Laborers' Union Local 773 wins Marion Chamber Award of Excellence in Community Outreach
2020 Award of Excellence: Laborers' Local 773
When first contacted about winning a Chamber Award of Excellence, Jerry Womick the business manager at Laborers’ Local 773, was in shock. He reflected with us on 2020 and how it framed their community outreach efforts.
"The Pandemic and its effect on our region led us at Laborers’ Local 773 & “TLC” The Laborers’ Care foundation into our latest community outreach. Our Local that represents nearly four thousand members sprang into immediate action back in the earliest days of the Pandemic. We started by donating over a thousand N95 Respirators to local healthcare providers that we held in storage at our Marion Training Center.”
Laborers Local 773 then partnered with Cusumano’s and Sons on a drive-thru food drive event in their parking lot and helped 150 families in Marion. From there, friends started making donations that led to bigger and more frequent food drives - raising more than $50,000.00 towards COVID-19 relief.
Their goal was to deliver one million pounds of food to Southern Illinois Residents by Christmas. To meet that goal, they enlisted several community partners including The Laborers’ Care foundation, State Senator Dale Fowler, Local 773’s staff and several wonderful and dedicated volunteers. By Halloween, they had shattered the 1-million-pound goal – inspired by the motto of former Business Manager Connell F. Smith’s quote: “Who have I helped today?”
Jerry would like to thank the Marion Chamber of Commerce on behalf of our members, the 773’s Executive Board along with President Matt Smith and staff of Laborers’ Local 773 for recognizing their organization for such an honor.
Award Sponsors
“It is truly appreciated being recognized for our role in helping Marion and our region become a better place to work, live and raise a family. We are so blessed to be in the position we are to be able to do our part.” - Jerry Womick, Business Manager Laborers’ Local 773
