Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/308664
SAGAFTRA.org | Spring 2014 | SAG-AFTRA 45 Colorado CHICAGO LOCAL WELCOMES WBEZ V oting 40–7 on Dec. 18, staff at Chicago Public Media overwhelmingly chose SAG-AFTRA as their union. e new bargaining unit covers 49 media professionals who produce, report, host and present content for WBEZ, Vocalo, Sound Opinions and CPM's digital services. "We are excited to have a formal voice in the future of our organization," said Rob Wildeboer, criminal and legal affairs reporter at WBEZ. "We love our work, and are deeply committed to upholding the station's reputation for creativity and innovation." "WBEZ and all of CPM are important local institutions," said Eric Chaudron, Chicago Local executive director. "We look forward to their being a part of SAG-AFTRA." Nearly 75 percent of content creators delivered a petition to CPM's interim CEO on Sept. 25, stating they had formed a union and asking to voluntarily recognize SAG-AFTRA as their representative. Even though management held a series of meetings asking employees to vote no, by the time the union filed for an election with the NLRB, support had grown to 80 percent. STATE SEN. DOROTHY AND GOV. BOND "T oto, I have a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore," State Sen. Linda Newell exclaimed as she acted out her part holding a prop basket and sporting a replica of Toto in front of the green screen on the set erected at the Colorado State Capitol. is was CINEMA Day 2014. CINEMA, a coalition of entertainment, media and artistic interests, helped to organize the event in an effort to seek support from state legislators and the governor for increased film incentives. Newell's image would later be edited into the actual scene from the film. Dozens of elected officials picked from four classic cinematic moments, including the immortal, "Bond ... James Bond," which was dramatized by long-time supporter of the film industry and card- carrying SAG-AFTRA member Gov. John Hickenlooper. e shoot, followed by an evening event co-sponsored by the SAG-AFTRA Colorado Local, was a huge success. SAG-AFTRA Colorado Local President Sheila Ivy Traister and Vice President Nancy Flanagan worked with brothers and sisters from the DGA, Teamsters, IATSE and the International Cinematographers Guild, all donating their time to make this event a meaningful experience. From left, Colorado Local Vice President Nancy Flanagan, Colorado Film Commissioner Donald Zuckerman and Colorado Local President Sheila Ivy Traister at the State Capitol for CINEMA Day 2014. Chicago OREGON TURNS OUT IN FORCE FOR NATIONAL EXEC DIRECTOR VISIT O n Feb. 24, SAG-AFTRA members in Portland welcomed National Executive Director David White into their midst. A board meeting was followed by a general membership and stakeholders meeting, which included agents, producers and members of the Alliance of Professional Performers – NW, a sister organization to the SAG-AFTRA Portland Local. On Feb. 25, chief policymakers in Oregon met with White, SAG-AFTRA Portland Local President Duane Hanson and National Board member Mary McDonald- Lewis to discuss the importance of the SAG-AFTRA presence in Oregon, which is emerging as a growing production center, valued for its proximity to Los Angeles, its respected crews, wealth of Pacific Northwest talent, breadth of locations and film- friendly government. Present at the meeting were Vince Porter, executive director, Oregon Governor's Office of Film and Television; Duke Shepard, labor and human services policy advisor to Gov. John Kitzhaber; Tom Chamberlain, executive director, Oregon AFL-CIO; David Cress, executive producer, Portlandia; Tom McFadden, executive director, Oregon Media Production Alliance; Lana Veenker, president, Cast Iron Productions; Susan Haley, president, Pay Dog Production pay services; Justin Habel, president, Q6 Talent Agency; Charlie Carlson, executive director, IATSE; Bruce Lawson, key grip, IATSE; Johnny Gage, legislative aide for Rep. Lew Frederick; and Andee Short, legislative aide for House Speaker Tina Kotek. e event was held at the Governor's Office of Film and Television and catered by Emily Pomar of Grimm cra services. OREGON TURNS OUT IN FORCE FOR NATIONAL EXEC DIRECTOR VISIT Portland Members and stakeholders gather at the Oregon AFL-CIO hall to welcome David White. MARY McDONALD-LEWIS Hawaii 42-47_OnLoc_F.indd 45 4/23/14 4:43 PM