More than 200 people turned out April 25 for a reception at WareHouse ’23 on the Vancouver, Washington, waterfront to honor Ed Barnes as the 2019 Clark County First Citizen. [Previous coverage here]
The award is presented annually by The Community Foundation to a Clark County resident “who has modeled exemplary citizenship through actions and services to the community.” It dates back to 1939.
Barnes is the first union official to receive the award. Barnes, 85, is a retired business manager of IBEW Local 48, and currently serves as second vice president of the Northwest Oregon Labor Council.
In his acceptance speech, Barnes praised all the good work organized labor has done for the community — both paid and volunteer.
