For more than 40 years Edward M. Smith dedicated his life to improving the lives of others. On May 8th friends gathered at the Marion Pavilion in Marion, Illinois to pay tribute to his hard work, his friendship, and his commitment to LIUNA. More than 450 guests attended the event including LIUNA General President Terry M. O’Sullivan, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, and Assistant to the LIUNA General President Rocco Davis along with newly appointed Midwest Regional Manager John Penn. The event raised more than $150,000 dollars to benefit the Laborers’ Charitable Foundation. This Foundation will provide much-needed support to organizations that support research, patient services, educational programs and advocacy efforts to improve the lives of our members and their families. In 2008, the Laborers’ Charitable Foundations will provide major donations to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundations, the Prostate Cancer Coalition and Johns Hopkins University for heart disease, lung and skin cancer research. Donations are also made to the American Diabetes Association and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation along with the Therapy Learning Center, which is located in Southern Illinois.
“Ed Smith is a Laborers’ Laborer he has been a tireless advocate for the working men and women who build LIUNA and who build America. His work, his life and all he stands for has exemplified the very heart and soul of our Union. “
Terence O’Sullivan
LIUNA General President
“Beyond your many contributions, beyond all you have done for the hard working men and women of LIUNA, you have served as an exceptional example of what it means to be a true Laborer. You have offered your time, considerable talents, unending efforts, and tireless devotion to the Union you love, and LIUNA owes you a debt of gratitude that will not soon be forgotten.”
Armand E. Sabitioni
LIUNA General Secretary-Treasurer
And New England Regional Manager
Edward:
With great pride in your accomplishments. With every expectation for your continued success. With sincere appreciation for all you have done for me and my family.
Your friend,
Jack Reid
Assistant LIUNA Midwest Regional Manager
Ed:
Congratulations on your new position. I know you will embrace the challenges and turn them into opportunities. With your great mind and compassion for people, you will create another “first class” team.
Thanks for taking a chance on me. I appreciate everything that you have done for me and my family. It has been an honor and privilege to work for you, but more important to be your friend and to get to know and love you and your entire family.
Ed, you are AMAZING! Best of Luck.
Pam Nichelson
LIUNA Midwest Region Director of Staff Services
“Ed, congratulations and best wishes to you and Betty in your future endeavors.”
State Senator
Gary Forby
Illinois-59th District
Member Local 773
“Ed, thanks for everything you have done for me and for the working people everywhere”
State Representative
Brandon Phelps
Member Local 773
Ed: It has truly been an honor to serve the public at such a strategic time when working people in the Midwest had the most prestigious labor leader who effective focused our attention on the rights of working people!!!
Congratulations and the very best to you from all the Phelps families.
David Phelps
Former Congressman
Assistant Secretary, IDOT
Ed, you have been a dear friend to me and my family for more than 30 years. I have seen many admirable leaders but none have made the impact on the lives of working men and women than you have. Beyond all you have done for our members you are an example of a true Laborer and the movement as a whole. Thank you for your many years of dedication and best wishes to you and Betty.
John E. Taylor
Business Manager
LIUNA Local 773
I am honored to send my regards to Edward M. Smith. Edward, through his progressive thinking and actions Mr. Smith has made the Midwest Region the Southern and Central Illinois Laborers’ District Council and Local 773 the most powerful and forward thinking organizations in the history of this Union. His dedication to the whole of our membership is unsurpassed; for that as well as his guidance and friendship I commend and thank Edward M. Smith.
Kevin L. Starr
President LIUNA Local 773
Ed: Words cannot express the gratitude I have for all that you have done for me and my family. Thank you for your friendship over the last 30 years. We wish you all the best in your new endeavor and a life filled with happiness for you and Betty.
John Price
Secretary Treasurer
LIUNA Local 773
If you would like to send your regards to Mr. Smith please fill the contact forum. Donations for Mr. Smith will be forwarded to the Great Plains Life Foundation.
