By: Anthony Davis

Greetings Brothers and Sisters,

Summer is finally here! As always, we wait so patiently. While we’re out with the windows down, sunglasses on, and the music is playing, don’t forget about those motorcycles. Look Twice- Save A Life!

On June 2nd through 6th, I had the opportunity to attend the 2025 Competitive Shop/IPS Conference. On day one, we had some great speakers, including Kentucky’s 3rd District Congressman Morgan McGarvey, and Louisville, Kentucky Mayor Craig Greenberg, as well as UAW VP’s Rich Boyer and Mike Booth. President Shawn Fain also addressed members, along with Top Administrative Assistants, Directors, and Assistant Directors. There are over 100,000 active members in the CS/IPS sector.

One of the classes I took was the UAW Apprenticeship. I learned the process of the J-cards, the requirements, and why some are turned down. This was very helpful with some of the questions I had. Our Lear facility is going to start up an Apprenticeship program.

We had our 3rd Annual Get Youth Outdoors Day on Saturday, June 7, 2025. All the kids and even the parents looked to be having a wonderful time. There was fishing, a BB gun trailer, kayaking, and many other stations set up.

A huge thank you goes out to all the volunteers who helped. Whether it was before or during the event, it was much appreciated.

Last year, I said this event was gonna be bigger and better. Well, that definitely happened! We had around 500 people come out. We had some extra fishing poles from last year that we were able to give out this year. It was an absolutely amazing day.

I also need to thank the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance and the Genesee County Parks for all the help they provided in making this even grow and be successful.

Juneteenth is celebrated annually on June 19th to commemorate the ending of slavery in the United States. The holiday’s name is a portmanteau of the words “June” and “nineteenth,” as it was on June 19, 1865, when Major General Gordon Granger ordered the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas at the end of the American Civil War.

I hope all the Dads had a great Father’s Day and enjoyed some family time. I know I did, I love when my daughter comes home to see me. I know I probably say it every year, but it truly is a wonderful time.

Independence Day, also knows as the 4th of July, marks the historic date in 1776 when the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress, announcing the colonies’ separation from Great Britain. Though the vote for actual independence took place on July 2nd, the final approval came two days later.

The 4th of July fireworks are awesome to watch, from a safe distance, but can be dangerous. According to Consumer Product Safety Center (CPSC) nearly half of all firework injuries to children under 5 are related to sparklers. Here’s a breakdown of last year’s injuries: 19% suffered eye injuries, 2% suffered injuries to the face, head, and ears, 35% suffered hand injuries, and 1% suffered injuries to lower extremities. So, Happy 4th of July, enjoy the fireworks, but please do it safely.

Joint Council meetings are canceled for July and August. Have a great summer, and I’ll see you in September.

Remember, no matter who you are or where you are from, we are all in this together!