This issue of the Official Bulletin focuses on the recently concluded
66th Quadrennial Convention held in Orlando, Florida. As such, it presents
an opportunity for me to express my sincerest appreciation for
the efforts and achievements of those who helped make our Convention
such a tremendous success.
While thanks in general are due to a great many people, I would particularly
like to express my gratitude to the staff of the IATSE General Office
for their hard work and dedication throughout the many long months of
preparation. The challenges involved with moving our operations over
1,000 miles were numerous, but the entire process was managed with foresight
and finesse. In addition, those staff members that traveled to Orlando
and provided front-line assistance to officers and delegates deserve special
recognition for the dedication that they demonstrated.
This was the largest Convention in the history of our Alliance and the
extraordinary hospitality of the Host Locals, 161, 477, 600, 631, 700, 780,
798, 800, 835, and United Scenic Artists Local 829, was much in evidence.
Delegates, staff and guests were all made most welcome by our host locals
and I know they were most appreciative.
It was also a pleasure to see the IATSE's extended family of organizations
at the Convention. Representatives of the IATSE National Benefit Funds were
available to provide information and individual support for delegates. The
Will Rogers Foundation once again provided free health services including
cholesterol and blood pressure monitoring. Union Privilege provided information
on the various financial services available to IATSE members and the
Actors’ Fund provided information on their numerous programs.
The members of the Credentials Committee ensured that delegate registration
was a smooth and orderly process. It is no easy task to accommodate
many last minute changes and get 836 delegates registered in a timely
manner, but this team did it with efficiency and grace.
Finally, thank you to the delegates for the support you gave me personally
and for your commitment and participation in the supreme governing
body of the IATSE. This was my 8th IATSE Convention, and my second
Convention as General Secretary-Treasurer. The delegates in Orlando were
amongst the most dedicated and hard working that I have seen. Whether it
was sacrificing evenings by participating on the various committees or
attending any number of caucuses that occurred outside the hours of the
general sessions, the delegates were clearly committed to moving our organization
forward. As we continue to work together over the next four years
we will do just that.
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