The Electrical Worker Online

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February 2023

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Recent News From Local 16
L.U. 16 (i), EVANSVILLE, IN — Despite weather challenges on multiple days, including an unseasonably early snowstorm and 50-mph wind gusts, our local once again provided its annual manpower for the 29th annual Fantasy of Lights in Garvin Park. Fantasy is an event bringing a local park alive with synchronized lighting displays to raise money for the Easterseals Rehabilitation Center. The center provides much-needed services to children and adults who could not otherwise afford them. Thanks to those members who have donated their time and skills to this worthy cause. In recognition of the IBEW's hard work, the National Maintenance Agreements Policy Committee recently presented Superintendent James J. Jones with its Zero Injury Safety award. Out of hundreds of contractors, this prestigious award was given to industrial contractor Skanska for working over 50,000 man-hours with no injuries at the Duke Energy Gibson Station generating plant. The Brotherhood would like to congratulate Brandon Wongngamnit on his appointment as Indiana state organizing coordinator. Brandon has faithfully served as steward, organizer, agent and business manager, as well as a dedicated community servant. We have no doubt that he will do an excellent job bringing qualified candidates into the IBEW as SOC. Donald P. Beavin, P.S.
Congrats, Brothers McCray and Johnson!
L.U. 24 (es,i&spa), BALTIMORE, MD — Greetings from Charm City — We hope everyone's new year is going well! We are proud to congratulate Local 24's very own Sen. Cory McCray on winning his second consecutive term in the Maryland midterm elections. Brother McCray is an apprenticeship graduate, a journeyman wireman and a champion for Baltimore and the labor movement. Additionally, with our support, many pro-worker candidates across Maryland won their races. We will continue to work alongside them to advance the interests of our members and working men and women statewide. In celebration of National Apprentice Week, we hosted a Recognition Ceremony on behalf of the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council. Over 200 people from across Maryland gathered at our hall to recognize individuals and industries for their support of apprenticeship. Local 24's JATC received an Apprentice Ambassador award, and Brother Montez Johnson received the Maryland Apprenticeship Mentor award. We are proud of our JATC and Brother Johnson, who exemplify what it means to mentor the next generation of electrical workers. Live Better/Work Union. Michael J. McHale, B.M.	Local 24's Brother Montez Johnson receiving the Maryland Apprenticeship Mentor award with Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford, Secretary of Labor Tiffany Robinson and Director of Apprenticeship and Training Chris MacLarion.
Hello, 2023!
L.U. 26 (ees,em,es,govt,i&mt), WASHINGTON, DC — Local 26 hosted all three of its annual holiday parties in December in Front Royal, Va.; Roanoke, Va.; and Greenbelt, Md. All parties were well attended, fun was had, and memories were made! Looking ahead in 2023, here are a few key dates to mark on your calendars: JATC Graduation — Sat., June 3 Dollars Against Diabetes Golf Outing — Mon., June 5 Virginia Picnic (Manassas) — Sat., June 24 Maryland Picnic (Edgewater) — Sat., Aug. 19 Local 26 Fishing Trip — Sat., Sept. 2 Poker Run for Special Love — Sat., Sept. 23 Best wishes to the following new retirees: Tony A. Callaway, Jose De La O Sanchez, Paul G. Disharoon, Darrell E. Dixon, Stanley L. Eaton II, Torrence S. Edwards, Russell A. Galpin, John J. Hartshorne, George C. Hogan, Joseph Malovrh, Lambert J. Marlow, Phillip C. McDonald, Robert J. Quesinberry, John E. Shreve, Gregory B. Surniak, Frank A. Szumilo Jr., Carlos A. Vitorino, Joseph M. Wilson and Michael C. Young. The following members have passed away since our last article: Timothy J. Brown, Joseph R. Clark, Charles W. Gagnon Jr., Earl J. James, Ian S. Jones Sr., Michelle L. Mansfield, Robert L. McFarland, Gary L. McKinney, Nelson E. Cordova Orellana, Frederick A. Reckeweg, Paul J. Rosasco, Barry W. Rye, Shirley G. Sargent, Charles E. Scheller, Todd J. Slaseman and William G. Wooten. Joseph F. Dabbs, B.M.
Happy New Year From Local 34
L.U. 34 (em,i,mt,rts&spa), PEORIA, IL — Our local closed out 2022 with a wonderful retirees' meeting and holiday membership meeting to celebrate the year's accomplishments. Thank you to our Local 34 Retirees' Club, who donated gifts to labor's adopted grade school in Peoria Public Schools District 150. The holiday tradition gives great joy to students and staff alike. Our new year is off to a great start. Work remains steady and we plan for it to continue into the spring months. This new year brings renewed opportunities for Local 34 to gather for fun and get out into the community to give back. We are a proud sponsor of various hometown athletics teams and host annual Local 34 Nights at several sporting events. In January, members and their families enjoyed a Rivermen hockey game at the Peoria Civic Center and had great fun watching the excitement on the ice. At the time of this writing, members, fellow trades members and friends of labor are planning to take time out of their day Jan. 19 to donate blood with the return of our annual IBEW Local 34 Blood Drive. We appreciate all who attend and help fill the vital need for blood donations, and we hope they return next year. George Rudd, Pres.
