WJBC and the Midwest Laborers Association are excited to announce Larry Mertes as the WJBC Laborer of the Year.
Mertes, a Bloomington native, previously served on the Laborers’ Local 362.
During the selection process, the committee selected Mertes for several key aspects.
“As a retiree, Larry donates his time to give back to the community,” one nominator said. “He is always volunteering his time to places like Tinervin Family Foundation, building wheelchair ramps for vets, Salvation Army, David Davis Mansion Garden Project, and Easterseals.”
WJBC Labor of the Year Larry Mertes visited with WJBC’s Scott Miller.
Once or twice a month, Local 362 retirees set up food drives at Tinervin charities in Normal.
“Larry is very good-natured and always willing to volunteer,” another nominator added. “When he was working, he was always in demand as a Laborer, because of his skills and his level-headed attitude. He brings those same qualities and a great sense of humor to his community involvement.”
The WJBC Labor of the Year award was selected by a committee in recognition of their contributions to the community.
As part of the honor, Mertes will ride shotgun in a convertible in the Labor Day Parade on Sept. 1 at 10 a.m. in downtown Bloomington.
WJBC can be reached at News@WJBC.com.
