Fra Noi Embrace Your Inner Italian
The Italian American Labor Council honored Michael Somone as Man of the Year at an Oct. 9 dinner-dance at the Local 150 Banquet Hall in Countryside. (312-339-1437)
The following profile was provided by the organization:
“Michael has a family history in labor that dates back three generations, and he proudly upholds that legacy every day,” says IALC President Anthony Guida. “We’re honored to present him with this year’s Man of the Year Award.”
Michael’s grandfather, an officer and International Vice President of HERE, first introduced him to organized labor. Michael’s union membership expands over 35 years.
In 1983, Michael became a rank-and-file member of Teamsters Local 703. Michael worked in a warehouse, where he learned firsthand what it meant to be a loyal union member. In 1989, Michael became a member of the Motion Picture Projectionists and Audio Visual Engineers Union Local 110 in Chicago. Michael quickly became a union steward, where he represented members in the movie theaters and some of the largest hotels and exhibit halls in Chicago. In 1999, during some tough times for Local 110, the Business Manager told a large group of picketing workers, “If we had 200 guys like Mike Somone, this thing would be over by now.” Michael was on the contract negotiating committee and he is still a proud Local 110 member.
In 2002, Michael was hired as an organizer for Unite Here Local 450. This position was very special to him, as his grandfather was this Local’s first Secretary Treasurer in 1958, the year that Michael was born. In 2005, Michael was appointed Business Agent for Local 450, where he represented workers in the hotel and gaming industry. In 2010, Michael was elected Recording Secretary of Unite Here Local 450. He represented his Local as a delegate to the HERE International Convention, and the Chicago Federation of Labor. Michael joined Amalgamated Bank of Chicago in September of 2013 as an Assistant Vice President, Relationship Manager in Union Services. In 2018, Michael was promoted to the level of Vice President Government and Union Services. Michael is part of the team that delivers Cash Management Products and implementation of technology to the Bank’s union customers.
Michael serves as Treasurer of the Italian American Labor Council and he sits on the Board of Directors for West Cook County Youth Club.
Michael has two children, Melissa and Michael, and one grandchild, Gabriella. he is engaged to Jenny and the couple will be married in May of 2020.
To acknowledge our appreciation of his many accomplishments and dedication to working families, we cordially invite you to join us in honoring Michael Somone on the 5th of October.
