Larry Bell's Farewell Address
 Brothers and Sisters,
At the December 9, 2011 Executive Board meeting I tendered my resignation as Business Manager/Financial Secretary of IBEW Local Union 1547 effective December 30, 2011. This decision was not an easy one for me, nor was it without a great deal of consideration toward what the decision meant, in light of the opportunity that the membership and employees of our Local Union have afforded me over the last decade.
I want to start by simply saying thank you. It has been both an honor and a privilege to serve in the many capacities I have held, including the highest office in our Local Union. Over this time, I have met countless individuals that share a passion for bettering the lives of those they work with and I will be forever impacted by those encounters. My children have been raised in an ardently "union household," and I believe they are better people for it. I have also worked with an employer community that for the most part, recognizes that true success is realized most when investment is made back into the lives of those they employ.
While I will no longer serve in my current capacity, I will continue to be very involved in our construction industries and Trusts as National Electrical Contractors Association's (NECA) Chapter Manager for Alaska. I have always been an advocate of our strong partnership with our contractors association in Alaska, and am looking forward to helping shape the future of that organization.
Your Executive Board has appointed Brother Mike Hodsdon to fulfill the remainder of my term. Mike has been my Assistant Business Manager in the Anchorage Office, already serves on various Trusts, and has been invaluable to me in overseeing the day-to-day activities of staff. Additionally, Mike has been an integral part of helping chart the future of our Local Union from the beginning of my administration. I fully support the decision of the Executive Board, and have no doubt that they have placed our Local Union in the hands of a proven and capable leader. I do ask that you continue to show the same level of support that you have afforded me in the past to your new Business Manager as he assumes the duties of the office he has been appointed to. I am certain that if you already know Mike, the Executive Board's decision comes as no surprise. If you do not know him, I am confident that you will soon realize the reasoning behind their choice.
Thank you again for the opportunity to serve.
Fraternally,
Larry Bell
Business Manager/Financial Secretary
IBEW Local Union 1547
"The labor movement was the principal force that transformed misery and despair into hope and progress. Out of its bold struggles, economic and social reform gave birth to unemployment insurance, old-age pensions, government relief for the destitute and, above all, new wage levels that meant not mere survival but a tolerable life. The captains of industry did not lead this transformation; they resisted it until they were overcome. When in the thirties the wave of union organization crested over the nation, it carried to secure shores not only itself but the whole society."
Martin Luther King Jr. —Speech to the state convention of the Illinois AFL-CIO, Oct. 7, 1965
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Member Appreciation
 Ginger Hayter - Unit 104
In the words of the Unit 104 members that felt the desire to honor one of our own, Unit Secretary Ginger Hayter received an accolade from our membership which we wanted to share with all of our members. Too often those who work for us go unheralded in their duties and when the membership honors one, we feel it's important to share. Be sure and check out Ginger's staff profile as well. Thanks, for a job well done and for embodying that which we advocate--service and commitment to our members and the communities within which we live. Thanks for all you do!
"Gladys Stern once said that silent gratitude isn’t much use to anyone. During the December Unit 104 meeting the membership expressed their gratitude for the dedication that Ginger has shown in the countless ways she performs her duties. Any question or request for assistance that comes to the Hall is met with a genuine compassion to help others. Some people do what they do because it’s their job. Others do what they do because it’s in their heart. Ginger is the heart of Unit 104. Whether she’s welcoming visitors off the tour ships, explaining benefits to our members, or arranging lunch for 40 linemen, her tireless support of IBEW Local 1547 and our Ketchikan community is an inspiration to us all."
ANNOUNCEMENT:
The Bill Egan Scholarship forms for members and their children are now available. In the left column click on " Membership Services" and then in the drop down menu click on "Bill Egan Scholarships". Applications are due no later than March 31, 2012, so don't delay!
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