Support state parks, sport plate with union-designed logo

June 12, 2007 - The next time you're in the market for new license plates, consider a union-designed specialty plate that supports the state park system.

A portion of the proceeds, $15, from the sales of the plates directly benefits state park interpretive and educational programs. Soon, you'll be able to order yours online or call toll free at 866-675-2837.

The state website displays only the "Bluebird" Parks option, as the new one is not online yet.

The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles made the new Ohio State Parks plate available for purchase this spring. In 2005, the union supported an effort to get the first parks plate in place.

Margie Straiko, OCSEA Communications Department, had actually designed the park logo originally for a February 2007 budget-related event. Straiko's work was much appreciated by labor and management alike. In fact, Parks Chief Dan West liked it so well that he took action to make the new design available on state license plates.

But that's not where it ends. The design, along with other pro-parks efforts, earned OCSEA the prestigious Chief's Award in April. West said union leaders and staff also:

• Offered insights and ideas on the park system’s strategic plan;
• Shared problem-solving skills as a partner on the innovative parks/ODOT employee program; and
• Provided valuable administrative and communications support to the Ohio State Parks statewide stakeholders group for first the Natural Resources Summit and Legislative Briefing.

The Chief’s Award is designed to recognize truly outstanding service and support of Ohio State Parks by an individual or group. It is the division’s highest honor and has been given only 10 times before.

“OCSEA has exhibited professionalism and outstanding support towards enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of Ohio State Parks,” said West.

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