After four years, the 96th Michigan State Association of Letter Carriers Bi-Annual state convention was held at MotorCity Casino in Detroit, MI on May 1st -2nd. It was truly a time to remember.

 

In attendance were 236 delegates strong, with so much energy and willingness to learn. The classes held were very well attended. Leading the convention floor was the legislation class presented by MISALC Director of Edu-cation, John Serwach, and MISALC Vice President, Walt McGregory. It appeared that everyone was focused and engaged with the information. Matt Tanner, our Legislative Political Organizer (LPO), also gave a presentation on the importance of giving to the Letter Carrier Political Fund (LCPF).

 

The afternoon classes that were offered were also very well attended. Retirement (105 delegates), TIAREAP (177 delegates), and Discipline (163 delegates). I believe the totals speak for themselves and the need for training is vital. I believe there should be a variety of classes offered at the state convention for our members who are unable to attend other training sessions. It is an opportunity for the State Association to do our part in educating our members, a mission we are committed to.

 

On Monday, the first day of the convention, we welcomed a very special guest, our friend Senator Gary Peters. Senator Peters spoke to the delegation assuring us that his work is not done and that he will continue to fight for letter carriers across the nation. We presented the Senator with a plaque making him an honorary member of the Michigan State Association of Letter Carriers and a signed photo book of letter carriers supporting him through the years, a personal touch from all of us thanking him for his support. Senator Peters stayed for about an hour, speaking with the members at the convention as they approached and thanked him for his support.

 

I would like to thank our national resident officer, Manny Peralta, Director of Health and Safety, for his presentation on Tuesday covering the importance of legislation and safety. David Mudd, National Business Agent (Reg 6) addressed the delegates about safety in the streets while delivering mail. Brother Mudd also spoke about the monthly webinar for the KIM region once a month on the (4th) Wednesday of each month.

 

The 2023 Daniel L. Florkowski Activist of the Year Award honorable mention went to:

 

Michael Neveau, Branch 4374 Utica

 

and the winner, 2023 Daniel L. Florkowski Activist of the Year Award went to:

 

Bill Nelson, Branch 3126 Royal Oak.

 

The 2023 Fred Herman Awards honorable mentions went to:

 

Jacqueline McGregory, Branch 2184 Western Wayne Co;

 

Tomiko Deleon Branch 74 Saginaw, Daryl Tindale, Branch 256 Mid-Michigan.

 

Brenda Waun, Branch 320 N. Oakland Co;

 

The winner of the 2023 Fred Herman Award was given to:

 

Sue Langolf, Branch 654 Mt. Clemens.

 

Congratulations to the honorable mentioned and winners for both Awards, keep up the good work!!

 

Our State election resulted in a total change in our Executive Board. I want to thank the former State Officers, V/P Walter McGregory Branch 2184, Executive Board Cornell Fears Branch 1, Annette Kulek Branch 654, Paul Roznowski Branch 3126, Ronald Slone Branch 74, Deb Marriott Branch 232. Thank you for your hard work and dedication to the State Association and membership.

 

I want to give a special thanks to Jane Grant Branch 434, States former Secretary, who gave her time day in and day out to ensure the States records were kept updated and correct. Jane will truly be missed. To the States new Officers, V/P Erik Venzke Branch 2184; Jayme Romine Branch 246 Secretary; Executive Board Trustees: Chairperson John Dick Branch 3126, Elaine Jones Branch 1, Tonya Casey Branch 56, Ron Zalewski Branch 4374, Darryl Clay Branch 2184. Congratulations to all of you.

 

Finally, I want to take this opportunity to thank the Michigan Delegation for allowing me to represent you for two more years. I am honored and humbled for this opportunity to serve as your President once again. We have many challenges ahead of us with the 2024 election slowly approaching, it’s time to begin educating our members in the upcoming days and weeks.

 

 

 

-- Carl E Blassingame, Jr.

President