Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/501792
57 SPRING 2015 / CINEMONTAGE 57 SPRING 2015 / CINEMONTAGE the union is only as strong as its members. From the beginning, he took an active role in learning the contracts, and serving in any capacity in which his abilities would be of use in strengthening and improving the union for the rest of us. His wealth of knowledge and experience, his quiet competence in all that he does, is remarkable. Joe has earned the right to be arrogant about his service and his accomplishments, but arrogance is not his style — in leadership or life. Joe is selfless, humble and a dedicated mentor. He listens, he ponders, he observes, and then quietly interjects the perfect comment or thought that enables others to reach the best conclusions. It is a privilege to know Joe and to call him friend. His years of service as an Executive Board member for Local 683 were an invaluable, unifying and steadying influence during challenging changes in the industry. As a new Business Representative during that time, I appreciate, and will be grateful always, that Joe made himself available to assist, to give advice and encouragement Congratulations to Joe Aredas on receiving this honor. There is no one more deserving. Scott M. George Colleague; Western Assistant Executive Director, IATSE Local 700, Motion Picture Editors Guild; former Business Representative, IATSE Local 683, Laboratory Film/Video Technicians and Cinetechnicians n I first met Joe in the early 1980s while he was Assistant Business Representative at Local 695. Throughout the years, I've always been impressed with his dedication to the union, even during the period when he was in management. His fairness was always evident. When he was head of the West Coast Office of IATSE, we had occasion to sit in many negotiations together, and his calmness and professionalism never wavered. He has always had grace under fire — no matter how uncomfortable the situation — and I have been present many times when most people would have at least shown some sign of being under pressure. Never Joe. Calm, matter of fact and wise in a way that immediately is evident, Joe is an example of one of the finest people who have had a long history in IATSE. His character is beyond reproach. He also served on the Board of Local 700 after we merged with Local 683, and was a respected voice of reason and experience from which we all benefited. Congratulations, Joe. Ronald G. Kutak Colleague; National Executive Director, Local 700, Motion Picture Editors Guild n I have been privileged to know Joe Aredas for nearly 16 years. He is a man of great honor and dignity. He has great compassion for his family (he used to call me his "other son"), for his colleagues and for all humankind. When he was charged with heading up the IATSE West Coast Office in 1998, Joe brought with him a breath of fresh air and an admirable work ethic. He also brought a new vision for building relationships with local unions, employers and community allies. This vision greatly contributed to the success of garnering the respect of all and providing IATSE members with the best representation they deserve. I am delighted that the Editors Guild is paying tribute to Joe with this year's Fellowship and Service Award, and I can think of no one more deserving of this honor. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Joe and I am proud to have him as my colleague, but also as a very dear friend. Matthew D. Loeb Colleague; International President, IATSE n I first met Joe Aredas, Sr., in 1981 when he was a Assistant Business Agent at IATSE Local 695. I was working at Walt Disney Studios as a cinetechnician, building special effects projectors for EPCOT and Tokyo Disneyland, and was invited to join IATSE 695. While I was at the local signing my new membership application, Joe was very instrumental in encouraging me to participate in the local's membership. His love of union labor and respect for our skills inspired me to become shop steward in the machine shop at Disney. I continued to remain involved as a shop steward at various other studios, and into my career as a camera assistant. Joe has continued to serve and mentor many members and remains a source of leadership with integrity that is rarely seen. I am happy that I am here to witness Joe receiving this distinguished honor, and am proud to call him a friend and mentor. Vincent Mata Colleague/Mentee; Business Representative, IATSE Local 600, International Cinematographers Guild