Winning is Contagious

A WORD FROM PRESIDENT JACQUES LOVEALL

There’s something about winning that is contagious. Once you’re on a roll, you stay on a roll.

I’m not the only one who thinks that way. Just about everyone I know agrees that UFCW 8 - Golden State is on a winning streak.

Since 2009 began, we have added thousands of members to our Union, making us stronger than ever.

On March 1, we welcomed all of the Clerks at Raley’s Drug Centers following a successful organizing campaign. More recently, we added thousands of new members in Kern, Inyo and Mono counties who were formerly members of UFCW 1036 in Southern California.

In fact, our streak goes back to 2006, the year UFCW 8-Golden State began with the merger of UFCW 588-Northern California and UFCW 1288-Central California. Since that time we boosted our numbers through organizing successes at Food Maxx, Save Mart and Raley’s, among other places, and through mergers with three UFCW Local Unions that specialized in wine making and distilleries.

No wonder the UFCW Interna- tional Union presented UFCW 8 with awards saluting our organizing efforts in three consecutive years!

The winning ways of “8” are even felt in the world of horseracing. In 2006, the year UFCW 8 began, all three “jewels” in horseracing’s Triple Crown — the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes — were won by horses wearing the
number 8.

This year, Mine That Bird, the winner of the Kentucky Derby, also wore number 8. Immediately after that race, my phone almost melted from the number of calls and text messages from folks who couldn’t control their enthusiasm over yet another victory for 8.

As I’ve said before and I’ll say again: winning is contagious. Even thinking positive thoughts can make good things happen!

People gravitate toward those who think positively. Positive people are seen as natural born leaders. Stay optimistic and watch your enthusiasm spread to others!

Optimistic people also tend to feel better and live longer. Medical experts have long told us that an upbeat mentality can alleviate a host of physical ailments.

Of course, optimism is not a substitute for being properly prepared and organized. As we say, “Success favors the prepared.” More than anything else, the talents and focused determination of our Union staff and the can-do spirit of our members are responsible for our successes.

But here’s my point: An optimistic spirit is essential to unleashing the potential for success in any endeavor, whether it’s individual or collective.

When people are convinced they can win, they are more likely to win, and the more they win, the more they are convinced they can win some more.

When people see other people winning with a positive spirit, they’ll start feeling optimistic, too. And they’ll be more successful.

Yes, winning is contagious.

Solidarity Works!