Label
RIA Baumhower Retirement
Sarantou
Title
Recognizing Bruce Baumhower, a pillar of Toledo's labor movement, retired on July 1, 2025, after an exceptional 32-year career as its longest-serving president with United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 12.
Summary
SUMMARY & BACKGROUND:
WHEREAS, Bruce Baumhower began his career at the local Jeep plant in Toledo, Ohio, in 1972, marking the beginning of more than five decades of dedicated service to the labor movement and the automotive industry; and
WHEREAS, in 1993, Bruce was elected President of the United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 12, and went on to become the longest-serving president in the Local's history, leading the union with integrity and unwavering commitment for over 32 years; and
WHEREAS, under his leadership, UAW Local 12 became one of the most influential locals in the nation, representing thousands of workers at the Toledo Assembly Complex and across key manufacturing sites throughout Northwest Ohio; and
WHEREAS, Bruce played a pivotal role in securing transformational investments in Toledo's auto industry, including the establishment of the Chrysler Jeep Liberty plant in 2001 and a landmark $2.1 billion facility in 2005, both of which greatly expanded local employment and reaffirmed Toledo's status as a cornerstone of the American automotive sector; and
WHEREAS, he was a tireless advocate for the development of the regional supplier network, championing the conversion of hundreds of acres in North Toledo into hubs for parts manufacturing, and successfully spearheading major site transformations such as the redevelopment of the former Overland Park into the current Industrial Park and the Toledo Jeep Complex; and
WHEREAS, Bruce's influence extended beyond the auto industry as he became a forceful advocate on issues impacting the broader community, including education, healthcare reform, infrastructure development, and worker equality across Northwest Ohio; and
WHEREAS, His legacy also includes hi...
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