54 The ELEVATOR CONSTRUCTOR Local Roundup LOCAL 74 • Tampa, Florida To our brothers and sisters of the IUEC, 2023 seems to be off to a great start! Local 74 has experienced a big shift in working style and manpower due to Hurricane Ian, which months later, we are all still rebuilding from here in Southwest Florida. Most construction work was halted since the hurricane, however with power at these jobs and material rolling in in full force we are back to work with a vengeance! For a while most workers were sent to repair and service as an emergency response to hospitals and apartment complexes to get those buildings running for the safety of the people. Now we are getting a lot of repair jobs for the damage and all the new construction has been able to kick off, giving OT hours to our brothers and sisters! Remember, we play an important role in several lives so I thank you for the great work done in response to the hurricane and another strong year to display our professionalism and dedicated work ethic. We have 99% of our brothers and sisters off the bench. I am hopeful this year will provide more working opportunity for us to continue to grow as Florida has seen an influx in population along with construction growth for several businesses, and modernization and repair for those existing and drastically affected! I encourage you all to be mindful of all those who may be working near you and your working area. We are responsible for ourselves, and those who will be working in and around the hoistway. If a danger ever presents itself to your jobsite, please ensure yourself and fellow IUEC members are in a safe zone and any hazards are reported to your hall, supervisor, OSHA, etc. Remember to call in your jobs and watch your brother’s back. Let us show that 2023 will provide growth and strength in Local 74 and the IUEC. Continue to excel and prove when it comes to the building trades, there’s nothing like us! Kenneth David bought that same sports bar. They changed the name to Woody’s Tavern (their dogs name) and of course tweaked it to be a cool, fun place. In March of 2007 they became the new proud parents of a beautiful daughter, Abby, who is now 15 years old and in 10th grade. Working elevators, being involved heavily with the union and being new parents, that something had to give, so they sold Woody’s Tavern in 2010. In 2020, Greg got the nod to become an International vice president, graciously accepting this position and the extra workload that comes with it. In December 2021, shortly after attending the 2021 IUEC Convention in Las Vegas he was tapped to go to work for the Elevator Industry Work Preservation Fund and become a national coordinator. A heavily attended Celebration of Life was held recently at Haulover Beach and I think the 51-year-old Greg ordered perfect weather because it was that. And judging by those who attended, he is and will be missed by his many colleagues, friends and family. So work safely, smartly, and efficiently; stay hydrated and learn something new every day. And until next time this is fraternally submitted, John Pettit 305-747-5311, pettitjohn@bellsouth.net Always a family man, Greg, Abby and Liz Greg and Liz celebrating after opening Woody’s Tavern Local 74’s Nicklaus Lusa and Local 71’s Jadon Ritz and Ronnie Figueroa begin Tower 4 of Kalea Bay. Brothers Kenneth David and JJ Threatt bumped into Retiree Sister Lore (Local 50) at lunch in Punta Gorda.
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