nd Awards Dinner at Argosy Casino April 22. Photos can be found at left under Photo Album 2022 43rd Anniversary Celebration and 22nd Awards.

The 200 attendees also learned about the Missouri Works Initiative of the Missouri AFL-CIO from its executive director Greta Bax. Missouri Works includes components for worker wellness, dislocated worker support, Apprentice-Ready and Building Union diversity programs to eliminate barriers to economic opportunities by connecting Missourians to the necessary resources to build life-sustaining careers. More information is available at moworksinitiative.org; Twitter @Missouri-Works, Facebook @MIssouriWorksInitiative and Instagram @missouriworks for employers and workers who can benefit from its services.

Bax shared several examples in Kansas City, St. Louis and Springfield of people whose lives have been dramatically changed by Missouri Works services. An information session for the Apprentice-Ready program in Kansas City will be held April 29.

Lucas received the Leadership in Labor-Management Cooperation Award for his outstanding support of labor-management collaboration, for city employees and for all workers in the region. He has often participated in LMC events been an ally for the LMC’s concerns. Lucas noted that all Kansas Citians benefit from the efforts of organized labor and businesses in the city.

Curran, who is retiring as Rockhurst president, was recognized with the Service to the LMC award. During his 15 years as Rockhurst president, he has supported the Rockhurst-based LMC and its mission. He cited the LMC’s mission as one congruent with that of the Jesuit, Catholic mission of Rockhurst and cited the Jesuit principles of conversation that are part of both the way Rockhurst and the LMC operate.

The LMC also elected Bret Bonge, Evergy, as management co-chair succeeding Greg Davey, Builders’ Association who continues on the Board of Directors and was recognized at the event. Dan Heizman, Fire Fighters Local 42 was elected labor vice co-chair and Jimmy Walker, Kansas City, Mo., Fire Department was elected management vice co-chair. Alise Martiny, Greater Kansas City Building and Construction Trades Council, was re-elected secretary and Don Greenwell, Builders’ Association, was re-elected as treasurer. Board members re-elected included Tom Gebken, CWA Local 6360; Chuck Tarpley, Plumbers Local 8, and KC Borden, NECA-KC.

Graduates of the 2021-22 Mid-Level Leadership Program received their certificates at the event. Graduates include Arika Bandy, William Goff Jr. and Marquan Washington, city of Kansas City, Mo.; Michelle Cantrell, Enerfab; Lee Cross, Cross Law Firm; Jon Doughty, Wade Kiefer, Ben Schilling and Jose Sustaita, IBEW Local 124; Chris Head, Superior Electrical Construction; Kyle Hendricks and Jacob Powell, Fire Fighters Local 42; and Dustin Himes, Bricklayers Local 15.

Volunteers playing a crucial role in the event were Jennifer Borkowski, Humana, and Mary Jacobi. Sponsors making the celebration possible included Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City, Builders’ Association, Cigna and IBEW Local 124, Founding level; Cross Law Firm, Anniversary level; Grissom & Miller Law Firm, Heavy Construction Laborers Local 663, JE Dunn Construction Co., Laborers Local 264, Missouri AFL-CIO, Pipefitters Local 533 and Power Partners, Awards level; and CWA Local 6360, FCI Advisors and Painters District Council 3, Supporter level.

The LMC also announced that the 25th annual Craig Whitaker Memorial Golf Tournament will be held July 26 at Eagles Landing Golf Club. Other upcoming events include the Mid-America Labor/Management Conference July 10-13 at Camden on the Lake, Sporting Clay Shoot Sept. 15 at Saddle & Sirloin Club and the Public Officials Reception with co-host BOMA-KC Oct. 13 at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.

A door prize of tickets to the next Kansas City Ballet performance was won by Jacob Powell, Fire Fighters Local 42.

The LMC is a nonprofit based at Rockhurst University. Its mission is to enhance collaboration and trust between labor and management in the community. More information is available at http://labormanagementkc.typepad.com and [email protected].

Details for the Missouri Works Initiative’s Missouri Apprentice Ready event in Kansas City on April 29:

Missouri Apprentice Ready Lunch and Learn Event
Join our team to learn more about our FREE, 5-week construction training program that prepares participants to enter a U.S. Department of Labor registered construction apprenticeship!

Date: Friday, April 29th
Time: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm CDT
Event Location: University of Missouri Kansas City Welcome Center
(Pierson Auditorium) 5000 Holmes St, Kansas City, MO 64110

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Join the Missouri Apprentice Ready Information Session to learn more about Kansas City's new construction training program! This free job training program is open to those 18 years and older who are interested in a job in the skilled trades. This program is designed to support women, veterans, persons of color, and others who are interested in learning about various career opportunities in the construction trade industry.

We are inviting you and your organization to attend this informational session because we believe your organization could be a great partner in helping Kansas City grow and diversify the workforce pipeline in the skilled trades. Please join us to learn more about this new program.

