SAN JOSE, CA – Admit it, you don't know what the initials SEIU stand for. You know we're a union. But who do we represent? (Long pause). *Answer at the end of press release.

If you are a business reporter, you also cover labor, which means you should know about SEIU. If you cover government, you should know SEIU comprises mainly of public-service workers and is the largest union in the country.

SEIU Local 521 celebrates its first birthday on Wednesday, May 21, commemorating one year of stunning successes following the consolidation of five unions into one (hence, 5-2-1). Members of the media are invited to come (and enjoy free food).

No, you won't win any journalism awards. But given today's dwindling news resources, you will meet valuable sources who might send you a news tip the next time they see their boss take a limo to the airport or spot some accounting "errors" in an agency's bookkeeping.  This is a chance for you to meet our staff as well as union members – hard working men and women who make Silicon Valley what it is: The best place to live and work.

Among invited special guests: Paul Fong, candidate for Assembly District 22, and Santa Clara County Board of Supervisor Don Gage.

We've planned fun events for families and children, including, but not limited to, a chance to take a photo next to the next President of the United States: **Barack Obama. We look forward to seeing you. The event is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 2302 Zanker Road, San Jose.

And... did we mention there'll be free food?

*Service Employees International Union Local 521 is a new local representing more than 45,600 workers. We specialize in public sector services from Silicon Valley to Santa Cruz, and Monterey to the Central Valley.
**Or a remarkable full-color, life-size representation.