CISCO Celebrates Industry Excellence, Scholarship Recipients and the Legacy of May Day at 2026 Annual Luncheon

May 6, 2026

CISCO Luncheon
Related Midwest Executive Vice President of Construction Don Biernacki, center with CISCO’s 2026 Excellence in Business award, stands with the Related Midwest team. Biernacki emphasized that construction is ultimately about relationships, inclusion and collaboration. CISCO photo

BURR RIDGE – CISCO brought together Union leaders, contractors, public officials, educators and industry partners May 1 for its 2026 Annual Luncheon — an event celebrating the future of the Union construction industry while honoring the partnerships and sacrifices that continue to shape it.

Held on International Workers’ Day, also known as May Day, the luncheon carried special significance because of Chicago’s historic role in the Labor movement and the enduring importance of solidarity, opportunity and workplace safety.

CISCO Executive Director Dan Allen addressed the crowd to inform them of the tragic death of an Ironworkers Local 63 member who was killed April 30 while working on Northwestern University’s former James L. Allen Center. Allen led attendees in a moment of silence honoring the fallen worker and all Union tradespeople who have lost their lives on jobsites.

“We love them, remember them, and pray that we all are safe as we go forward,” Allen said.

CISCO Annual Luncheon
Biernack said Partnerships with Labor is the connection that has been critically important to Related Midwest’s projects. “I don’t build anything. It’s the men and women of the building trades that do the building,” he said. CISCO photo

An invocation was delivered by St. Paul Church of God in Christ Pastor Kevin Ford, who offered prayers for workers, leadership and safety across the construction industry while also recognizing CISCO’s scholarship recipients and the importance of lifting others through service and opportunity.

Allen reflected on the meaning of May Day and that Labor’s roots flow deep from Chicago history.

“The values that define May Day — solidarity, opportunity and progress — are the same values that drive CISCO,” Allen said. “When Labor and Management stand together, we prove that collaboration is what builds strong communities.” He emphasized CISCO’s continued commitment to workforce development, Apprenticeships and creating equitable career pathways into the skilled trades for young people, women and minorities throughout the region.

The luncheon marked Allen’s final major appearance as CISCO Executive Director ahead of his retirement. During emotional remarks, Allen thanked his family, especially his wife Sue, for their support throughout his career while reaffirming his passion for expanding access and diversity within the Union construction industry.

A major highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of CISCO’s 2026 Excellence in Business Award to Related Midwest in recognition of the company’s longstanding commitment to Union Labor, inclusive economic development and community investment throughout Chicago. Allen praised the company’s transformative projects, including 400 Lake Shore, the Quantum Microelectronics Park and the Chicago Fire FC stadium development at The 78, noting the projects create jobs, strengthen neighborhoods and expand opportunity across the city.

CISCO Annual Luncheon
Addressing CISCO Executive Director Dan Allen – after announcing his pending retirement, Biernacki thanked Allen for his passion and dedication to the Union construction industry. “When you talk about heroes – heroes step up, and you step up all the time. In our industry, we are so fortunate to have had you because you’ve worked so hard to build the next generation of builders,” Biernacki said. CISCO photo

Allen also recognized Related Midwest’s partnership with workforce development organizations such as HIRE360 and its efforts to advance minority- and women-owned participation throughout the construction industry.

Accepting the award, Related Midwest Executive Vice President of Construction Don Biernacki credited Union Labor partnerships as the driving force behind Related Midwest’s success. “I don’t build anything,” Biernacki said. “It’s the men and women of the building trades that do the building.”

Biernacki emphasized that construction is ultimately about relationships, inclusion and collaboration, encouraging CISCO’s scholarship recipients and future industry leaders to remain humble and continue depending on one another throughout their careers. “There isn’t any AI advice anywhere, or any AI software, that can ever substitute for relationships and the strength of relationships between people,” Biernacki said.

The event also recognized CISCO’s newest scholarship recipients, whose academic achievements, leadership and commitment to service represent the next generation of the Union construction industry.

Throughout the afternoon, the luncheon served as both a celebration of accomplishment and a reminder of the responsibility shared by Labor and Management to continue building safer jobsites, stronger communities and meaningful opportunities for future generations.

CISCO Annual Luncheon
CISCO Executive Director Dan Allen, center, is surrounded by members of CISCO Board and staff members. CISCO photo
CISCO Annual Luncheon
A big THANK YOU to CISCO’s Luncheon sponsors! Many representatives from these organizations attended CISCO’s Luncheon. When it comes to events like this, CISCO couldn’t pull this off without a tremendous team effort.

Meet CISCO’s 2026 Scholarship Recipients!

CISCO Annual Luncheon
Burlington Central High School student Samantha Sieverding received a CISCO scholarship. She is attending the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business. Her father is a member of Laborers Local 76.
CISCO Annual Luncheon
Northside College Prep High School student Karolina Kyrych received a CISCO scholarship. She is attending University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Her father is a member of Bricklayers & Allied Crafts Local 56.
CISCO Annual Luncheon
Antioch Community High School student Addison Webb received a CISCO scholarship. She is attending Bradley University. Her father is a member of Carpenters Local 250, which is a part of the the Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council. Addison couldn’t celebrate her accomplishment with CISCO – but it was for a great reason. She was selected as Antioch Community High School’s Most Outstanding Student and was being acknowledged at her High School the same day as CISCO’s Annual Luncheon.
CISCO Annual Luncheon
Chicago Military Academy-Bronzeville High School student Sydney Jones received a CISCO scholarship. She is attending Southern Illinois University Carbondale, while also considering enlisting in the Illinois Army National Guard while in college. Her father is a member of Carpenters Local 10, which is a part of the the Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council.
CISCO Annual Luncheon
Wheaton Warrenville Sough High School student Daryna Greben received a CISCO scholarship. She is attending College of DuPage. Her father is a member of IBEW Local 701.

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