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Pro Football Hall of Fame Village Signs Historic PLA

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CANTON – Last week marked a monumental moment for the Canton area and potentially the future of project labor agreements.  The Pro Football Hall of Fame has recommitted to the next phase of their Hall of Fame Village Project being completed using local, union workers.  Michael Crawford, president and chief executive officer of the Hall of Fame Resort, and the East Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council President Dave Kirven jointly signed a PLA to confirm the commitment on Wednesday, April 14th, 2021.

“A PLA is a prehire pact with at least one [labor organization] that sets employment terms and conditions for all workers on a building project, regardless of whether their employers are unionized or nonunion contractors”, Bloomberg Law reports.

Canton has the most PLA’s than any other city in the United States with over 100 according to William Sherer, Business Manager for Ironworkers Local 550 and Canton City Council President.  A PLA with the Hall of Fame Resort sets a standard for the area and will help spur others’ interest in the agreements, according to Sherer.  He said economic development [like this project] spurs more economic development.

Part of this labor agreement includes cooperation with the Stark County Minority Business Association (SCMBA).  The goal set by SCMBA and the Hall of Fame Resort is 12% minority participation in all aspects of the project.  Kirven told us ongoing projects on site are currently at 19%, exceeding the goal.  In a speech at the signing given, Michael Crawford said “we fumbled the ball on community and diverse involvement on the first phase of the project” when talking about the importance of the SCMBA partnership and the Hall of Fame’s commitment to making inclusion a priority in these new phases of construction.

(Left) Michael Crawford, Hall of Fame Resort stands with Kevin Ennis, Senior Business Representative (Right)Labor leaders and other government officials were present for the signing as well.  City Councilman Jason Scaglione was excited to see people working and bring ‘vacation spending’ back to the region.  Fellow councilmember John Mariol was also invested in the importance of the PLA bringing good, union, middle-class jobs back to Canton.

This next stage of construction on the Hall of Fame Village means ongoing work for the carpenters in the area.  Senior Business Representative Kevin Ennis says, “continued work at the Hall of Fame has meant a lot of man-hours for our members”.  Ennis also said the Council has signed several new minority contractors thanks to the partnerships at the project with continuous requests for manpower on separate jobs.  “This [PLA] means steady work for our members for at least another two years if not more.”

 

Carpenters Refurbish Historic Church

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Carpenters have been constructing historic buildings for as long as the United Brotherhood of Carpenters has existed. In every state, province, and city across the United States and Canada union carpenters have made an impact on the legacy. Whether it’s bringing buildings down to put a new one back up or rehabilitating an existing structure, union carpenters prove their skills with each new project.

In Canton Ohio, carpenters have been working on an important renovation at a significant site. At 530 Tuscarawas St W, in a city almost as old as the state itself, Christ Presbyterian Church sits on the same land dedicated for the city’s first house of worship back in 1805 by the city’s founder. Read more

Cleveland-area Locals Raise $84,000 for Up Side of Downs

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$84,000. That’s how much Cleveland-area locals and the IKORCC have helped raise for The Up Side of Downs in seven years. The Up Side of Downs’ mission is to provide support, education and advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and communities.

They share a common goal with the IKORCC, a community where all people have limitless opportunities and the ability to pursue their dreams. Check out this video to learn more about our partnership with this wonderful organization.

Stadium Super Bowl

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It’s Super Bowl week and we are celebrating by looking at the amazing NFL football stadiums union carpenters, millwrights and floorlayers have built in Indiana and Ohio. 🏈

Check out First Energy Stadium (home of the Cleveland Browns), Paul Brown Stadium (Home of the Cincinnati Bengals) and Lucas Oil Stadium (Home of the Indianapolis Colts).

