April 14, 2024, marked another milestone in Local 776’s illustrious history. Our new Union Hall in Camp Hill, PA was dedicated during the monthly meeting.

Local 776 President Ed Thompson summarized several highlights from the Local’s history. “Our Local was chartered in 1937.  From 1937 until 1956 the Local occupied various locations as it grew. Then for the next sixty-six years from 1957 through 2023, we called 2552 Jefferson Street or Jefferson & Radnor home. This is the Union Hall most of us came up in. Some of our former Leaders are with us today, the leadership they offered helped make our new Union Hall possible. I would like Local 776 Secretary-Treasurer Ron Hicks to speak on the financial aspect of purchasing the new building.”

“When we first came into office, we knew we had to address the issue of a Union Hall that was in constant need of repair. Working with Bill Gladstone, a commercial real estate agent from NAICIR, we looked at several properties before being introduced to the people at the PA Farm Bureau, who were also working with Bill to find a smaller location for their needs. We were able to sell our properties at the Jefferson Street location with the help of Bill and settled on the property the day after we moved out. When we first assumed office there was just over 4.3 million dollars in total assets, and today we sit at just over 10.7 million dollars in total assets, with zero debt, and have a Union Hall that will serve our members for many years to come.”

Ed continued with the program: “Along with our former leaders we have in attendance Bill Hamilton. Bill wears many hats; serving as IBT Eastern Region VP, President PA Conference, President JC 53, President Local 107, and Director of the DHL Express Division.” Bill spoke to the Members about the importance Local 776 plays as the largest Teamster Local in PA. Our financial strength allows us to take on employers when they wrongfully attack our members by trying to circumvent their CBA and their legal rights. This strength also allows us to have a building the Members can be proud of. In closing Bill thanked the members for supporting their Local Union Officers and Agents.

Bill Hamilton addresses the Membership.

To memorialize the dedication of the new Union Hall the Local Union had a commemorative coin struck signifying the event. One side of the coin contains the image of the previous Union Hall with the dates it was occupied, and the reverse side contains the image of the new Hall with the dedication date. The coins were distributed to the Members and guests in attendance.

Afterward, it was time to eat, with lunch being provided by Up in Smoke BBQ. And what better way to wash all that good food down than with a PA Farm Show Milk Shake! The PA Dairyman’s Association was on hand to make sure nobody left thirsty!

Members, Guests, Officers, and Agents gathered to dedicate the new Union Hall.

You can't go wrong with BBQ and a milkshake!