Ivan Tiger said good-bye and God bless to delegates after reviewing an impressive record of union growth in his eight years as secretary-treasurer.

"NYSUT has grown in size, as well as stature," Tiger said. "In 2000, we were 420,000 strong; today we are proud to represent over 600,000 members."

Tiger was introduced by NYSUT President Dick Iannuzzi, who recognized the retiring officer for his more than 40 years of union service. Delegates seconded the tribute, leaping to their feet in a standing ovation.

Continuing NYSUT's highly successful service model, he said, "six years ago, starting with completion of our headquarters building in Latham, we embarked on an ambitious program of renovating existing facilities, leasing new ones and constructing offices where it made sense financially."

"Last year we hired the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to conduct an energy study of headquarters and our offices in Syracuse and Buffalo," he said.

"The result will be energy savings for many years to come" with implementations paid back in three years, Tiger noted.

He credited NYSUT's accounting department with achieving more than $5 million in savings on dues dollars.

Tiger praised the service and competitive excellence of programs offered through NYSUT's Member Benefits Trust.

The union leader said he will miss the many leaders and members he has worked with over the years — but although officers come and go, the union endures, he told delegates.