03 Nov Midwest Region Delegates Chart the Future in Bloomington, Ill.

Over one hundred delegates from BCTGM local unions in the midwestern U.S. met in Bloomington, Ill. for the annual BCTGM Midwest Region Conference.

Local 342 (Bloomington, Ill.) hosted the two-day event, where delegates listened to speeches and presentations, gave local union reports and discussed issues like organizing, servicing and political action.

International President Anthony Shelton, Secretary-Treasurer David Woods, Executive Assistant to the President Matthew Clark, Midwest Region Vice President Jason Davis, and International Representatives Veronica Hopkins and Ryan Hocke delivered remarks during the different meeting sessions.

A special tribute video was shown to commemorate John Price, the former BCTGM Organizing Director who passed away on December 15, 2024. Many delegates and guests shared their memories and lessons learned from Brother Price during his career.

The guestlist for the event included two BCTGM retirees—former Midwest Region Vice President Brad Schmidt and retired Assistant to the President, Harry Kaiser. Both briefly spoke to the delegates. 

According to BCTGM International President Anthony Shelton, there was a very positive feeling throughout the conference. “Delegates were enthused with the great contracts that have been negotiated, with the service they receive from the International Union, and were excited about moving that positive energy into a convention year,” he said. “Our local union leaders in this region are doing a great job.”