Open House

Sprinkler Fitters Local 268 held its first Official Open House on Wednesday, August 30, 2006. United Association General President William P. Hite and St. Louis City Mayor Francis Slay, along with Business Manager Mike Mahler were part of the official “pipe” cutting. Faces in the crowd included:
UA Vice President Tom Collins, UA Rep. Bill Lille, UA. Rep. Steve Toth, UA. Rep. Tom McNamara, the Iron Workers General President Joe Hunt, ST. Louis Mayor Francis Slay, St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley, U.S. House Representative Lacy Clay, MO State Representatives, Clint Zweifel, Wayne Henke, Mike Corcoran, Al Liese, Fred Kratky and Barbara Fraser, MO State Senators, Tim Green and Joan Bray, President of the St. Louis Board of Alderman, James Shrewbury, Alderwoman Phylis Young, Alderman Joe Roddy, Alderman Bill Waterhouse, representatives from the office of U.S. Representative Russ Carnahan, representatives from Secretary of State Robin Carnahan, St. Louis County Council member and newly elected Int Rep. Mike O’Mara, representatives from the MO State Building Trades, the St. Louis Building Trades, the Greater St. Louis Labor Council, representatives from the IL Pipe Trades Assn., representatives from the National Fire Sprinkler Association, signatory fire sprinkler contractors, representatives from the MCA, retirees and members.

A second Open House was held after the Labor Day Parade. At least 600 turned out after the conclusion of the annual Labor day Parade in downtown St. Louis. Both Open Houses were a big success, the Officers and Members of Sprinkler Fitters Local 268 are very proud of our new facility.

Iron Workers International General President Joe Hunt, UA International General President William P. Hite, Sprinkler Fitters 268 Business Manager Michael R. Mahler, U.S. House of Representative William Lacy Clay

St. Louis City Mayor Francis Slay, Business Manager Michael R. Mahler, St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley

Three of Sprinkler Fitters 268 Instructors (black pants & tan shirts) prepare for Open House

Backflow Certification Area

Fabrication and Rigging Area

In Jefferson City

On Tuesday, March 28, 2006, Roughly 300 members of Sprinkler Fitters Local 268 took the day off and traveled to the state capital to join with 2000 – 3000 other Building Trades men & women to present legislators an untold story. A pamphlet prepared by the State Building Trades was distributed that discussed the amount of money that was spent by union health & welfare funds, by union pension plans and by union apprenticeship training programs. This is a cost that the state then does not have to bear. The pamphlet also discusses investments made by union pension funds and the charitable funds that help those less fortunate. On the opposite side of the pamphlet, legislation concerning prevailing wage, project labor agreements, job targeting, worker’s compensation and unemployment were addressed.

Sprinkler Fitters Local 268 members traveled to Jefferson City to express their concerns about legislation affecting working men and women across the state.

April 27, 2004 Rally - Missouri Building Trades President Tim Green is pictured with the Representative from the 77^th District, Michael G. Corcoran. Mike is also a Sprinkler Fitters Local 268 member and received thunderous applause when President Green introduced him to the crowd.

Christmas 2006

Members of Sprinkler Fitters Local 268 once again demonstrated their generosity at their December Union meeting. The toy collection began 5 years ago to provide toys to area children in local hospitals at the request of a member whose child had been in the hospital over the Christmas season. The first year brought in over 750 toys and each of the following years brought in similar numbers. Radio Flyer Wagons, with pneumatic tires are always a favorite at the hospitals and this year’s collection netted 20 of those wagons. Bicycles, radio controlled cars and CD players are also in the mix. This year the toys will be distributed to Children’s Hospital, Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital and the children of two families in cooperation with the Mayor’s office. This picture does not allow us to display all of the items collected.

Fund Raisers

A Committee from Sprinkler Fitters Local 268 presented the Burns Recovery Support Group, sponsor of the Missouri Children’s Burn Camp a check for $25,000.00 at the Fifth Annual Burn Aid Tournament.  The money had been authorized from member contributions through their vacation accounts.  This was the third year the Committee presented a $25,000.00 check on behalf of their membership.

Ride on St. Louis

In response to an urgent appeal, Sprinkler Fitters Local 268 donated $5,114.00 through their charitable foundation to Ride On St. Louis in March 2006. Ride on St. Louis provides hippotherapy (therapy with the aid of horses) to achieve emotional, mental and physical benefits for disable persons. Ride on St. Louis had considered canceling the summer session due to an anticipated operational deficit of $5, 114.00

Letter received:
Dear Mike,

My name is Dan Wendt. I am Dave Wendt and Jimmy Clifford's youngest brother. We met down at the Union Hall a few months ago about the Christopher Gage Memorial Golf Tournament, honoring Dave's son who passed away. I just wanted to say thank you so much for your donation and your support of our event. It was such a special day for me and my family, and even the weather cooperated!! We were able to raise $10,000 to donate to the Children's Miracle Network and the Mid-America Transplant Services. We are thrilled that we were able to make these donations in Christopher's honor, and it wouldn't have been possible without you. Attached are pictures of us delivering the checks, as well as your sponsor page in the Tournament Handbook. Thank you again so much for your generosity, and we look forward to your support next year!!

Take care,

Dan Wendt
Tournament Director
Christopher Gage Memorial

Labor Day Parade 2005