(SANBORN, NEW YORK) –Niagara-Orleans AFL-CIO Central Labor Council President Jim Briggs (pictured above) tells WNYLaborToday.com that it wasn’t a hard decision to make when he was asked if he would agree to serve as Co-Chair of the 2017 United Way of Greater Niagara’s 2017 Campaign effort, which has set a goal of $1.15 million. 

“The United Way and Organized Labor are ‘one in the same,’” he told Your On-Line Labor Newspaper before participating in the official announcement made last week.  “Our Members ‘work for our county every day’ and this is a ‘natural thing and it’s an easy one to do for Labor to help those less fortunate who are in need.’ 

“When I was approached, this was an ‘easy decision’ to make,” Briggs continued.  “(Organized Labor’s and the United Ways’) goals ‘are the same, if not the same’ and ‘I’m excited about this opportunity to work with Labor in Niagara County and try to come up with the kinds of contributions to help those who really need it.’”

The United Way of Greater Niagara is looking forward to achieve maximum success for their 2017 Workplace Campaign by bringing together a powerful group of Business, Manufacturing, Law Enforcement, Banking and Labor Representatives to support their efforts, said Connie Brown, who serves as President and CEO of the United Way of Greater Niagara.

The mission of United Way of Greater Niagara is to invest in programs that focus on education, income and health which deliver measurable results to improve the Greater Niagara region today and strengthen it for tomorrow, Brown said.

The United Way of Greater Niagara provides funding support to 25 agencies and 42 different programs throughout the county.

William Tiger, who serves as Plant Manager for the General Motors Corporation’s Lockport Operation, will serve as Co-Chair with Briggs, who also serves as District 4 Sub Director for the United Steelworkers (USW).

“The United Way ‘serves the needs where they raise the money,’” Tiger said.  “This ‘truly is neighbors helping neighbors.’  ‘Your money stays local and is put to use by people who understand how hard you work for your money and are determined to put every dollar to good use.’  As a member of the Board of Directors, ‘I know the scrutiny put into making sure your donations are used effectively.’”

The 2017 United Way of Greater Niagara Campaign Co-Chairs will be supported by a group of area representatives including: Niagara Falls Local Teachers 801 President Marcus Latham; Lucy Muto of M&T Bank; International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 237 Business Manager Russell Quarantello; Nicholas Rosenberg of Hypertherm; Captain Gregory Schuey of the Niagara County Sheriff’s Department; and Dana Zuber of Plato’s Closet & Clothes Mentor.

WNYLaborToday.com Editor’s Note: The Photos That Appear With This Labor News Report are Courtesy of Bill Jakobi, the United Way of Greater Niagara’s Labor Liaison to the Niagara-Orleans AFL-CIO Central Labor Council.