Fast Facts:

First Energy Stadium home of the Cleveland Browns
Cleveland, Ohio
Completed in 1999, renovated in 2013
Turner Construction, General Contractor
Cost: $283 million
Capacity: 67,895
Suites: 143
Square Feet: 1.64 million

Paul Brown Stadium home of the Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati, Ohio
Completed in 2000
Turner Construction, General Contractor
Cost: $385 million
Capacity: 65,535
Suites: 144
Square Feet: 1.85 million

Lucas Oil Stadium home of the Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis, Indiana
Completed in 2008
Hunt Construction, General Contractor
Cost: 720 million
Capacity: 67,000
Suites: 139
Square Feet: 1.8 million

 

2020 Magazine

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Member Builds Park to Honor Son

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September 21, 2020 the unthinkable happened for David Sweeney.  David is a 1st year floor-laying apprentice out of Local 171 in the Youngstown area.  He answered his door to learn the news that his 4-year-old son, Rowan, was senselessly murdered.  His life was changed forever.

In the next few months, his family had to figure out how to pick up the pieces of their life after their tragedy.  They wanted a way to honor and memorialize their playful, energetic, happy son.  After much thought, the

family landed the vision to build a park in his honor.

Plans for the park include quality, accessible equipment for everyone to enjoy.  Their hope is that this park will serve as a memorial for other families experiencing similar loss or tragedy, too.

Local 171 has been helping share the fundraising events to help the family meet their goal and when they do, they plan to help build the park as well.

When area representatives learned of the possibility to get help through Carpenters Care, they applied for help.  Carpenters Care intends to plan a fundraising event to benefit the Rowan Memorial Park Trust, (more details will be provided to locals across the council in the coming months).

If you are interested in donating directly to the cause, you can do so at www.rowansmemorialpark.com/donation.

Career Connections Truck in front of IKORCC Hub

New Online Learning Platform for Skilled Trades

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Career Connections Truck in front of IKORCC HubHigh school students interested in trade programs have new options amidst the pandemic. With many schools going virtual or shifting to a hybrid learning model, technical programs are adapting to meet new standards. The Ohio Carpenters’ Joint Apprenticeship and Training Program and Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights Joint Apprenticeship Training are offering a new blended learning curriculum for Career Connection partners.

The Career Connections program is designed to help high school teachers introduce students to a career in carpentry. Students learn basic and intermediate carpentry, advanced skills in commercial and residential construction, and the essentials of construction site safety. The program also includes training in the employability that research shows employers value most, including: goal setting, positive attitude, punctuality, teamwork, and taking initiative.

The new Learning Management System (LMS) digital curriculum offers schools and teachers a way to engage students with both online and with limited in-person, hands-on learning.  Completion of the program offers students a direct-entry into the apprenticeship program.

Indiana Kentucky Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters (IKORCC) represents over 35,000 men and women tradespeople in 40 locals in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and parts of West Virginia and Tennessee. A proud affiliate of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, which has a century-plus tradition of representing the best of building trades.

The apprenticeship is a four-year program that offers a solid education, in the classroom and on the job. Apprentices learn from a hands-on approach within the training centers and in the field. We take an “earn-as-you-learn” approach to our apprenticeship, ensuring you can earn a good, living wage with benefits for your family – right from the start. Apprentices also receive college credits throughout their program at no additional cost.

IKORCC apprenticeships offer a direct path to a rewarding career and a financially solid future. Financial security, high demand careers, pride in your skills, and a sense of community: the IKORCC apprenticeship delivers it all in a comprehensive, highly respected program. 

 

Individuals interested may contact:

Indiana & Kentucky
Hope Harp
Career Connections Specialist
771 Greenwood Springs Drive
Greenwood, IN 46143
P: 502.889.1677
hharp@ikorccjatf.org

 

Ohio
Jeremy Dennis
Career Connections Specialist
1899 Arlingate Lane
Columbus, OH 43228
P: 419.566.3270
jdennis@ohcap.org

Cory Hudson Wins Don Sherry Achievement Award

Cory Hudson Receives Don Sherry Achievement Award

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Few people have left the impact on the Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters as Don Sherry did. Don Sherry tragically passed away in 2017. His list of accomplishments is vast, and his impact on our union is unprecedented.

