Continuing Education a Priority for Local Leaders
Conference at Notre Dame Largest Ever

Most college students can’t wait to get off-campus during the summer break. But every August, BAC officers and field representatives descend on the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana for four days of lectures, seminars, and workshops. It’s all part of the BAC Local Leadership Conference, the International Union’s longstanding continuing education program for Local Union representatives. The Conference, which provides a central platform for the latest on Union programs, public policy issues, and industry development, gives Local leaders the information they need to best represent members’ interests.

s Conference speaker and U.S. Congressional candidate Jill Long Thompson from Indiana’s 2nd District, which includes South Bend, was formally endorsed by BAC Local 4 Indiana/ Kentucky. From left, Long, President Flynn, and Local 4 President Joe Bramlett.	The Political Action workshop involved hands-on computer guidance through the new “Government Relations” site on the IU’s website bacweb.org.

Now in its 27th year, conference attendance continues to grow. President John J. Flynn told attendees at the opening session that it is critical for the Union’s leadership to stay on top of their ever-changing industry and workforce environments. He explained that conference speakers and workshops would “focus on the elements that make our Union strong — and position us to take on any challenge — planning, organizing, safety, collective bargaining, political action, industry development, and training.”

Attorney Brian O’Dwyer was lead presenter at the well-received workshop on Responding to a Changing Workforce.