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Joining in the ceremony were Anjelita Morrisroe, board member; Leticia Zavala, North Carolina staff director; Baldemar Velásquez, president; and Wes Waller, construction supervisor for Johnson-Russell Construction. 1
The land for the project was a gift from Mrs. Morrisroe, a leader of area Latino businesses. Her convenience store, La Palmita, is directly across from the building site. Mrs. Morrisroe has donated space to FLOC inside her store for the past three years.
The need for the office building came about as a consequence of the historic labor agreement signed one year ago between FLOC, the Mt. Olive Pickle Company, and the North Carolina Growers’ Association. A year round staff of eight is involved in contract management and worker training.
The 3500 sq ft steel structure will house offices for the FLOC staff. In addition, the building will have space for organizing, educational and training activities. Future plans include rentals for community events and hurricane refuge.
The construction loan comes from the Raza Development Fund of the National Council of La Raza. The building is projected to be ready for occupancy in early December.
FLOC has a fund raising campaign running to provide for the needed furnishings, office equipment, and landscaping.
FLOC’s administrative offices are in Toledo, Ohio. FLOC also maintains an office in Monterrey, México to serve its members in the H2A, guestworker recruitment process.
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