ABOUT THE UNION SPORTSMEN S ALLIANCE POLICY STATEMENT MISSION STATEMENT. TOLL FREE: (877)

Transcription

1

2 TOLL FREE: (877) ABOUT THE UNION SPORTSMEN S ALLIANCE Millions of active and retired AFL-CIO union members hunt, fish, shoot and recreate outdoors. Collectively, they make up the largest constituency of sportsmen and women in North America. For them, the outdoors is a way of life; it s who they are. When they re not on the job, they re usually spending their time with family, friends or union brothers and sisters on the water, in the woods or in the field enjoying America s great outdoors. As a union-operated, union-dedicated conservation organization, the Union Sportsmen s Alliance (USA) is committed to creating a unique community that provides this multitude of union outdoors enthusiasts opportunities to educate future generations about nature, conserve healthy wildlife habitats and volunteer their time and skills for projects that improve access to quality places to hunt, fish, shoot, camp and explore. Through its unique, community-based Work Boots on the Ground conservation projects, fundraising dinners, shooting tour, award-winning Brotherhood Outdoors TV show, an interactive website and inclusive social network, the USA has become North America s fastest-growing non-profit, union-dedicated conservation organization, promoting solidarity across all union ranks. MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Union Sportsmen s Alliance is to unite the union community to preserve North America s outdoor heritage through hands-on, community-based conservation projects. POLICY STATEMENT The USA is non-partisan and does not take positions on or endorse political agendas, parties or candidates. This statement does not reflect, in any way, on how the USA s participating unions communicate with their members on political, legislative or policy issues. TABLE OF CONTENTS 01 INTRODUCTION FROM THE CHAIRMAN 03 WORK BOOTS ON THE GROUND CONSERVATION PROGRAM 07 CONSERVATION DINNERS 09 USA SHOOTING TOUR 11 BROTHERHOOD OUTDOORS TV SHOW 13 UNION SUPPORT AND LEADERSHIP 15 CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP 17 CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIPS SUCCESS 19 LOOKING AHEAD

3 FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD As the board chairman and very first member of the Union Sportsmen s Alliance (USA), it is with great pride that I present its 2015 impact report: Wild Solidarity. While the word wild refers to the wilderness, woods, waters, beasts and birds, it also describes our commitment to our mission to unite the union community to preserve North America s outdoor heritage through hands-on, community-based conservation projects. The USA is such an amazing tool for Labor because it found a way to wrap union skills, outdoor passion and a common purpose into one package, ensuring everyone involved wins. That s where the word solidarity comes into play. The USA builds on the strong bonds between union brothers and sisters by expanding them across unions, among all ranks and into the community. This creates a unified front with a shared vision and goals, draped in togetherness and destined to succeed. When you align yourself with the USA as a member, sponsor or as a partner organization on a joint conservation project, you are setting yourself up to make a positive impact in any endeavor. It s a fact. As you shuffle through the pages in this report, you will see again and again how the USA succeeds, grows and strives for excellence in conservation, in building bridges from unions to their communities and being a viable, loyal partner for some of the most iconic brands in America. That s what the USA is a natural alliance; an enthusiastic bonding of fierce, passionate teamwork and unbreakable unification. It s Wild Solidarity. Yours in the great outdoors, Richard L. Trumka President, AFL-CIO USA Chairman & Member # Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing. THEODORE ROOSEVELT 02

4 IMPROVE ACCESS TO THE OUTDOORS ENHANCE WILDLIFE HABITATS RESTORE NORTH AMERICA S PARKS MENTOR OUR YOUTH IN THE OUTDOORS 2015 AT A GLANCE 26 PROJECTS # OF COMPLETED PROJECTS BY YEAR We want to give back to the community. We want to present ourselves in a positive light and show the general public that unions are good folks, and we re going to do a lot of things that will benefit the whole community. MIKE CRAMER Financial Secretary-Treasurer of UA Local VOLUNTEERS 5,295 MAN-HOURS VALUED AT $175,825 CONSERVATION Our flagship initiative, Work Boots on the Ground, is a communitybased conservation program that harnesses the power and expert skills of union members to complete volunteer community service projects that improve access to the outdoors, enhance wildlife habitats, restore America s parks and teach our youth to be responsible stewards of our wild spaces and pass on our outdoor heritage for generations to come. Not only do we do all of the work on a volunteer basis, but we also raise funds for each project by hosting local conservation dinners and events as well as soliciting donations from corporations and private foundations, and we invite civic leaders to participate. From start to finish, these projects provide a way for our members to give back to their communities while showing unions in a positive, lasting light. The USA then showcases these projects and union volunteers to the public. 04

