Teamsters Local 406

About Us

Executive Board

Ron Holzgen - Secretary-Treasurer

Ron Holzgen began his membership in the Teamsters Union in July of 1976 as a Set-up Mechanic at the now defunct H&H Plastics Manufacturing Company. From 1982 until 1991 Ron was employed as a truck driver for Spartan Stores, Inc., where he served 3 years as a shop steward. In December 1991 he began his career as a Business Agent for Local 406. In January 1999 he became Vice-President of the Local. In October, 2004 he was elected to the office of President, and took office January 2005. On January 1, 2007, Ron became Secretary-Treasurer of Local 406. He represents a variety of companies including Spartan Stores, Columbian Distribution Services, SC Transportation, and various trucking and warehousing companies in the Grand Rapids area.

Ron is a proud grandfather to 5 grandchildren. He spends most of his off hours training and competing with his 4 horses, and he also enjoys target shooting.

George Sorenson - President

George became a Teamster right out of high school in September of 1976. He started as a pre-loader at United Parcel Service. After a short stint on what he calls “the dark side,” (part-time supervisor) he was upgraded to a Package Car Driver. Eventually George became a Feeder Driver. In total, he spent over 28 years at UPS. George spent most of those 28 years serving members at UPS as a Union Steward. In February 2003 he was appointed to the position of Trustee on the Local Union Executive Board. In October 2004 George was elected to the office of Vice-President and took office January 1, 2005. In March 2005 George took a leave of absence from UPS and joined the staff of Local 406 as a Business Agent, replacing the retiring former President, Fred Hatch. He now serves as President of Local 406. George has recently become a first-time grandfather. He says that one of the reasons he became involved as an officer and a business agent for the Local is because he has a desire to help keep the opportunities and benefits he has enjoyed as a Teamster alive for the next generation.

George spends his free time enjoying outdoor sports, and he has a passion for riding his Harley Davidson.

Bob Kokx - Vice President

Bob is a second generation Teamster. He has spent his entire 28-year career at Coca Cola Bottling of Michigan. Bob has been a member of the Local 406 Executive Board since 1998.

Bob and his wife Kris have 2 teenage daughters, and they enjoy camping, travel and outdoor sports.

Terry Szczepanski - Recording Secretary

Terry began his career with the Union in 1987 working for Country Fresh for 2 years, after which time he went to work for TNT Holland, now known as USF Holland. He also worked casual for the trucking company’s of Roadway, Consolidated Freight, Columbian and Carolina. He became a Steward for USF Holland in 1998.

In his off time, Terry enjoys water skiing, snowmobiling, and golf.

John Goodin - Trustee

John is a 21-year Teamster. He started as a part-timer at United Parcel Service in Grand Rapids in 1985. He spent 5 years part-time, 3 of them as steward before becoming a full-time Package Car Driver. He has spent several years serving as a Package Car steward. John joined the Local 406 Executive Board as a Trustee in January 2005.

John 2 children and he enjoys hunting, fishing Jeeping and dogs.

James Belser – Trustee

James Belser became a trustee of Local 406 in January of 2008. He started out his Teamster career at Schafers Bakeries and has been an employee of Yellow Transportation for 29 years where he has also serves as shop steward.

In his spare time, James likes to fish and spend time with his grandchildren.

Terry Hoogerhyde – Trustee

Terry has been a member of Local 406 for over 30 years as a driver at Spartan Stores where he has also serves as shop steward. He became a trustee in January of 2008.

In addition to spoiling his grandchildren, Terry enjoys drag racing in his free time.

Agents

TOM FREYLING

Tom Freyling became a member of Teamsters Local 406 in 1974 in the trucking industry. Tom spent much of his 22 year career as a Teamster driver working for Carolina Freight. In 1997 Tom came to work for Local 406 as a business agent.

Tom’s current assignments include beverage companies such as Coke and Pepsi and various beer distributors. He also represents food preparation, construction and manufacturing companies, as well as specialty truckload carriers. Tom has a broad range of experience with the Local including laundry, freight and truckload freight carriers.

