The International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) is one of the largest and most diverse unions in North America, with members in virtually every sector of the economy. UAW-represented workplaces range from multinational corporations, small manufacturers and state and local governments to colleges and universities, hospitals and private non-profit organizations. The UAW has more than 400,000 active members and more than 580,000 retired members in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. There are more than 600 local unions in the UAW. The UAW currently has 1,150 contracts with some 1,600 employers in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. A unique strength of the UAW is the solidarity between its active and retired members. A solid majority of the union’s retirees stay actively involved in the life of their union, participating in retiree chapters and playing a vital role in the UAW’s community action program. Since its founding in 1935, the UAW has consistently developed innovative partnerships with employers and negotiated industry-leading wages and benefits for its members. UAW members have benefited from a number of collective bargaining breakthroughs, including: - The first employer-paid health insurance plan for industrial workers. - The first cost-of-living allowances. - A pioneering role in product quality improvements. - Landmark job and income security provisions. - Comprehensive training and educational programs. The UAW’s commitment to improve the lives of working men and women extends beyond our borders to encompass people around the globe. Through vigilant political involvement and coordination with world labor organizations, we continue to fight for enforcement of trade agreement provisions on human and worker rights, fair labor standards and a new approach to international trade — one that raises the quality of life for working people worldwide.

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.

The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, established in 1926 in Flint, Michigan, by an automotive pioneer, is a private philanthropy committed to supporting projects that promote a just, equitable and sustainable society. It supports nonprofit programs throughout the United States and, on a limited basis, internationally. Grantmaking is focused in four programs: Civil Society, Education, Environment and Flint Area. In addition to Flint, offices are located in metropolitan Detroit, Johannesburg and London. In 2022, the Foundation made 385 grants totaling more than $187 million and had year-end assets of nearly $3.7 billion. For more information, visit www.mott.org.

Internet2® is a member-owned advanced technology community founded by the nation's leading higher education institutions in 1996. Internet2 provides a collaborative environment for U.S. research and education organizations to solve shared technology challenges, and to develop innovative solutions in support of their educational, research, and community service missions.

Fraunhofer USA, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization incorporated in Rhode Island that is dedicated to the advancement of applied research. Fraunhofer USA was founded in 1994 to conduct applied R & D for customers from industry and state governments and the federal government in the United States. Working closely with Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Europe’s largest application-oriented research and development organization and its sole corporate member, Fraunhofer USA can offer both domestic and international resources to enhance its portfolio of R & D services. Fraunhofer USA develops and validates scientific applications and technologies for industrial innovation in the USA. Fraunhofer USA’s research centers in the United States and the Fraunhofer institutes of Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft in Germany work together to provide the most versatile cutting-edge technologies to a global market. Fraunhofer USA offers unique transatlantic business opportunities to close the innovation gap from the lab to the real market. The research centers of Fraunhofer USA pursue strategic alliances with one or more of the numerous Fraunhofer institutes of Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft in Germany and with major research universities in the USA. www.fraunhofer.org

Established in 1932 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of manufacturing, SME (the Society of Manufacturing Engineers) leads the industrial ecosystem by elevating manufacturers, academia, and the communities in which they operate. Together we share one common belief: Manufacturing holds the key to economic growth and prosperity. SME helps unlock the full promise of manufacturing as an engine of commerce, progress and human potential. We accelerate widespread adoption of manufacturing technologies and inspire and build North America’s talent and capabilities through our events, media, membership, workforce development, and the SME Education Foundation.

The Edison Electric Institute (EEI) is the association that represents all U.S. investor-owned electric companies. Our members provide electricity for 220 million Americans, operate in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, and directly employ more than 500,000 workers. With more than $85 billion in annual capital expenditures, the electric power industry is responsible for millions of additional jobs. Reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity powers the economy and enhances the lives of all Americans. EEI has 70 international electric companies as Affiliate Members, and 250 industry suppliers and related organizations as Associate Members. 

 Organized in 1933, EEI provides public policy leadership, strategic business intelligence, and essential conferences and forums.

The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit is the fundraising arm and communal planning organization of volunteers, donors, agencies and partners, working together to answer the health, welfare, educational, cultural and spiritual needs of the Jewish Community in Detroit, in Israel, and throughout the world. Connect with us: Website: www.jewishdetroit.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/detroitfederation Twitter: www.twitter.com/DetFederation YouTube: www.youtube.com/detroitfederation Vimeo: www.vimeo.com/detroitfederation Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/jewishdetroit/

The Detroit Regional Chamber is one of the region's oldest, largest and most respected chambers of commerce in the country, having served the business community for over 100 years. It has the expertise and resources to help you successfully grow your business. The Chamber is dedicated to powering the economy of Southeast Michigan, and carries out its mission through economic development, education reform, regional collaboration and providing valuable benefits to members. For more information, visit detroitchamber.com.

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.