5 UAW Local 1853 Youth Hunter Safety Course Lake Ahquabi State Park Fishing House Montgomery Bell State Park Cabin Restoration Great Dismal Swamp Boardwalk Harrison Bay State Park Boat Shed Get Youth Outdoors Day 06

6 IN 2015: DEVOURED RECORDS MOST FUNDS RAISED (SINGLE EVENT) Des Moines Conservation Dinner MOST PARTICIPANTS (SINGLE EVENT) Des Moines & Ohio AFL-CIO Conservation Dinners each had 412 participants REVENUE YEAR-OVER-YEAR GROWTH UA Ann Arbor Dinner grew revenue by 65% from 2014 West Virginia AFL-CIO Conservation Dinner UA International Ann Arbor, MI Conservation Dinner MILESTONES USA HOSTED ITS 50TH CONSERVATION DINNER INAUGURAL UMWA DINNER RAISED OVER $46K KANSAS CITY DINNER INCREASED GROSS REVENUE BY $13K CONSERVATION DINNERS In our Conservation Dinner program, we organize and execute dinners with the help of union locals, sponsors and other partners in a given area. While the main purpose of these dinners is to directly raise funds for Work Boots on the Ground projects in the local community, they also rally excitement and volunteers as well as introduce the USA to new people while providing food, fun and fellowship for all who attend. With raffles and auctions for prizes from our amazing sponsors, our dinners are always a great time. Arkansas AFL-CIO Conservation Dinner Alaska Conservation Dinner 07 Texas Gulf Coast Conservation Dinner Peoria Conservation Dinner

7 09 USA SHOOTING TOUR The shooting tour is a valuable ingredient to our recipe for conservation in more than one way. First, the sporting clays and trap shoot competitions generate awareness and enthusiasm for our organization across the nation. Each year, thousands of union members participate, learn about our mission and interact with our corporate sponsors. Secondly, these events are a phenomenal fundraising tool for our organization. These funds help cover operating costs and are funneled to our conservation efforts. Phillip Jungman, UA Local 68 Houston Area Shoot UIG Vice President Brad Spiess, left, and President Chris DeCaigny pose with a Polaris Ranger UIG donated to the USA. AFL-CIO Capital Area Shoot 2015 HIGHLIGHTS RECORDS ARE MEANT TO BE BROKEN MOST FUNDS RAISED (TOTAL) $1,229,455 MOST VOLUNTEER HOURS More than 40 volunteers spent over 340 hours assisting at our shooting events MOST FUNDS RAISED (SINGLE EVENT) More than $150,000 at the Kansas City Shoot MOST PARTICIPANTS (SINGLE EVENT) 220 shooters at the Kansas City Shoot Linda Lawrence, IBEW Local 26 AFL-CIO Capital Area Shoot * in all, the USA broke records at 14 of 21 shooting events in 2015.

8 Nick McWhorter, IBB Local 105 Tennessee Hog Hunt BROTHERHOOD OUTDOORS Brotherhood Outdoors is our unique TV series that showcases the talents and passions of everyday Americans as they set out on extraordinary hunting and fishing adventures across North America. Dynamic host duo Daniel Lee Martin and Julie McQueen are joined by hardworking union members, who are whisked away on once-in-a-lifetime hunting or fishing trips or showcase their own guiding skills by taking the co-hosts to pursue their favorite fish or game. Viewers follow featured union guests up rugged mountains for elk, atop ocean waves for tarpon, across open fields for whitetail and everywhere in between. Throughout the roller-coaster ride of close encounters, near-misses, trophy catches and perfect shots, they get an intimate glimpse into the lives of these American workers their dedication on the job, their desire to make a difference in their communities and their passion for the outdoors. Through their inspiring stories, the public gains a better understanding of what it truly means to be union in America. The show currently airs on Sportsman Channel. After months of anticipation, the big day was finally here. After listening to Steve relive the thrill he had on his hunt for a big buck in Montana and in his words, the whole family was gathered at his house for the big show. You were able to show the essence of who Steve really is, with the love he has for his family, his work ethic and the dedication he has for his union and the passion he has for the outdoors that he shares with his family. What a great show! 8 BRAND NEW EPISODES JIM AND MARGO LEFAVER, Steve s parents New episodes featured guests from seven unions (SMART, UA, IBEW, BAC, IUPAT, Boilermakers, IAMAW). Between new episodes and reruns, we showcased members of 12 union trades (above + LIUNA, Roofers, OPCMIA, IUEC, IAFF). CONNECTS UNION GUESTS ACROSS TRADES Big Chino Outfitters used for Justin Forni s (UA Local 412) AZ mule deer hunt is staffed entirely by union fire fighters (IAFF). Jim Pruner oversees a SMART Local 49 shop, so he brought some sheet metal artwork with the IAFF logo for the IAFF guides on the hunt. 7 OF 8 CONSERVATION MINUTES HIGHLIGHT WBG PROJECTS We highlighted WBG projects in 5 states and 7 communities including the IL hog trap build, GA Hard Labor Creek kayak shed build, CA Bolsa Chica wetlands restoration, GA Providence Canyon State Park trail maintenance, FL Everglades youth shooting facility construction, IL Torstenson Youth Education Center painting project and MN Get Youth Outdoors Day. SHOW FEATURED FIRST CANADIAN GUEST Jim Pruner of IAMAW District 14, LL 99 Flanked Steve LeFaver, IUPAT DC 30 Montana Deer Hunt by Julie and Daniel Lee, guides Michael Vicente and Mark Beneitone stand on either side of Justin Forni. Arizona Mule Deer Hunt PRESENTED BY: ADDITIONAL SPONSORS: 11 Steve Murray, IBEW Local 104, with son, Stephen Rich Posch, UA Local 449 Labrador Fly Fishing Georgia Turkey Hunt 12

