From left are state Assemblyman Andy Goodell, R-Jamestown; Dan Heitzenrater, representative County Executive PJ Wendel; state Sen. George Borrello, R-Sunset Bay; Jacqueline Phelps, representative Congressman Tom Reed, Steve Skidmore, Annette Skidmore, Amy Rohler, United Way of Southern Chautauqua County executive director; Eddie Sundquist, Jamestown mayor, and David Painter, United Way of Southern Chautauqua County board president.

The United Way of Southern Chautauqua County hosted their annual “Salute To Labor” dinner recently at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celoron honoring Steve Skidmore, a member and current president of the CSEA 6300 Labor Union, as the 2020 Joseph H. Mason Community Service Award recipient.

“With the event limited to 50 persons, we were pressured to keep it small– but what an amazing and enjoyable night,” said Amy Rohler, United Way of Southern Chautauqua County executive director. “Steve honors the Mason family legacy in many ways, and the United Way of Southern Chautauqua County is pleased to recognize him, in person tonight as the 2020 Joseph H. Mason Award Winner.”

In addition to his involvement with labor, Skidmore volunteers for many organizations in the community. Nominated by Dan Gullotti, Skidmore’s early volunteer activities in the community include being a volunteer softball and soccer coach and a treasurer for the East Randolph Fire Department. He is also active in the Elks Club, which includes volunteering to work at an annual holiday party for more 300 clients of ASPIRE and The Resource Center. He has volunteered at the Special Olympics Flag Days through the Elks Club, as well volunteering for several activities involving veterans groups. In addition, his family has been a host family for Babe Ruth World Series. He is the past recipient of the George Ritzer Award. Skidmore was the longtime treasurer of the Labor Council. He has previously been an organizer and the president of District 65 IAM, as well as the president local IAM 2111. He has been the delegate for AFSCME (American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees).

“Steve has always been a delight to work with when he would do projects for Chautauqua County,” said Dan Heitzenrater, who was representing County Executive PJ Wendel. “He knew where to go and there’s so many pockets of labor in our small community that you don’t even realize. It’s an honor and a privilege to be here tonight recognizing such an incredible individual.”

Dave Wilkinson, IBEW Local 106 Business Manager and President of the Labor Council, was the keynote speaker for the event, and in his remarks specifically highlighted essential workers.

“Need answers? Ask the workers,” Wilkinson said. “The workers on the floor, the workers in the ceiling — the workers will have the answers. Need help? Call United Way. United Way, for 100 Years has helped our workers, our community, our people–and we need to support them as much as they support us.”

THE JOSEPH H. MASON AWARD: HISTORY AND BACKGROUND

Joe Mason was the directing business representative of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, District 65, representing southwestern New York and northwestern Pennsylvania.

Mason was recognized nationally for serving as the first co-chair of the labor management committee, a locally initiated revolutionary approach to labor relations, and was a longstanding member of the United Way Board of Directors.

After Mason’s death, the United Way Board of Directors created the Joseph H. Mason Award in recognition of labor’s contribution to the success of the United Way.