BATTLE CREEK - Delegates to the 51st convention of the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council elected Patrick Devlin to the organization's Secretary-Treasurer and Steve Claywell to President for four-year terms. Neither were opposed for their office.

Devlin, who hails from Sprinkler Fitters Local 704, has held the Secretary-Treasurer position since the 2005 merger of the Greater Detroit Building and Construction Trades Council and the Michigan State Building and Construction Trades Council. He had been Secretary-Treasurer at the Greater Detroit Council since 1999.

"I'm grateful for the continued support of the delegates," Devlin said. "Their support and solidarity has meant a great deal to this council, and all that we're trying to do. I look forward to continuing to serve their interests of the men and women in Michigan's building trades unions."

Claywell, has been business manager of IBEW Local 445 in Battle Creek. "Thank you for your support; I appreciate your confidence," he told delegates. "I look forward to working with each and every one of you and I won't let you down."

The state building trades convention, held every four years, took place this year at the Firekeepers Casino and Hotel, with 100 delegates from various building trades local unions around the state in attendance.

TAKING THE OATH of office for four year terms at the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council are (center) President Steve Claywell and (right) Secretary-Treasurer Patrick Devlin. Administering the oath is Pipe Fitters Local 636 Business Manager Frank Wiechert.