Electrical Industry Expo Highlights IBEW’s Future, History

October/November 2001 IBEW Journal

Many facilities and events open with the cutting of a ribbon.  More appropriately for the IBEW, International President Ed Hill and International Secretary-Treasurer Jerry O’Connor used wire cutters to snip a cable to open the three-day Electrical Industry Expo on Friday, September 7.

Some 130 companies—many of them employers of IBEW members—associations, agencies, professional service firms, benefit plans, and departments of the IBEW’s International Office had exhibits in the hall. Visitors entered through the IBEW Archives, a trove of historic materials and photographs on the history of the IBEW transported from the union’s Washington, D.C. headquarters for the Expo. And I-bew, the mischievous talking robot who has become a popular staple at various IBEW events and other trade shows, was on hand to greet the crowd.

Visitors to the Expo had the opportunity to see numerous union-made products on display, including electrical tools, telecommunications equipment, heavy equipment used in line construction and utility work, and apparel. The booth of PacifiCorp and Compusys of Utah—a utility employing IBEW members—attracted special attention as guests had the opportunity to meet Mark Hoaglin, a journeyman lineman member of Local 57, who is competing for a berth on the U.S. bobsleigh team for the 2002 Winter Olympics to be held in Salt Lake City [ related story ]. At the IBEW Journal & Media booth, delegates lined up to see their face on the cover of the IBEW’s official publication. Each souvenir "cover" showed the famed Golden Gate Bridge and the 36th Convention logo.

AT&T Wireless - not to be confused with the well-known company from which it split— was "uninvited" when it refused to honor a negotiated agreement to remain neutral in organizing campaigns.