Click here to learn more: Missouri Apprentice Ready Information Session

Thank you for your support!
--
Rudy M Chavez
Kansas City Coordinator,
Missouri Apprentice Ready Program
(816) 806-1840

The next LMC Construction Industry Committee and Construction Summit meeting will be Thursday, May 12, 8 a.m. at Mark One Electric Co., Inc.

The LMC is excited for its 43rd Anniversary Celebration and 22nd Awards Dinner tomorrow, Thursday, April 21 at Argosy Casino beginning at 6:30 p.m. Please contact us at [email protected] with any questions.

The LMC mourns the passage of Matthew Byrd, member of Sheet Metal Workers Local 2.  Visitation will be 1-3 p.m., Tuesday, April 19 at Park Lawn Funeral Home, 8251 Hillcrest Rd., Kansas City, MO.  A Celebration of Life will follow at 3:30PM at the Sheet Metal Workers International Association Union Hall, 2902 Blue Ridge Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri 64129.

Construction Committee Gets Missouri Historic Tax Credit Program Update

Construction Industry Steering Team Summary of Minutes

 8 a.m., Thursday, April 14, 2022, Via Zoom

 

Attending: Sam Alpert, James Farrell, Steve Gercone, Chris Heegn, Kevin Hendrickson, Dustin Himes, Matt Johnson, Gabe Jones, Bo Moreno, Bob Jacobi.

•Thanks to Rosana Privitera-Biondo and Mark One Electric Co., Inc. for hosting.

•Presentation from James Farrell, Historic Revitalization for Missouri on the Historic Tax Credit program.   He noted that since its inception in 1998, it has helped generate more than $4 billion in KC area projects and annually $500 million in Missouri.  Under the Greitens administration, many bureaucratic hurdles were put in place to impede its use.  He and Historic Revitalization for Missouri are working to reduce those hurdles.  One of the criteria is written in a way that the West Bottoms is excluded even though there are 100 eligible buildings.  While prevailing wage is not required as a part of the HTC, many projects do receive city subsidies which in St. Louis and now in KC have such a requirement.  The Construction Committee is also willing to meet with financiers and developers interested in local projects to discuss how our members can help with and participate in the projects.  A St. Louis event brought craft leaders, developers, contractors and elected officials together to learn more about the HTC and how to participate; a similar event could be organized for KC.  Jim asked for organizations to support Historic Revitalization for Missouri and such an event may provide the information locals need to participate.

•Session #14 of the Construction Summit:

With results from last week’s school board and city races in, the effort to educate elected leaders will resume.  Many potentially favorable candidates were elected. Numerous bond issues passed in school districts and cities throughout the metro area, creating opportunity for work.

•KCMO ballot issues supported by the LMC won with 76+%, authorizing $750 million in sewer bonds and renewing the health care levy.

•The Missouri budget is nearing its deadline for completion (May 6).  The Senate is expected to produce a bill closer to Gov. Parson’s recommendations including more money for many projects than the House.  Committee members can contact area Senators and ask for support for a budget closer to the Governor’s than the House one.  The unemployment compensation bill opposed by the LMC is currently on hold in the Senate; the House has perfected a companion bill.  In Kansas the food sales tax has not yet passed; there is concern over how a reduction/elimination would affect transportation plan revenues.  Proposals by Gov. Kelly and the House adjust to maintain transportation funding.

•NICE had a successful iBuild event, with more than 700 high school students and 250 middle school students attending at Bartle Hall.  The 2023 will be April 28 at Bartle.

•Upcoming Events:

*LMC Anniversary Celebration & Awards Dinner April 21, Argosy Casino

*Working Families Friend Texas Hold’um Tournament, April 22

*Workers’ Memorial Day, Builders’ Association, April 28, noon

*CREW KC Quarterly Luncheon, April 28

*OSHA National Fall Safety Standdown, May 2-6

*Builders; Association Scholarship Golf Tournament, May 9, Ironhorse

*TAUC Leadership Conference, May 17-20, Napa, CA

*Working Families Friend Golf Tournament, June 10

*Mid-America Labor/Management Conference, July 10-13, 2022, Camden on the Lake

*FMCS National Labor-Management Conference, virtual, July 12-13

*LMC Craig Whitaker Memorial Golf Tournament, July 26, Eagles Landing

*Primary Elections Aug.2, 2022

*KC Labor Car and Bike Show, Aug. 27, Azura Amphitheater, 9 a.m.

*Take a Kid Fishing Day Sept. 10

*LMC Sporting Clay Shoot Sept. 15 at Saddle & Sirloin

*Working Families Friend Cook-off, Sept. 24

*LMC Public Officials Reception, Oct. 13, 5:30 p.m., Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

*NICE Annual Luncheon, Nov. 1, Bartle Hall

*General Election Nov. 8

*Missouri Apprenticeship Summit, Nov. 15; pre-conference Nov. 14

•Next Meeting: 8 a.m., Thursday, May12, 2022, Mark One Electric Co., Inc.

•M/S/C to adjourn at 9:15 a.m.

The mission of the Labor-Management Council of Greater Kansas City is to enhance collaboration by solidifying trust and communication between labor and management in the community.

