The passage of the Taft-Hartley Act led to the first international, independent guard union, The United Plant Guard Workers of America (UPGWA) which was certified by the NLRB in 1948 and initially included some 1,250 members in twelve local unions across five states. Over the next 52 years, the UPGWA, under the leadership of Presidents McGahey, Szczesny, Applen, and McConville, grew significantly. The beginning of the 21st Century brought significant and enduring changes to the structure and mission of the International Union. Delegates to the 2000 International Convention operated under the mantra of New Directions for the Union as developed and proclaimed by International President Hickey. The name of the Union was changed to the International Union, Security, Police and Fire Professionals of America (SPFPA®) in recognition of the scope and professionalism of SPFPA® members occupations. Divisions were established to better represent the needs of members whose occupations include Nuclear officers, Campus Police, Court officers, Airport Screeners, and others. President Hickey and New Directions has continued and is responsible for programs and policies which keep the Union viable to meet new challenges. A full time organizing staff has been employed to increase union membership; and their efforts have been overwhelmingly successful. Programs instituted by President Hickey and the International Executive Board have resulted in the affiliation of nine other security unions with SPFPA® with several others currently being negotiated. These affiliations have increased membership, enhanced SPFPA®’s reputation, and added additionally qualified representatives to improve member representation. In response to a critical membership need, the SPFPA® developed and maintains a nationwide 401(k) pension plan and ERISSA Health Plan for negotiation and inclusion in collective bargaining agreements. SPFPA® and the New Directions team have remained true to its heritage.

The Kresge Foundation was founded in 1924 to promote human progress. Today, Kresge fulfills that mission by building and strengthening pathways to opportunity for low-income people in America’s cities, seeking to dismantle structural and systemic barriers to equality and justice. Using a full array of grant, loan, and other investment tools, Kresge invests more than $160 million annually to foster economic and social change. For more information visit Kresge.org.

At Leader Dogs for the Blind we believe that everyone deserves a life of independence and mobility. All of our services are provided free of charge to our clients, including travel in the U.S. and Canada, room and board, equipment and training. This means that no one is excluded from living their most fulfilling life due to lack of funds. We are 100% philanthropically funded by individual donors, Lions clubs, corporate partners and foundations. Simply put, we could not provide over one million days of independence each year without the immense generosity of our supporters. To find out more and to learn how to help go to www.leaderdog.org.

Arab American Chaldean Council is a nonprofit organization management company based out of 28551 Southfield Rd, Lathrup Village, Michigan, United States.

The William Davidson Foundation is a private, family foundation established in 2005 to honor its founder and continue his lifelong commitment to charitable giving, advancing for future generations the economic, cultural and civic vitality of Southeast Michigan, the State of Israel, and the Jewish community.

Uaw Training Center is an education management company based out of 2500 E 9 Mile Rd, Warren, MI, United States.

The Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants is the leading statewide professional organization dedicated to promoting and enhancing the value of the CPA profession. Our more than 17,500 members work in business, education, government and public accounting. Established in 1901, MICPA members serve as trusted advisors for businesses and individuals while embracing the highest standards of professional and ethical performance. For more information, visit www.micpa.org.

Since our founding during the campaign to pass the landmark Clean Water Act in 1972, Clean Water Action has worked to win strong health and environmental protections by bringing issue expertise, solution-oriented thinking and people power to the table. We will protect clean water in the face of attacks from a polluter friendly Administration and Congress.

POLICE OFFICERS LABOR COUNCIL, INC. is a law enforcement company based out of 667 E. BIG BEAVER, TROY, Michigan, United States.

Program Officer for Arts & Culture, Youth and Scholarship Programs. Program Director for Arts & Culture

PERFECTING CHURCH is a religious institutions company based out of 17950 VAN DYKE ST , DETROIT, Michigan, United States.