CLEVELAND, April 20 — David Beech and the members of BLET Division 238 in Tacoma, Wash., are proud to host the 67th annual International Western Convention from May 20-24, 2007.
“We have many exciting attractions planned for this event,” said Brother Beech, who is Local Chairman of Division 238.
Beech today advised members that while the convention begins one month from today, the hotel registration deadline is coming up fast. To take advantage of the group rate negotiated by the IWC at the Sheraton Tacoma Hotel, members must make reservations by May 5, 2007.
Scheduled events for the 2007 IWC include a dinner cruise on Commencement Bay, the Spirit of Washington Dinner Train with a tour of the Columbia Winery in Woodinville, Wash., and a family tour of Tacoma with stops at the Washington State History Museum, Tacoma Art Museum, and the Point Defiance Zoo.
But as everyone knows, education and training represents a large portion of any BLET regional meeting. The 2007 IWC is no exception, offering classes for local chairmen, secretary-treasurers, division presidents, legislative representatives, and more.
Instead of the usual BLET-only golf tournament, the 2007 IWC will offer the Tacoma Union Solidarity Golf Tournament on Sunday, May 20, 2007.
The IWC is inviting members and officers from the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees (BMWE), United Transportation Union (UTU), the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), the Transportation Communications Union (TCU), the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS), and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT).
“We have also invited General President James P. Hoffa, UTU President Paul Thompson, and our own President Don Hahs,” Beech said.
In a show of union solidarity, this golf tournament is being assembled by members of BLET Local Divisions 238, 892, 518 and UTU Locals 556 and 324.
“We are anticipating a large turnout this year and recommend that you register as soon as possible for any activities and classes that you would like to attend,” Brother Beech said.
The IWC planners have secured a special group rate for the 2007 convention at the Sheraton Tacoma Hotel. Members can register on-line by clicking here.
Again, the cut-off date for reservations is May 5, 2007. Members are encouraged to make their reservations as soon as possible.
For members flying into Tacoma, the closest airport is the Seattle/Tacoma International Airport. The airport code is SEA. The Sheraton Tacoma Hotel uses Capitol Aeroporter for shuttle service to and from the airport. Members can view their schedule and pricing at the Capair website.
Brother Beech and his committee have gone to great lengths to make the 2007 IWC an event to remember. Anyone with questions about registration should e-mail Brother Beech at: localchairman@blet238.org.