9 CHARTER UNIONS United Auto Workers International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers & Helpers BUILDING TRADES UNIONS International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Value on Display. Every Day. International Union of Elevator Constructors SUPPORTING UNIONS COMMUNICATION WORKERS IRON WORKERS OPERATIVE PLASTERERS & CEMENT MASONS RAILROAD SIGNALMEN FIRE FIGHTERS MINE WORKERS STEEL WORKERS BAKERY, CONFECTIONERY, TOBACCO WORKERS & GRAIN MILLERS UNION SUPPORT & LEADERSHIP We are proud to have the steadfast support of many of America s leading AFL-CIO trade unions that share a common vision to combine union skills with outdoor passion for a common purpose. International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers International Union of Painters & Allied Trades United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers, & Allied Workers BOARD OF DIRECTORS RICHARD L. TRUMKA AFL-CIO PRESIDENT USA CHAIRMAN R. THOMAS BUFFENBARGER IAMAW INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT USA CONSERVATION COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN WILLIAM P. HITE UA GENERAL PRESIDENT USA MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN JOSEPH SELLERS, JR. SMART GENERAL PRESIDENT KINSEY M. ROBINSON ROOFERS INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT USA TREASURER FRANK J. CHRISTENSEN IUEC GENERAL PRESIDENT D. MICHAEL LANGFORD UTILITY WORKERS NATIONAL PRESIDENT LONNIE R. STEPHENSON IBEW INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT United Association of Plumbers, Fitters, Welders & Service Techs Utility Workers Union of America International Union of Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers JAMES BOLAND BAC INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT WILLIAM T. CREEDEN BOILERMAKERS INTERNATIONAL SECRETARY-TREASURER, REPRESENTING PRESIDENT NEWTON JONES TERRY O SULLIVAN LIUNA GENERAL PRESIDENT DENNIS WILLIAMS UAW PRESIDENT Laborers International Union of North America SHEET METAL AIR R AIL TRANSPORTATION Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers BRENT BOOKER BCTD SECRETARY-TREASURER, REPRESENTING PRESIDENT SEAN MCGARVEY JAMES P. BUD MCCOURT INSULATORS GENERAL PRESIDENT KENNETH E. RIGMAIDEN IUPAT GENERAL PRESIDENT WHIT FOSBURGH TRCP PRESIDENT AND CEO 14

10 15 CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP We are sponsored by a plethora of generous partners, many of which are category leaders, both in the outdoors industry and the union world. This support is key in enabling us to achieve success in our mission of conservation. Below is a sampling of some of our loyal partners. It is a pleasure to partner with such a great organization like the USA, which understands the importance of conservation and strives toward educating future generations. CJ BUCK President, CEO & Chairman Renewing the partnership was the easiest marketing decision we had to make for The return on our investment is tremendous. DENNIS PHILLIPS Marketing Manager 2 The USA is a worthwhile partner because its values align with Carhartt's passion for hard work and love of the outdoors. The USA s members are a core component of our customer base, so this partnership is another way to show our support for them. TONY AMBROZA SVP of Marketing

