The United Ways of Chautauqua County are currently seeking nominations for the 2024 Joseph H. Mason Award, which recognizes the community service of a local union member. Now in its 43rd year, the Mason Award and "Salute to Labor" recognition dinner honor the memory of Mr. Mason and all that he did for the community. The annual award has been exclusive to the south county, but now this year, for the first time in its history, nominations are open to union members -- active or retired -- from the entire county.
United Way of Southern Chautauqua County Executive Director Amy Rohler says, "We are so very thankful for the long history of support United Way has received from organized labor, and we are ecstatic to be opening up nominations for the Joseph H. Mason award to candidates from anywhere in Chautauqua County. Labor unions are essential partners in helping us to meet our mission of improving the lives of county residents."
Joseph Mason was the Directing Business Representative of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, District 65, representing southwestern New York and northwestern Pennsylvania. His reputation for standing up for the causes of labor, most importantly impacting the day-to-day lives of working men and women in our area, is well known. A long-standing member of the United Way Board of Directors, Joe exemplified labor's commitment to serving the community through his devotion to the United Way campaign.
Anyone interested in nominating a union member, active or retired, can download a nomination form from the United Way of Southern Chautauqua County's website. Mail completed forms to United Way of Southern Chautauqua County at 208 Pine Street, Jamestown, NY 14701. Nominations can also be made online through a United Way Google form. Links to the form can be found in the social media profiles of and posts made by the United Ways of Chautauqua County.
For your nomination to be considered, it must reach United Way by August 23rd.
The United Way Labor Committee and past recipients of the award will review the nominations in August. The honoree will be recognized at the United Way Salute to Labor Dinner, which is scheduled for October 23rd at 5:30 PM at the Athenaeum Hotel on the grounds of Chautauqua Institution.
Jamestown School Board President Paul Abbott (fourth from left), last year's Joseph H. Mason Award recipient. Photo by the United Way of Southern Chautauqua County