The LMC Construction Industry Committee and Construction Summit meet tomorrow, 8 a.m. at Mark One Electric Co. James Farrell, Historic Revitalization for Missouri, will present on key issues and opportunities with historic tax credits.

The Labor-Management Council of Greater Kansas City will hold its annual meeting and election of officers and board on Thursday, April 21, 7:30 p.m. at Argosy Casino, 777 Argosy Parkway, Kansas City, Mo. 64152.

The Board of Directors has made the following nominations:

Bret Bonge, Evergy, Management Co-Chair (ascends automatically from Vice Co-Chair)
Dan Heizman, Fire Fighters Local 42, Labor Vice Co-Chair
Jimmy Walker, Kansas City, Mo., Fire Department, Management Vice Co-Chair
Alise Martiny, Greater Kansas City Building and Construction Trades Council, Secretary
Don Greenwell, Builders’ Association, Treasurer
Tom Gebken, Communication Workers of America Local 6360, Labor Board Member
Chuck Tarpley, Plumbers Local 8, Labor Board Member
KC Borden, National Electrical Contractors Association-Kansas City, Management Board Member
Greg Davey, Builders’ Association, Management Board Member.

Nominations from the floor will be available. For three-year terms beginning at the election, one Executive Committee Labor seat, one Executive Committee Management seat and one Board Labor seat are open as are several other board positions with terms expiring in one and two years. Gabe Jones, Heavy Construction Laborers Local 663, continues as Labor Co-Chair for one more year.

Please contact [email protected] with questions.

LMC Board of Directors
Summary of Minutes
April 6, 2022 • 9:30 a.m. • Fire Fighters Local 42

Attending: Sam Alpert, Teri Casey, Greg Davey, Tom Gebken, Dan Heizman, Gabe Jones, Jimmy Walker, Bob Jacobi

•Thanks to Dan Heizman and Local 42 for hosting.

•M/S/C to approve the Financial Report and cash-flow report subject to audit.

•The LMC welcomes new member organizations including Honeywell FM&T. Future dues levels will be discussed at the July Board meeting.

•Two LMC-endorsed ballot issues passed yesterday in Kansas City, Mo.: Sewer bonds (with 79%) and Health levy renewal (76%). The LMC will continue to watch closely any action on the Public Issues Agenda in the final weeks of the Missouri legislature and vetos sessions of the Kansas legislature, as well as the impact of any changes in the Kansas food sales tax on revenues for the transportation plan.

•Concern was expressed over Kansas City, Mo., plans to address homelessness. Ordinance 220276, now in the Finance Committee, would make changes in loitering laws impacting city-leased property that is privately owned. The impact on surrounding private property could be serious. Proposals have been made to the city for incentives for landlords to provide available space for homeless folks; access to services is crucial as is long-term funding commitments.

•The return of the Mid-Level Leadership Program was successful with 13 participants. The next class is expected to begin in September with enrollment available around July 1. The Anniversary Celebration and Awards dinner April 21 will have the Missouri Works program as keynote and excellent honorees. Sponsorships and tables are available.

•M/S/C to hold the 2022 Craig Whitaker LMC Memorial Golf Tournament at Eagles Landing Golf Club on July 26.

•The Sporting Clay Shoot will be Sept. 15 and Public Officials Reception Oct. 13.

•The Public Officials Reception is set for Oct. 13 at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.

•M/S/C to nominate James R. Jimmy Walker as Vice Co-Chair, Management.

•M/S/C to nominate Dan Heizman as Vice Co-Chair, Labor.

•M/S/C to nominate Greg Davey to an open Board of Directors Management position with the term beginning in 2022.

•The full slate for the election to be held at the Anniversary Celebration and Awards Dinner on April 21, 2022: Bret Bonge, Management Co-Chair; Dan Heizman, Labor Vice Co-Chair; Jimmy Walker, Management Vice Co-Chair; Tom Gebken, Labor Board Member; Chuck Tarpley, Labor Board Member; KC Borden, Management Board Member; and Greg Davey, Management Board Member.

•The next Board meeting will be at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 20 at Heavy Construction Laborers Local 663, 7820 Prospect, KCMO, 64132.

•M/S/C to adjourn at !0:50 a.m.

The LMC mourns the death of Judge Vernon Scoville. Judge Scoville was a supporter of the LMC mission as a state representative and then as an associate circuit court judge in Jackson County. Visitation will be Friday, April 8, 5-7 p.m. at Meyers Funeral Home in Blue Springs, 1600 W Main Street.

A visitation for Genaro Ruiz will be Saturday, April 9, 9-11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Guadalupe Church, 2544 Madison, Kansas City, MO 64108, followed by Catholic Mass.

Congratulations to the city of Kansas City, Mo., for the overwhelming passage of Questions 1 and 2 for sewer bonds and health levy renewal, respectively. The LMC endorsed Yes votes for both issues. And congrats and thanks to all of the candidates in local and school board races in Missouri for offering to serve the community.