“100 YEARS OF SUCCESS” has been the theme of the 100^th anniversary of Teamsters Union, Local No. 2, which has been celebrated since August 15 for six consecutive weeks, in six different Montana cities. The grand finale was held in Butte on Saturday, September 25, 2010. The day began at the Teamsters Hall with an open house/history presentation. There were many items available for viewing including interviews with 47 Teamsters, both actives and retirees; specific history books made for the following locals:  2 – Butte, 45 – Great Falls, 53 – Bozeman and 448 – Missoula; and boards showing many Teamsters in their crafts, the evolution of dues payment recording, pictures of the different Union halls, etc.  The majestic Joint Council No. 3 truck stood outside the hall in all of its glory. Refreshments were enjoyed by all in attendance.

Karin Jones, fondly known as “The History Lady” from the International Brotherhood of Teamsters in Washington D. C., engaged the audience with the history of our great Union and how the Teamsters have been a part of every major event in the Nation.  There was lively discussion and a keen interest in all that was presented.

That evening approximately 160 people gathered at the Star Lanes Event Center to continue the celebration.  In attendance were current members, retirees, staff and Executive Board members of Local No. 2, as well as representatives from Local No. 190, Joint Council No. 3 and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. In true Teamster style, the crowd rose to say “The Pledge of Allegiance” honoring the flag of their great Nation, which will always be a strong symbol of our Union, standing proudly and conveying that “In unity there is strength”.

An introduction of the staff and Executive Board Members of Local No. 2 was made. Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Doogan greeted everyone and offered a few words of inspiration.  He concluded with an emotional ceremony to swear in all Teamsters Local No. 2 members who were in attendance.  Some of the honored guests including former Secretary-Treasurer - Jim Roberts; Local No. 190 Secretary-Treasurer - Joe Dwyer; Jim Larson from Local No. 190 on behalf of Montana Attorney General Steve Bullock and Janet Benefield on behalf of Joint Council No. 3 President - Steve Vairma were asked to say a few words. Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Doogan was presented with a plaque from Joint Council No. 3 to commemorate the significant milestone reached by Teamsters Local No. 2.

Guests enjoyed a buffet of Baron of Beef, Lemon Chicken and Lasagna from B & S Café in Butte, MT.  Once dessert was eaten we had another kind of special treat when Karin Jones presented a brief history lesson specifically about Local No. 2. Ms. Jones described how important the expansion of the Teamsters into the West was, and how impressed Dan Tobin, General President of the International from 1907- 1952, was with the Butte Local.

The evening ended after a lot of dancing to music provided by Butte America Music DJs who supplied an eclectic mix from Big Band Swing, Country Legends and Lady Gaga.

Here’s to another 100 years!