The president of the Chicago & Cook County Building and Construction Trades Council, Thomas Villanova, will join the board of Chicago's Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, filling the seat of businessperson Virginia Ojeda. Villanova's appointment will allow labor to regain a direct voice in the operation of the Authority, which manages convention and recreation areas within the city.
See "Union leader joins McPier's board", Chicago Sun Times, September 8, 2008