From the Desk of President Tom Quackenbush
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Executive Board of Local 294 for appointing me as President to lead our Local into the future. As you are aware, the recent retirement of John Bulgaro has left a void to fill and I appreciate the opportunity to serve you. I have been a part of this organization for a long time, starting as a shop steward at UPS, Recording Secretary, Business Agent, Secretary Treasurer and now your President.
In the last 75 years, we have had three Presidents. That is a testament to the strength and resiliency of our organization. I realize the void that needs to be filled and I am up for the challenge. As our newly elected International General President Sean O'Brien says, "We need to get Bigger, Faster, and Stronger".
With the partnership of our Executive Board and our members, I would like to make our organizing efforts a top priority. This will enable us to get "Bigger". To get "Stronger and Faster" we have to involve our younger generation of Teamsters to get involved. Our younger members are the future.
Through the efforts of Business Agent Stan Koniszewski, we have secured two grants totaling $250,000 that will be used to buy a truck and expand our CDL training program to Class B. These types of efforts create new opportunities for our current and future members. Recently, I have had the opportunity to speak with several young Teamsters who are in the process of obtaining their CDL A through our training program and it was exciting to hear their stories.
In closing, I would like to say I'm excited for the future of our International Union as well as our Local Union and look forward to working with you.
With warmer weather on its way, I wish you all a happy and healthy spring and summer.
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