Midwestern Conference of AFM Locals

Crowne Plaza - Playhouse Square, Cleveland

July 26-27, 2025

The Midwestern Conference of AFM Locals was held in Cleveland on July 26 and 27. Officers, delegates and staff from 50 AFM Locals representing jurisdiction in 14 states (Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North and South Dakota, Wisconsin, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia) were invited to attend.

AFM Directors of Electronic Media, Freelance Services, Government Affairs, Organizing and Symphonic Services offered reports, and AFM Secretary-Treasurer Ken Shirk and AFM Vice President from Canada Allistar Elliott gave remarks. We were also visited by Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne and US Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11).

The CIM negotiating committee and Local 4 attorney Jim Porcaro held a roundtable discussion. Aidan Plank and Jeff Varga reported on the freelance community in Northeast Ohio. Vice President Todd Smith led a session on the importance of a strong relationship with AFL-CIO state and area federations, and central labor councils.

A resolution promoting diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility was approved by the conference delegates, and a resolution funding local delegates to annual conferences was discussed.

The AFM Education Department held an officer training session July 24 - 25, It was a productive week for the conference delegates and all the attending members, officers and staff demonstrated exemplary service to the AFM.