I would like to thank everyone who engaged in the democratic process by participating in the recent elections and acknowledge that, by your participation and involvement, each of you has shown a commitment to our Union’s future as well as your own. I wish to extend an invitation to all members to get involved in matters that concern this Union. I welcome your input and ideas.

During this year’s election, the positions taken by the various candidates––both those who chose to run with a “slate” as well as those who remained independent––were well thought out, impassioned and sincere. All those who ran presented their viewpoints clearly regarding the state of our Union and our future collective direction. The vigor of the campaign was encouraging. The debate energized and elevated membership participation to a much higher level than that seen in recent elections.

We are facing very challenging times and many of us see an uncertain future ahead. Now is the moment for us to come together and address, as a unified force, the issues that we wish to resolve. In no way do I profess to know all the answers, nor do I think any single one of us does. However, together we can––and must––pool our thoughts and ideas to formulate a united course of action for our future. Our families and our livelihoods are depending on it.

I ran on a platform of openness and transparency regarding the governance of this Union, as well as a promise to engage the membership in finding solutions to resolve the issues that we face. The philosophical differences between the new and past administrations are substantial, and the transitions are not without inherent problems. As the officers and National Executive Board work to implement the changes outlined during the campaign, there will inevitably be areas of concern and potential disagreement from those comfortable with previous practices. This is to be expected. It is my commitment that the resolution of any issues that may arise from this transition will not hinder either the effectiveness or the goals of this Union.

Finally, no welcome from me would be complete without acknowledging the tremendous debt that we owe to my predecessor as Guild president, George Spiro Dibie, ASC. My own participation in the governance of our Union began many years ago and was encouraged by President Dibie when he permitted me to attend Local 659 National Executive Board meetings as a guest. George’s twenty years of stewardship saw many innovations and accomplishments, including the dedicated focus on member education, the move to our new National Offices and most notably the merger that created Local 600. President Emeritus Dibie’s seasoned experience will be valued as we move forward into the global challenges presented in this new century.

Gary Dunham
National President

Into The Future...

The newly established Publications and Publicity Committee and the ICG Magazine staff are happy to announce that over the next few months we will be changing the look and the focus of Local 600’s monthly offering. We will broaden our focus to include more information regarding all of the crafts of our union. Members take note; we seek articles, anecdotes and photos from our membership relaying points of interest to our primary readership––our members. We are confident that with a few slight changes, ICG Magazine will be more engaging to all motion picture camera buffs.

Committee Co-Chair Michael Frediani, SOC will soon serve as the new Editor-In-Chief. The committee has a great deal of confidence in our talented magazine staff and is hopeful that our efforts will meet with the approval of the membership.