United Way of Chautauqua County presented the 2025 Joseph H. Mason Award posthumously to the late James S. “Jim” Bickhart of Dunkirk during the agency’s annual Salute to Labor dinner held October 9 at the Athenaeum Hotel on the grounds of Chautauqua Institution.

Presented annually by United Way, the Joseph H. Mason Award is a recognition of exceptional community involvement and volunteerism of a local union member.

Previously only open to southern Chautauqua County union members, this year marked the first time in its 44-year history that a northern Chautauqua County resident has received the recognition — as well as the first time that the United Steelworkers of America have been the associated union.

The award was presented to Theresa Bickhart, Jim’s wife of more than 56 years, by Amy Rohler, United Way of Chautauqua County executive director.

“Jim believed in the power of people coming together — through labor, through service, and through community — to make life better for others,” Rohler said. “His leadership and commitment have left a lasting mark on Chautauqua County.””

A towering figure in labor and civic leadership, Jim Bickhart’s involvement stretched from the shop floor to the halls of labor governance, while his extensive record of community service reflected the same commitment to improving the lives of others.

His career with Allegheny Ludlum Corporation began in 1967, and he quickly became active in union service — rising through the ranks of USWA Local 2693 and later serving as International Staff Representative for USWA District 4. His influence extended well beyond the workplace, he was involved with many local boards and community organizations. He and his wife Theresa were a recognized team in Chautauqua County – often working together on causes close to their hearts. Both were recognized by the Democratic and Republican committees for their dedication to community service.

A detailed account of his union work and community service can be found online at www.UnitedWayCHQ.org.

The evening’s program included remarks from Richard Lipsitz, past president of the Western New York Area Labor Federation, whose address reflected on the legacy of labor leaders like Bickhart and the enduring necessity of strong unions in protecting and advancing workers’ rights.

Lipsitz spoke from personal experience, recalling how Bickhart and other Chautauqua County labor advocates such as Hank Hoisington, who nominated Bickhart, kept him informed in Buffalo of the goings-on in Chautauqua County.

In accepting the award, Thresa spoke about her husband’s longtime commitment to labor and local causes — commenting how the night was a very special evening and how the room was full of familiar faces. In attendance at the dinner were representatives from unions such as United Steelworkers, District 4; Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees; CSEA Local 807; CSEA Unit 6300; IBEW Local 106 and the Southwestern New York Building and Construction Trades Council among others. Commendations were given from the office of state Senator George Borrello as well as by James Feldmann representing County Executive PJ Wendel. Remarks were also given by city of Dunkirk Mayor Kate Wdowiasz.

The keynote address was delivered by William Pienta, International President of the Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees (SOAR), who shared heartfelt reflections and personal stories from his years working alongside Bickhart.

His comments drove home the importance of solidarity — both within the labor movement and across communities — emphasizing how the principles that leaders like Jim fought for are as essential today as they’ve ever been.

“Our history shows that labor has always been strongest when our communities are strong,” Pienta said. “When families are healthy, when kids are learning, when workers can find stability, our Unions grow too. Supporting the United Way is not charity, it is solidarity. It is about lifting everyone up, because we know an injury to one is an injury to all.”