63-YEAR MEMBER, MELBA SMITH, HONORED

Melba Smith, Local 277 member, retired after 63 years of service working for the IAM District Lodge 776. Melba was honored on January 13, 2017 with a surprise retirement party given by IAM District Lodge 776 and OPEIU 277. Smith started her career with IAM 776 in her teens; it was her job to “light the fires” at the office before everyone came to work. At her retirement, Melba served as an Administrative Executive Secretary and Lead; throughout the years, she served three Directing Business Representatives at IAM 776. President and DBR Paul Black commented that “the district would be losing a wealth of knowledge” on Melba’s retirement. Smith served on several negotiating teams for Local 277 with IAM 776. In her thank you speech, Smith credited Local 277 for the many years of good contracts throughout her career. Local 277 President, Becky Turner, presented her with the traditional watch and a commemorative silver tray. On the presentation, Turner commented that Local 277 was very fortunate to have had such a loyal, long-term member and could always count on Smith to “tell her (Turner) the truth and help keep her focused” at negotiations. Smith was also honored with commemorative gifts presented by IAM International President Martinez.