It’s one thing to invest your resources in an established organization with a track record of success. It’s quite another to take a gamble on a brand new organization with no historical records, uncertainty in long-term prospects and a limited ability to provide equivalent marketing value.
Yet five visionary companies did just that when they recognized the value of an organization dedicated to union members and like-minded individuals with a shared passion for the outdoors and commitment to conservation. Buck Knives, UIG, Ullico, Bank of Labor and AFL-CIO Building Investment Trust put their support behind the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance when it was in its infancy and remain loyal partners today.
“These were the true believers,” said USA Executive Director Fred Myers. “There was no question these companies were taking a risk when they invested in a newly formed organization, but their belief in the USA’s mission and the value that we bring to labor overshadowed that risk. We wouldn’t be where we are today was it not for their commitment and support, and we are truly grateful.”
To recognize Buck Knives, UIG, Ullico, Bank of Labor and AFL-CIO Building Investment Trust for their early investment in the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance and to honor their loyalty, the USA established a Founding Partner designation for the companies and presented them with decorative awards during the 2014 USA Conservation Gala in Washington, D.C. to exhibit their elite status.
(Top, L-R) UIG President Chris DeCaigny, AFL-CIO President and USA Chairman Richard Trumka, Boilermakers Secretary-Treasurer and USA Board Member William Creeden, USA Executive Director & CEO Fred Myers (Bottom, L-R) Bank of Labor Senior Vice President Bill Arnold, Buck Knives President and CEO CJ Buck, Bank of Labor President Bob McCall and AFL-CIO Building Investment Trust Senior Vice President Randy Kinder. Not pictured are Ullico President Ed Smith and Senior Vice President & COO Brian Hale
“We enjoy the support of all of our corporate sponsors because they are critical to our continued success, but we wanted to create a special designation for those companies that saw the USA’s potential and promise from the very beginning and were willing to invest in our future,” said USA Deputy Director Mike d’Oliveira.
“Many great organizations are built on the support of a core group of visionaries, and we saw this as an opportunity to honor the original founding partner companies and their leadership, who we view as part of the USA family.”