MICK LOWE

Mick Lowe began his career with Local 406 employed by Roadway Express 1972. In 1983, he moved to Parker Motor Freight, where he worked as a City/Dock Driver for 15 years. In July of 1998, he was hired as a Business Agent for Local 406. Mick represents various industries including Bus Drivers, Trucking Companies, Food Processing Plants, Dairies, Warehousing and City Workers.

Mick enjoys spending time with his family at their cottage, as well as skiing in Colorado.

Jim Chase

Jim is a 32 year Union Member. He began his career at Reynolds Metals. He served three years as an Officer on the Executive Board of UAW Local 277, where he was also a union member for 14 years.

In 1988 Jim joined Teamsters Local 406 when he went to work at Spartan Stores as a warehouseman. Jim worked at Spartan Stores for 19 years, where he was a shop steward for 11 years and served on the bargaining committee for several contracts.

In 2003, he became the Recording Secretary on the Executive Board of Local 406 and in April of 2007 he began his career as a Business Agent at the Local.

DAVE GOLLER

Dave started out his Teamster career as a beer truck driver for B&B Distributing and from there went to work at USF Holland on the road. He was there for 19 years before coming to work for Local 406 in February, 2007. Dave is the agent for various freight, bakery, and linen companies.

Dave and his wife Debra are from Rockford. They have 2 daughters, a son, and a granddaughter. His favorite place to be in his spare time is on the golf course.

Ellis Wood

Ellis is Local 406’s Business Agent for Northern Michigan working out of our Traverse City Office. He is a 25 year Teamster who has always been an advocate of unions and the ability of an employee to have dignity and respect on the job. Ellis comes to Local 406 from Local 957 in Ohio where he was an employee of UPS for 14 years, a union steward for 12 years, and a Business Agent for 11 years.

Ellis and his wife Mary, along with their 4 children, are originally from Ohio but are relocating to the Traverse City area. In is free time, Ellis enjoys coaching and attending his children’s sports activities, riding his motorcycle, hunting, fishing, and skiing.

Staff

KAREN PLUCINSKI

Karen began her employment with the Traverse City office of Local 406 on a part-time basis in February 1990, filling in for then secretary, Sharon Norton, whenever necessary. She became the office’s full time secretary when Sharon became a Business Agent in August 1991. Besides her secretarial duties, she also assists our Northern members with their insurance and pension needs.

Karen and her husband, Gary, have three daughters and a delightful 2½ year old granddaughter!

TONI WILBUR

Toni is our Receptionist and Office Manager at Local 406. She also assists our members through the various steps of retirement. Toni has been with Local 406 since January 1997.

DIANE BURSLEY

Diane began her employment with Local 406 in September of 2000. She is the Secretary for the Business Agents in the Grand Rapids office, and assists them with contract proposals, negotiations, and ratifications. She works with the Executive Board in their monthly meetings as well as the General Membership. Diane helps coordinate the Annual Hospice Charity Golf Outing for Local 406.

Diane is an avid stock car racing fan and enjoys watching her son compete at Berlin Raceway.

LAURA JOHNSON

Laura is the Bookkeeper for Local 406. She also handles UPS Union Dues. She is a graduate of Central Michigan University, and has been in the accounting field for 18 years. Laura has been employed at the Local since March 2001. She enjoys volleyball and kayaking.

TAMI SPRAY

Tami is a graduate of Western Michigan University with a degree in accounting, and began her employment with Local 406 in April of 2001. She is in charge of various aspects of the Dues Department. Tami and her husband Scott are proud parents of their two daughters, Jessi Lyn and Jovie Ann.

In her spare time, Tami likes to cook, travel, shop, camp and canoe. She also enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, friends and two dogs, Otis and Molly.

JEFF STONE

Jeff takes great pride in maintaining the building and grounds surrounding Local 406. He has been with us since January of 1993. He also insures the set up and teardown of various events occurring at the Local. Jeff enjoys spending time with his family and friends, including his daughters Morgan and Zoey.

In his off time, Jeff has two favorite activities he really enjoys; golf and hockey. He also likes most any outdoor activity, including fishing, hiking and camping. Jeff loves listening to music and is currently learning to play the acoustic guitar.