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Politics & Jobs

L.U. 343 (i,spa&st), LE SUEUR, MN—Thankfully, we’ve had some relief from our construction recession.

A small part of the relief has come in the form of a very large school project that assured union people jobs and the school district a quality project. Thanks to a large turnout by construction workers and building trades representatives at a school board meeting months ago, a Project Labor Agreement was secured for the school project.

Getting involved politically to make your voice heard at the grass-roots level can change your employment levels. This effort takes time and money. Voluntary COPE check-off cards, automatically withholding donations to fund a better future, are a good way to start.

Brad Nelson, P.S.

Basic Contracting Class

Participants at Local 357’s “Basic Electrical Contracting” course.

L.U. 357 (c,i,mt,se), LAS VEGAS, NV—Local 357 sponsored a “Basic Electrical Contracting” course in August. Approximately 50 potential IBEW contractors attended. The mission was to provide members with basic knowledge to start their own contracting businesses and expand Local 357’s place in the market. Training was provided by Matt Kolbinsky and Jim Cole of Pro-Union Consulting Inc. of Cincinnati. Presentations also were made by Local 357 Bus. Mgr. David Jones, Business. Development Dir. Al Davis, NECA Chapter Mgr. Ross Farr and U.S. bank representatives.

The class was so well received the local plans to host another course. Creating more small union contractors from within our membership can keep our market share growing. The local continues to develop business partners in the community to help our small union contractors succeed and grow.

Al Davis, Org. Dir.

Labor Day in Louisville

Local 369 members and their families joined in the annual Labor Day at the Zoo celebration in Louisville, KY.

L.U. 369 (em,es,i,lctt,o,rtb,rts,spa&u), LOUISVILLE, KY—Labor Day at the Zoo, sponsored by Greater Louisville United Labor Picnic Inc., was held Sept. 5. Thousands of union members attended, enjoying good food, live bands, a car show, blow-up rides for the kids, door prizes and the spirit of union fellowship.

We had perfect weather for the picnic. Locals from across the metro-Louisville area participated. All crafts and manufacturing were represented with informational booths. Thanks to all union members who made this event a great success.

John E. Morrison Jr., P.S.

65-Year Service Pins

IBEW Local 387 troubleman Roger Vandemheen, of Globe, AZ, responds to a P.T. failure at San Manuel Substation in July.

L.U. 387 (em,lctt&u), PHOENIX, AZ—Congratulations to Bros. Albert R. Gerbens and Blaine L. Learn on their 65-year service awards.

Storms and heat have kept everyone busy as you can see in the accompanying photo, which shows IBEW troubleman Roger Vandemheen, of Globe, AZ, responding to a P.T. failure at San Manuel Substation in July.

Our linemen teams have brought home lots of hardware competing in rodeos; at press time they are preparing for the Kansas City Rodeo.

Members completed lighting two more Diamondback ball fields. Thanks to all who helped.

Our prayers go out for Bro. Jon Beasley’s family. Jon had just been awarded an electrician apprenticeship when his life was taken in a car accident.

Sam Hoover, Pres.

100th Anniversary

Local 401 class of 2005 apprentice graduates, from left: David Councilman, Craig Carroll, Fredric Kruse, Jeff Nakamoto, Paul Salerno, Earl Barber, Duane Kramer, Jason Martinez, Daniel Prowinski, Carlos Rosario, Daniel Steelman, John Seymour and Brandon Kersey.

L.U. 401 (c,i,o,rts&st), RENO, NV—In April our local celebrated its 100th anniversary with a dinner-dance. Int. Pres. Edwin D. Hill attended as well as dignitaries representing Reno/Sparks, the state of Nevada, business and industry. Pres. Hill presented service pins to all, with a special tribute to the Burns/Seymour family, who represent nearly 200 years of service in the IBEW.

Local 401 also held a dinner to honor its 13 graduating apprentices. Int. Vice Pres. Michael S. Mowrey and Int. Rep. Francis J. “Frank” Maio Jr. attended. The Outstanding Apprentice award went to Earl Barber. Awards for perfect attendance went to Craig Carroll and Paul Salerno; for academic achievement, John Seymour; and for mechanical achievement, David Councilman and Duane Kramer. Also graduating were: Brandon Kersey, Fredrick Kruse, Jason Martinez, Jeff Nakamoto, Daniel Prowinski, Carlos Rosario and Daniel Steelman. Congratulations to all these new journeymen for sticking out five tough years!

Work in our area remains good, with many travelers employed and more work expected to break in coming months. For details call the hall at (775) 329-2566.

John P. Miller, P.S.