VANCOUVER — More than 100 union members, politicians, family members, and friends attended the 23rd annual Labor Roundtable of Southwest Washington awards banquet Sept. 27 at the Vancouver Hilton Hotel and Convention Center. The keynote speaker was Vancouver Mayor Tim Leavitt.
Awards are given to individuals or organizations whose leadership has made a significant impact on organized labor and the community at large. Awards were presented in a variety of categories.
Temple Lentz, communications director for the Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals, American Federation of Teachers Local 5017, was named “Union Member of the Year.” Lentz is a member of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 555.
Dave Myers, executive secretary of the Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council, was awarded “Labor Leader of the Year.” Myers has been a member of IBEW Local 970 since 1995, when he joined as an apprentice electricians.
The Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, was named “Labor Union of the Year.” On hand to receive the award was WSLC President Jeff Johnston.
The “Lifetime Achievement Award” went to John Downing, a retired official of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters.
Clark County Commissioner Steve Stuart and Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey each took home “Community Service” awards, and former state representative Tim Probst received a “Labor Service” award for his work recruiting for the Middle Class Alliance.
In a special presentation, the Southwest Washington Central Labor Council recognized Jenny Gray, a member of Bakers Local 114, with an “In Solidarity Award.”
Special presentations also were made to Ed Barnes, a retired business manager of IBEW Local 48, and retired Democratic political activist Dan Ogden, for their service in the military. Odgen, 91, is a U.S. Army veteran of World War II who fought in the Battle of the Bulge. Barnes 80, was a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army, serving in Inchon, Korea, during the Korean Conflict.
Ogden and Barnes each received a plaque and U.S. flag.
