Merger Informational Meetings

On February 25, the SAG Detroit Branch and AFTRA Detroit Local held the first of three informational meetings for members in Michigan. Special guests were SAG 2nd National Vice President/New York President Mike Hodge, AFTRA National Vice President/Philadelphia President Catherine Brown, and AFTRA Assistant National Executive Director Mathis L. Dunn Jr. SAG National Board Representative Ed Kelly and AFTRA Detroit President Jayne Bower also joined the panel, with SAG Detroit President Peter Tocco as the moderator. With the assistance of a PowerPoint presentation, the panel aptly explained the compelling reasons for a SAG-AFTRA merger, along with the process toward the creation of the merger agreement and the agreement itself. Nearly 60 SAG, AFTRA and dual members attended the meeting, which also included a successful question-and-answer period.

On the following Monday, February 27, another informational meeting was held in Grand Rapids with special guest Tom Carpenter, general counsel for AFTRA. Again, a PowerPoint presentation was shown and members had a chance for a Q&A. Special thanks go to Compass College of Cinematic Arts for hosting the meeting.

There was also a meeting on Monday, March 19, at the AFTRA Board Room in Southfield. Special guests included SAG New York Vice President Rebecca Damon and AFTRA Assistant National Executive Director for News & Broadcast Mary E. Cavallaro.

Special thanks to all of the special guests who traveled to Michigan. It was truly an honor to have them here.

This item was originally featured in the March 2012 local newsletter.