2006 BAC Local Leadership Conference

Turning Visions to Reality – the BAC Blueprint

Increasing membership and strengthening member representation, the pivotal role of BAC Locals in implementing the Union’s strategic goals, and the urgency of that mission were the central focus of the 2006 Local Leadership Conference, “A Standard of Excellence,” which opened August 6th on the campus of the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana.

MMP Lift-Off Careful planning, clear-cut assignments, and post-mission feedback are just some of the steps fighter pilots use to achieve “Flawless Execution,” according to F-18 pilot Michael Kenny, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, and a member of the Afterburner Inc. business leadership team that spoke to Local leaders. Kenny outlined the performance improvement methods used by pilots, and urged BAC leaders to apply the same steps in their efforts to improve the six key functions of a Local Union, such as creating a plan with specific achievable goals. Once a plan is formulated, Kenny stressed the need to follow the plan and not be diverted by “task saturation,” a major hurdle for many people. “Lose sight, and you lose the flight,” he cautioned. During “debriefing,” flaws and errors are discussed by participants and if necessary, the plan is adjusted accordingly. The process also helps ensure “that ‘Best Practices’ are effectively shared,” said Kenny.

The four-day continuing education program, sponsored by the International Union for Local officers, field representatives, and organizers, marked both the IU’s 30th year of conducting Union education programs at Notre Dame and the largest turnout ever for the Conference.

In his keynote address, BAC President John J. Flynn drew parallels between the implementation of the Union’s strategic plan, the Millennium Morning Project (MMP), and a BAC job site to bring home the importance of teamwork and standards of excellence. Whether the mission is building a project or putting the MMP into action, Flynn observed, to succeed requires a detailed blueprint and strong collaboration by everyone involved.

In the case of the MMP, the product of years of intensive research, analysis, and debate before its adoption by the 2005 IU Convention, Flynn noted, “We put everything that needs to be done down on paper. In essence, we created our blueprint. But if it’s not taken to the next level and implemented – it won’t work...At this conference we’re asking each of you to be part of a BAC leadership team that will be remembered for building a better, stronger Union.” 

Training Updates and hands-on demonstrations for three IMI specialized training programs – Grout Certification, Flashing Upgrade, and Restoration Training – were front and center during the Conference’s second day, courtesy of Team IMI. Left, IMI New York City Training Director Dennis Holloway conducts the Restoration Training workshop.

To significantly advance membership growth and stronger representation, each Local needs to rev up performance levels “in the key functions that support those goals: organizing; training; market development; union administration; collective bargaining; and political action,” according to Flynn. IU assistance and guidance would be plentiful, however, as he assured Local leaders, “We’re not asking you to do this alone. Both the IU and IMI are ready to provide support wherever and however it’s needed.”  

That “support” was evident throughout the Conference. At every general session, seminar, and workshop, the focal point was information and/or resources that a Local could use to progress in one or more of the key functions cited by President Flynn.

At the end of four full days, Local leaders left with three valuable ‘takeaways’ – a ‘toolbox’ brimming with programs and resources, a bolstered resolve to follow the blueprint, and the motivation to use them.

Principal Officers Forge Action Plans
BAC President John J. Flynn, center, and Secretary-Treasurer James Boland, left, led a seminar titled “Functions of Highly Effective BAC Locals” designed, Flynn said, to assist principal officers in clarifying an action plan “to ensure that the MMP’s recommendations translate into our goals.” Labor-management expert Mark Breslin, far right, facilitated the session’s small group discussions.	Principal officers attending the seminar included, from left, Tim Aiken of 56 IL, Bob Fozio of the NOADC, Chuck Raso of 3 MA/ME/NH, and Carlos Aquin of 13 NV.

“Survival of the Fittest” – New Marketing Approach ‘BAC has a great product but has to overhaul its marketing approach’ was the message of Labor-management expert Mark Breslin, who began his three-hour presentation at the Conference’s August 7th general session with the prophetic statement, “This will be a blunt morning.” Breslin told Local leaders they could either adapt to a changing market by replacing traditional building trades’ practices with more pragmatic, market-oriented ones, and quickly, or face extinction. Breslin recommended a marketing approach that plays to BAC’s strengths using images and words “that appeal to younger workers, and to contractors as business professionals,” such as “productivity” and professionalism,” in short, “by quantifying the value of BAC craftworkers to employers, and benefits and training to potential members.” Breslin also encouraged the development of local “marketing plans with specific goals,” training programs that “teach the work ethic” and “shape attitudes and behaviors.”

Political Action Gov. Tom Vilsack (D-IA), Iowa’s popular two-term Governor, spoke on August 6th. Recalling the time he was desperate to find a decent paying summer job to earn his college tuition, he said, “I wouldn’t be here today, had it not been for a union job as a bricklayer’s helper.” Although Vilsack acknowledged the arrogance and divisiveness of six years under Bush, his overriding message was one of optimism, and a strong belief in the power of community. “Community,” Vilsack said, “is as important a value as family values,” because “when America is connected to each other, we are at our best.” Although he is not running for re-election, the Governor is actively campaigning for candidates for state office across the country, while considering a possible presidential bid. From left are BAC President John J. Flynn, Regional Representative Paul Nagel, Vilsack, Local 3 IA Apprentice Coordinator Russell Gunderson and President Gary Crees, BAC North Central Regional Director Henry Kramer, Local 3 Organizer Jeff Smith, and BAC Executive Vice President Gerard Scarano.

Russ Decker, a member of BAC WI 6, a former Business Agent, and a Wisconsin State Senator since 1990, continues to work with his tools during extended Senate recesses. Speaking at the Conference on August 8th, Brother Decker called on Local leaders to involve more members in the political process, and to encourage more members to run for public office. “It’s the one sure way,” said Decker, “to make sure our perspective is getting through.”