More Than 1,000 Teamsters Celebrate Local 743

Families Party in the Streets During Annual Member Picnic

Rivaling neighborhood festivals that populate Chicago all summer long, more than 1,000 Teamsters gathered last week to celebrate their union during Teamsters Local 743’s Annual Member Picnic.

Members and their families lined Tripp Avenue and 47th Street on July 30, 2011, as live music, a variety of food and water activities offered Teamsters relief from the dog days of summer. Local 743 Trustee James Thomas performed several sets with his band The Soul People, as local President Donnie Von Moore spent time with members and raffled prizes to the circulating crowds.

“This was one of the largest, most diverse groups we’ve ever had outside Local 743,” said Von Moore. “The union spirit of camaraderie and brotherhood was high throughout the day. Everyone really seemed to be enjoying the afternoon.

“Local 743 couldn’t be happier to help bring everyone together for a little solidarity,” Von Moore added.

In addition to the music of The Soul People, many other Chicago artists performed throughout the day, including a local dance troupe. As adults enjoyed the music, Teamster children lined up by the dozens to splash around on waterslides, take their turns in the dunk tank and treat themselves to flavorful snow cones, ice cream bars and watermelon slices.

The more than 1,000 Teamsters in attendance, including many who arrived on reserved buses from as far away as Wisconsin and Indiana, received T-shirts, lunch bags and license plate frames to further show their union pride. All Teamster kids were given backpacks with the Local 743 logo as well.

“We love to see families and members come together like this,” said John T. Coli, President of Teamsters Joint Council 25. “The Teamsters are one big family, and times like these remind us of the importance of each and every one of our members.”

Teamsters Local 743 is an affiliate of Teamsters Joint Council 25, which represents more than 100,000 hardworking men and women throughout Illinois and Indiana.

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