GRIFFITH – The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 697 was recently presented with a “Community Spirit” award from Lake Area United Way for the union’s outstanding treasury and employee support given in the 2011 annual community campaign.
“IBEW 697, its union members and staff have a long, proud and tradition of supporting the United Way and the community and we thank them for their generosity,” said Lou Martinez, President/CPO of Lake Area United Way in presenting the award to Ray Kasmark, Business Manager/Financial Secretary.
Martinez said the contribution from IBEW Local 687 increased by $10,000 over the prior year’s campaign, an increase of over 33 percent.
IBEW Local 697 members and their families support the communities of Northwest Indiana through the American Red Cross, Christmas in April, Early Learning Partnership, Rebuilding Together, United Way and other community organizations.
Martinez lauded Kasmark, who served as LAUW’s Board of Trustees Chair in 2006 as well as Community Campaign Chair in 2010.
In accepting the award Kasmark said, “We are pleased to be in a position to increase our level of support to Lake Area United Way and its member agencies. It is another way for us to support this community in which we all live, work and raise our children.”