Don Sherry passionately served the Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters for nearly 20 years as a business representative and Director of Organizing. He was the President of Carpenters Local 175 and a dedicated advocate for worker’s rights and unions. Colleagues said his dedication to this organization was second to none.

Don Sherry Achievement Award

To honor his legacy, the IKORCC gives the Don Sherry Achievement Award annually.

To honor Don’s service and dedication, each year since his passing the IKORCC has given The Don Sherry Achievement Award. The award recognizes a rank and file member who has gone above and beyond in their service on the job site, with contractors, in MAC meetings (Member Action Committee), and in their community. In addition to giving an award in his honor, IKORCC delegates raise money each year during their annual conference and donate the proceeds to the Diabetes Foundation in Don Sherry’s honor.

Past recipients of the Don Sherry Achievement Award include:

2018 – Glenn Downs, Local 599
2019 – Raymond Poer, Local 599

Of all the nominations received in 2020, Cory Hudson’s stood out. That’s why the Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters is proud to present Cory Hudson with the 2020 Don Sherry Achievement Award. Cory is an active member of Carpenters Local 285, military veteran, and served as the lead instructor at the Richfield Ohio Carpenters’ Joint Apprenticeship & Training Program for years, until recently accepting a new role as a superintendent for a union contractor. Cory’s leadership, training, and tireless dedication will serve him well in that role.

“We take the Don Sherry Award very seriously and have many very qualified applications submitted each year. I had the privilege to know and work directly with Don for many years and saw his commitment and dedication to our Brotherhood first hand. I’ve also been fortunate to know Cory Hudson and have seen his commitment to our Union and how he always puts the UBC at the forefront. His dedication to our craft helps keep our standards above the rest and he has a “care factor” not just for apprentices or our membership as a whole, but for all people. It was an honor and privilege to present the award to Cory Hudson this year,” said IKORCC’s EST Todd Pancake.

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Responsible Bid Legislation Passes in Uhrichsville, OH

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Uhrichsville, Ohio – Uhrichsville City Council as voted in an unanimous fashion to approve an ordinance requiring responsible bidding on city construction projects.

The ordinance was introduced by Uhrichsville City Councilman Eric Harmon. Harmon spoke in support of the ordinance and applauded unanimous Council passage of legislation designed to encourage fair and responsible construction contracting.

The legislation had garnered the support of several area labor unions including the Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters (IKORCC). IKORCC members Mark Whepler, Butch Teddrick, Keen Edwards, Ricky Thesson, and Michael Fitzgerald –- in addition to IKORCC business representatives Jared Hovanick and Abe Bruner –- attended the hearing and voiced their support for the ordinance.

“This common sense legislation is a taxpayer protection plan that ensures construction projects are completed on time and on budget while utilizing a skilled workforce. It’s important that the public holds a stronger confidence that their hard earned tax dollars are being spent properly and responsibly on construction projects that will help improve the quality of life for all Uhrichsville residents,” said Harmon.

The provisions in the ordinance already exist largely at the federal, state, and county levels. Harmon urged members of Council that it’s time to enact the provisions at the local level in order to promote quality construction and fiscal responsibility.

“This legislation prioritizes quality construction, workforce development, and economic growth while aiming to create local jobs for local workers,” stated Harmon. Harmon’s remarks during the meeting led to an unanimous 7-0 vote by City Council.  Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters Supports Uhrichsville City Council In Passing Responsible Bid Legislation Sponsored By City Councilman Eric Harmon.

Thank You Healthcare Heroes

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As states continue to reopen and coronavirus cases surge in many areas, healthcare workers are still battling COVID-19.

To show our appreciation for their continued dedication, we’ve thanked over 60 hospitals across Indiana, Kentucky, & Ohio. To our current and future ICRA (Infection Control Risk Assessment) partners, thank you for working on the frontlines. The importance of infection control during hospital construction has always been an integral part of our training & we are proud to partner with so many amazing facilities that put patient safety first.

Learn more about our Infection Control Risk Assessment training or our 8-hour ICRA classes at ikorcc.com/ICRA