CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – Champaign is celebrating a special quasquicentennial anniversary this Saturday, June 15.
Hundreds of elected officials, community leaders, and union members will get together to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the United Association Local 149. This union, representing plumbers, pipefitters, and HVAC technicians across East Central Illinois, has been a cornerstone of skilled labor and community support for over a century.
The milestone will be celebrated with a sold-out gala starting at 5 p.m. at the I Hotel & Conference Center in Champaign. This event is not just a celebration but a recognition of the hard work, dedication, and craftsmanship that have defined Local 149 for generations.
The evening will feature presentations from both national and local labor leaders, underscoring the union’s significant impact on the labor movement and the community at large. A special highlight of the event will be the recognition of one of the union’s eldest members, 88-year-old retiree Richard Wyninger, whose lifetime of service exemplifies the union’s enduring legacy. Additionally, the union will honor its newest journeymen, including Carey Kaeding, who, along with 26 other members, recently transitioned from apprentice to journeyman status.
Date: Saturday, June 15, 2024
Time: 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Location: I Hotel & Conference Center, 1900 S. First St., Champaign