Local 223 President Mike Smith is retiring officially as President of Local 233 and from DTE on December 29. A retirement celebration was held in his honor earlier this month to thank him for his service.

"Local 223 would like to honor President Mike Smith for his 22 years of union service. He has dedicated his career to helping the members of Local 223 in a variety of union leadership positions," said Tim Cox, Local 223 Vice President. "He has been a tremendous resource to the Local 223 executive board and division chairs since he's had such a long union career. We hope he enjoys his well-deserved retirement where he plans to enjoy time with family, golf, traveling and boating."

In November, Mike Smith said, "It's been an honor and privilege to serve the membership, as an elected officer for more than 22 years. I leave the Union in very capable hands and look forward to following Local 223 and all the great things it will continue to do in the future."

Next steps for the Union to replace President Mike Smith per the Constitution are:

Vice President Tim Cox will assume the duties of President until the next General Council meeting. That body shall then elect the member who will finish out my term. The next General Council meeting will happen on the last Wednesday in January.