United Food and Commercial Workers of Ohio Strengthened by New Government Relations Director

Joyce Patton, Former Finance Director for the Ohio House Democratic Caucus,
Brings New Vision to the UFCW Ohio`s Legislative Program
WASHINGTON--(Business Wire)--
Ohio Food and Commercial Workers have a new voice in the Ohio statehouse by
recently adding Joyce Patton as Government Relations Director. With more than
75,000 members, the UFCW is one of the state`s largest private sector unions,
and an important voice on issues like health care, workplace standards and
economic development that works for working families.

"The United Food and Commercial Workers of Ohio is pleased that Ms. Patton has
agreed to spearhead our government relations program," said International Vice
President and Director of UFCW`s Central Region, Larry Plumb. "With Joyce`s
hiring, UFCW Locals 75, 880, 1059, and the International Chemical Workers
Council have taken a strong step forward in providing our Ohio members with an
influential voice when public policy is made."

Patton comes to the UFCW from the Ohio House Democratic Caucus where she was
Finance Director. In that capacity, she played an instrumental role in the
Democrats picking up seven seats in the November 2008 elections.

"I look forward to being a strong advocate for the men and women of the UFCW in
Ohio," Patton said.

Before coming to the Ohio House Democratic Caucus, Patton worked as a
fundraising consultant with several municipal, county and statewide candidates
and organizations. She also served as political advisor on the John Edwards for
President Campaign, securing several elected official endorsements.

"Though our membership is as diverse as the industries they work in, we all have
the same principles and concerns -a safe work environment, living wages and
health care for ourselves and our families, and I intend to fight for those
principles," Patton added.

The UFCW represents workers throughout Ohio, primarily in the retail and
meatpacking, food processing and poultry industries.

The UFCW protects the rights of workers and strengthens America`s middle class
by fighting for health care reform, living wages, retirement security, safe
working conditions and the right to a voice on the job so that working men and
women and their families can realize the American Dream.

United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW)
John J. Marrone
859-282-8388
jmarrone@ufcw.org

Copyright Business Wire 2009