OUTSTANDING LOCAL/ADC OFFICER

James Allen — Administrative District Council 1 of Illinois

Jim Allen is a third-generation bricklayer who has dedicated his career to strengthening BAC. From the day that he entered his apprenticeship in 1974, Brother Allen took a keen interest in his union, and became a Field Representative of Local 21 Chicago in 1988.

In 1993, he became a Business Agent. A few years later, he was elected Vice President of Local 21 Illinois, all while serving as a Trustee for the Bricklayers Local 21 Health and Welfare Pension and Annuity Fund.

Brother Allen then became the President of Local 21 IL and District Council 1 of Illinois in 2004. During his 17-year presidency, Brother Allen facilitated numerous contract negotiations and invested in several crucial mergers. He moved Chicago Local 21 IL and District Council 1of Illinois to a new location, saving over $1.5 million annually on administration fees.

Brother Allen's consensus-building skills were the catalyst for the creation of the world-class District Council Training Center in Addison, IL. By bringing together trustees from disparate tile, brick, and PCC training funds, Brother Allen was able to unify training for multiple BAC crafts at one of North America's premier training venues.