By Keith D. Nelson
Originally featured in the 2022 Desert Aria 4th Quarter Edition
Dawn is the living Local 369 legacy record source. During her tenure she witnessed the Union go through: 2 devastating strikes (1984 and 1989); the sale of the Union Hall (November 1988); and several location changes until the current building was purchased in 1994. She has watched the Las Vegas entertainment landscape change in dramatic fashion since 1982 and endured numerous L369 administration changes.
During my first term in office, I was learning the reality of the financial ebb and flow of Local 369. At the close of my first year, I observed Dawn’s (and late President Frank Leone’s) reaction to a negative annual report… she wasn’t moved. I asked her about my concerns. She then shared some of the history she experienced when the Local didn’t have enough money at the start of a work week to make payroll. There were even seasons when several consecutive years went by without a cost of living raise. As Local 369’s accountant, she has been an invaluable resource in knowing when and when not to press the financial panic button. When she began in 1982, there were a multitude of Collective Bargaining Agreements with the major casinos that required three full-time business agents and five in-house office positions (not counting elected officers). Nobody has seen it all, but she comes pretty close. On behalf of the entire membership, “THANK YOU, DAWN MCCOY, FOR FORTY-PLUS YEARS OF SERVICE!”
In closing, as Secretary Treasurer/President, it has been an honor to represent and serve the interests of Local 369 with some of the best musicians in the world. I remain encouraged as positivity breeds positive results, and change, inevitable. Let us support each other in the spirit of great musicianship and make the Las Vegas music scene the envy of the nation. I look forward to seeing you all out and about in Las Vegas!
Fraternally,
Keith D. Nelson
