IBEW President Lonnie Stephenson Addresses General Membership Meeting

Very special guests were on hand at the January General Membership meeting division meeting to kick off the New Year with a full agenda schedule of matters within and outside the normal order of business. IBEW President Lonnie Stephenson and 3rd District International Vice President Donald Siegel were in attendance as Local 3 was hosting the 2016 Electrical Workers Minority Caucus Conference in New York City. President Stephenson was able to swear in Local 3 Business Manager Christopher Erikson as the International Executive Council Chairman in front of the members as he took the same official oath he swore to in Washington D.C. to a standing ovation.
Outside of the normal order of business, an award was presented to Vincent Perno, Treasurer of the Staten Island Electrical Club, Superintendent of Wade Electric and member of the Local 3 Motorcycle Club. America’s Bravest Project
Director John Ponte presented the award to brother Perno for his extraordinary work as the driving force behind helping to build homes for returning veterans who are disabled. Brother Perno thanked the membership and Director Ponte for the opportunity and asked that the Motorcycle Club who donated their time and labor wiring the home join him on stage to accept the award. Latest veteran recipient, Brian Berean, was on stage to thank Brother Perno, the Motorcycle Club and Local 3 for helping him return to a home where he can begin to re-acclimate into society. As Mr. Berean stood at the podium on two prosthetic legs and only one complete arm, he thanked the crowd and offered his assistance in any way to all endeavors pursued by Local 3.
Local 3 President John E. Marchell introduced 3rd District President Don Siegel to the podium. Siegel wanted only to acknowledge the Motorcycle Club for doing their part in supporting the veterans of the United States Armed Services. President Marchell then introduced Local 3 Business Manager Christopher Erikson to the podium who gave a brief introduction of the biography of IBEW President Lonnie Stephenson. President Stephenson immediately thanked the membership for their unyielding vigilance to Local 3, the IBEW and the labor movement.
Brother Erikson gave his remarks proudly being sworn in to the International position and graciously accepting the responsibility. He recognized Harry Van Arsdale Jr., Thomas Van Arsdale, the officers of Local 3 and closed his remarks acknowledging the support and diligence of all the members of Local 3. President Stephenson returned to the podium and concluded his remarks complimenting Local 3 and making special recognition to the member participants of the Electrical Workers Minority Caucus host committees as unrivaled in defining the modern labor movement and thanking them for their welcome.