UAW communicators lauded

Telling the UAW story is a crucial role for local union communicators – that’s why honoring those who are doing it well is essential. Local union communicators are responsible for getting the word out to the membership, helping create the local publications and Web sites members turn to as trusted sources of communication.

UAW communicators gathered in October at the Walter and May Reuther UAW Family Education Center in Onaway, Mich., for the 2009 UAW Local Union Press Association (LUPA) Communications Conference. They attended a week of classes in writing, editing, photography and Web design, and were recognized for their best work from 2008.

The first-place winners for general excellence were:

Print contest, Division 1A (newsletters under 1,500 circulation):
UAW Local 442, UAW Union News, communicator Cindy Sturtz

Print contest, Division 1B (newsletters over 1,500 circulation):
UAW Local 245, Beacon, communicator Keith W. Brown

Print Contest, Division 2A (tabloid newspapers under 1,500 circulation):
UAW Local 651, The Sparkler, communicator Brandon Bellinger

Print contest, Division 2B (tabloid newspapers over 1,500 circulation):
UAW Local 3000, Local 3000 Guide, communicator Norm Kujawa

Web site:
UAW Local 2000, www.uawlocal2000.org, webmaster J.R. Bickel

Video:
UAW Local 838, “Iowa's Bravest,” producer Sheryl Strohecker

Alfred H. “Pops” Nudi Award:
UAW Local 598, Debi Kirchner. This Special Recognition Award honors longtime commitment to local union communications.

Kirchner has shown dedication and longstanding commitment to labor communication as a longtime member of the LUPA Advisory Council. She’s been a photography instructor at LUPA conferences over the years, and also has provided guidance and mentoring to countless LUPA delegates.

Joan Silvi