11 PARTNERS IN CONSERVATION AMERICAN WATER CHARITABLE FOUNDATION SUCCESS IN 2015 ADDED THREE CHARTER UNIONS ADDED SQWINCHER AS A TOP-TIER CORPORATE SPONSOR SIGNED LONG-TERM CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP RENEWALS WITH Last April, the American Water Charitable Foundation awarded us a $25,000 grant to fund three conservation projects in American Water service areas through Work Boots on the Ground, plus an additional $10,000 donation from West Virginia American Water. Each project benefits its local community by creating or improving access to water-based recreation activities while enhancing environmental sustainability. United Auto Workers Utility Workers Union of America In 2014, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding with AFL-CIO President Richard L. Trumka and Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell stating our collective commitment to rebuild, renew and restore our country s national parks, national wildlife refuges and other public lands alongside youth and the Veterans Conservation Corps. To accomplish this, the U.S. Department of the Interior presents shovel-ready projects for Work Boots on the Ground volunteers to complete. COMPLETED PROJECTS PALMER BAYOU BOARDWALK Liberty, Texas WILD HORSE & BURRO BARN Mequon, Wisconsin GREAT DISMAL SWAMP BOARDWALK Suffolk, Virginia COMPLETED PROJECTS HARRISON BAY STATE PARK BOAT SHED Chattanooga, Tennessee ILLINOIS RIVER CANOE AND KAYAK TRAIL Peoria, Illinois COONSKIN PARK HANDICAPPED FISHING DOCK Charleston, West Virginia Laborers International Union of North America CONSERVATION GALA 191 GUESTS ATTENDED RAISED MORE THAN $315,000 (GROSS), NETTING $207,000 INCREASED UNION LEADERSHIP PARTICIPATION CONTINUED FUNDING FOR BROTHERHOOD OUTDOORS THROUGH 2018 TITLED EVENTS 11 OF 12 TITLED EVENTS SAW CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP GROWTH OVER OF 12 TITLED EVENTS PRODUCED RECORD CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP REVENUE 18

12 GOALS WORK BOOTS ON THE GROUND Complete the organization s 100th conservation project Cultivate new relationships with corporate sponsors for new grants and opportunities in conservation Complete a project in each market that hosts a conservation dinner Complete at least 6 youth mentorship projects USA SHOOTING TOUR Surpass $700,000 in net fundraising Host at least 21 shooting events in 2016 Integrate new member recruitment into shooting events so we provide our participants with the tools they need to sign up other members of their locals Develop 4-6 new or renewed shooting events to be added to the 2017 schedule CORPORATE SPONSORSHIPS Surpass $1.2 million in revenue Obtain $140,000 in value-in-kind assets Expand sponsorship pool by reaching beyond endemic union/outdoors entities, including employers and contractors LOOKING AHEAD While 2015 was our most successful year to date, it s just the beginning. We plan to grow and improve in everything we do, including conservation, membership, corporate sponsorships, union support and our presence on television, in the media and on the web. We aim to expand our shooting events and conservation dinners in terms of overall impact, funds raised, participation and number of events. Looking back on 2015 shows a clear trail we blazed that leads to increased success for the USA, our members, sponsors, union partners and anyone else who joins us as the most unique, fastest growing and only union-dedicated non-profit conservation group in North America. CONSERVATION DINNERS Surpass $535,000 in net fundraising Host at least 23 dinners in 2016 Integrate new member recruitment into dinner program so we provide our guests with the tools they need to sign up other members of their locals Develop 7 new or renewed dinners to be added to the 2017 schedule BROTHERHOOD OUTDOORS Identify ways to make Brotherhood Outdoors more accessible to union viewers who don t have access to Sportsman Channel Secure enough funding for a best of or highlights episode where several guests get together to talk about the most memorable parts of their trips Feature union guests who have been highly engaged in USA s conservation mission to demonstrate the positive impact union members can have in preserving America s outdoor heritage Earn 2016 Sportsman Choice Award Wild: a. passionately eager or enthusiastic b. going beyond normal or conventional bounds c. indicative of strong passion, desire, or emotion d. characteristic of, appropriate to, or expressive of wilderness, wildlife, or a simple or uncivilized society Synonyms: natural, fierce, unbroken, enthusiastic UNION SPORTSMEN S ALLIANCE 235 NOAH DR. STE. 200 FRANKLIN, TN Solidarity: a. a feeling of unity between people who have the same interests, goals, etc. of or relating to wild organisms b. unity (as of a group or class) that produces or is based on community of interests, objectives, and standards Synonyms: teamwork, unification, alliance, fellowship THIS REPORT WAS PROUDLY PRODUCED IN-HOUSE BY THE USA STAFF AND PRINTED BY UNION PRINTERS IN NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE. TOLL FREE: (877)

13