First Southern Illinois Conservation Dinner gets big crowd

Carterville, IL – The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) held its first Southern Illinois Conservation Dinner hosted by IBEW Local 702 Sept. 21 at John A. Logan College in Williamson County. With more than 300 attending, it was the largest first-time conservation dinner in the group’s history. Begun in 2012, the dinners allow union sportsmen and women to discuss conservation issues and plan needed projects. Celebrating the event’s success are (from left) USA CEO Scott Vance, Union Insurance Group President Chris DeCaigney, ULLICO President and CEO Ed Smith, IBEW Local 702 Business Manager Steve Hughart, USA Director of Union Relations Walt Ingram; and Illinois AFL-CIO President Mike Carrigan. – AFL-CIO photo