The Iron Workers International Union and the Ironworker Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust (IMPACT) recently held its inaugural joint annual North American Iron Worker / IMPACT Labor-Management Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada February 8-12, 2009. In the previous year, IMPACT's inaugural Labor-Management Conference was held in conjunction with the Annual Ironworker Strategic Planning Meeting. This year marked the first time the two meetings were combined allowing people from all facets of the industry the opportunity to discuss the issues and challenges that face our industry.
While this year's trends show a decline in the attendance of construction industry events across the country, the North American Iron Worker / IMPACT Labor-Management Conference increased its attendance by over 200 participants over last year's numbers. In total, over 730 participants were in attendance this year.
The purpose of the conference was to share information and dialogue among labor and management characterized by this year's theme, "Leadership for Change". This theme was best represented by supplying owner and contractor panels and an open forum with the Iron Workers International General Officers.
Joseph Hunt, Iron Worker general president, and William Brown, president and CEO of Ben Hur Construction Company, opened the conference. Hunt and Brown serve as the co-chairs of IMPACT. Brown began by praising both management and labor representatives for coming together to discuss ways they can overcome common challenges together. Hunt also spoke about how labor and management can join forces to provide skilled workers and successful contractors who can meet the construction demands in the U.S. and Canada.
Here is what a few attendees had to say about their experiences this year:
"I would be remiss if I didn't express how extremely impressed I was with the 2009 Iron Workers/IMPACT Labor-Management Conference and more importantly, to how far and fast the Iron Workers International Union has come as a transformational organization. Though we all have much more to do to get our industry focused in the right direction, the work that the leadership of the Iron Workers, and all associated with the creation and strategic growth of IMPACT, deserve a sincere-job well done! It is truly a testament to what is right and what can, and should, be done to bring the union construction industry back to where it belongs."
Stephen Lindauer-CEO, The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC)
"I think that anyone who attended this conference would have to admit that very honest, and straightforward labor-management dialogue was the driving theme of the conference...And in times such as these, that is exactly what people are looking for in their leaders. What the Ironworkers have clearly set forth is that "activities" should not be mistaken for "results". The more labor (and management) leaders who embrace this approach, the more market share will directly result."
Mark Breslin President-Breslin Strategies, Inc.
"Having arrived mid-week, the mood for the conference had already been established and I was very impressed with the positive and upbeat mood of everyone. Being an observer of the proceedings as well as a participant, the reason for such a positive outcome is one thing.Leadership!"
Mark Perzinski-Program Manager, Richard J. Princinsky & Associates
"I was very impressed with the format and scope of topics that were covered. The televising of the days events after the fact was a nice touch and I thought everything had a very professional quality to it. The feedback from the participants I spoke to was very positive and upbeat. The special speaker ['00 Greco-Roman Wrestling Olympic Gold Medalist, Rulon Gardner] on Wednesday was awesome and inspiring."
Bill Schoenlein-Underwriting Marketing Director, People 1st Health Strategies
"I thought the meeting was very good, with great speakers and panels."
Gary Broad-President, Midwest Steel, Inc.
"As a contractor, I was thoroughly impressed with the professionalism and content of the conference."
James Sever-Vice President, PSC Crane and Rigging
View the Full Agenda of this year's conference.
All PowerPoint presentations used during the conference are available upon request by contacting the IMPACT office.
Don't miss the next opportunity to contribute to our industry and strengthen our future. The 25th Annual Iron Workers Instructor Training Program is being held -
, 2009 on the University of San Diego campus. Join us and be a part of what the future holds for the Iron Workers Union and IMPACT.