Local 46 Dreams Big
L.U. 46 (as,c,cs,em,es,et,i,mar,mo,mt,rtb,rts&st), SEATTLE, WA — Greetings, IBEW family: Our local closed out 2022 with good food and solidarity! We had our first Silverdale holiday dinner meeting, which brought together members and their families to celebrate. Hopefully, it will be the first of many. Local 46 also continued our meals for members in November and December. A ham or turkey along with a grocery gift card was made available to any members in need. We had members volunteering to deliver meals and coming to the hall to grab a meal for their apprentices. It was great to witness so many of our members stepping up to make sure their siblings had a nice holiday meal. It really showcased the meaning of solidarity. Washington Women in Trades also held their Dream Big dinner, where several Local 46 members were recognized for their hard work and achievements. We were able to have many members of Local 46's Women's Committee and our siblings from Local 191 in attendance to celebrate our members' accomplishments. Congratulations to awardees Gillian Burlingham, Active Advocate; Sandra Moore-Jones, Union Activist; and Na'Quelle Davis and Tori Westman, Josie Dunn Apprentices, along with an Honorable Mention to LeeAnne Cochran for her work as an electrical contractor providing pathways for women electricians to excel. We appreciate all the work you do! Megan Kirby, P.S.	The 2022 Dream Big dinner award recipients (from left): Marisa Spenser, Sandra Moore-Jones, Tori Westman and Gillian Burlingham.
Local 50's Brad Stevens Announces Retirement
L.U. 50 (u), RICHMOND, VA — President/Business Manager/Financial Secretary Brad Stevens announced that he will be retiring after more than 36 years in leadership of Local 50 and its preceding locals, effective Feb. 1. Brad became a member of our preceding local union (Local 699) under System Council U-1 in 1978. Brad has been a leader of this local union and predecessor Local Union 699 since 1986. He has dedicated his entire career to the labor movement, serving in many capacities during his historic career as a union leader for almost four decades. He has served as executive council member of the Virginia state AFL-CIO, president of the Northeast Utilities Business Managers, president/business manager of Local 699, senior business representative, vice president, assistant business manager and president/business manager/financial secretary for Local 50. Local 50 officers, representatives, staff and members wish him well in his retirement. The Executive Board unanimously confirmed current Assistant Business Manager and Treasurer John Albert to succeed Brad as president/business manager/financial secretary, effective Feb. 1. Jason Davis, Vice Pres.	Retiring Local 50 President/Business Manager/Financial Secretary Brad Stevens.
Union Workers: An Active Force
L.U. 68 (i), DENVER, CO — Many thanks go out to all the volunteers who knocked on doors, phone banked, dropped off campaign materials and helped with the candidate interviews. Your hard work and help paid off in the 2022 elections. Labor continued to show that here in Colorado, organized labor is an active force that will make a difference. Thank you! The Mile High RENEW crew, made up of members from Locals 68 and 111, hosted Trunk or Treat on Oct. 29. Thanks to all those who volunteered and gave up their personal time to decorate their vehicles and coordinate crafts and activities for the kids. It was very well attended, and everyone had a great time. The assistant agents have been conducting monthly Code of Excellence training. In the last few months, over 160 members have taken part in the training. If you have not taken the Code of Excellence training, watch your mail for an invite. We extend our deepest sympathy to the families of our recently deceased brothers and sisters: Wilbert Aab, Kenneth R. Cavenagh, Keith C. Cejka, John A. Laydon, Gregory L. Milligan, Duane W. White and James E. Wilson. Morgan J. Buchanan, Pres.	Local 68 has been conducting Code of Excellence training on a monthly basis.
Annual Bike Run Raises $30,000 for Table of Hope
L.U. 102 (em,govt,i,mt,o,ws&ptc), PATERSON, NJ — Our annual Bike Run & Cruise-In continues to be a favorite for our brothers and sisters, a great time that brings us together with a shared mission to help those in the communities we serve. Since the event started nine years ago, area charities have been the beneficiaries of over $270,000. This year we raised over $30,000 for Spring Street CDC's Table of Hope to help them continue their work of helping families in need. Our sincere thanks go out to all our volunteers and those who joined us that day. Most of all, we salute our sponsors — without them we could never impact as many lives as we do. We look forward to Sept. 9, as we celebrate a decade of giving at our 10th annual Bike Run; we hope to see you there! We would also like to congratulate two of our newest graduates from the National Training Institute: Instructors Victor Bland and Matt Oswald accepted their diploma this past summer. Congratulations, brothers! It was also a pleasure to see two generations come together on this special occasion as 55-year member Don Oswald joined us in Michigan to see his son cross the stage. We thank retired International President Lonnie R. Stephenson for sharing in that special moment for the Oswald family. Bernie Corrigan, Pres.	From left, 55-year member Don Oswald, retired International President Lonnie R. Stephenson and Vice President Matt Oswald after the NTI graduation.
Local 104 Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.
L.U. 104 (lctt,o,u&ptc), BOSTON, MA — Journeyman lineman Joe Venti, U.S. Marine Corps; journeyman lineman Don McRea, U.S. Army; and journeyman lineman Gordan Robinson, U.S. Marine Corps, were part of Operation Thunderbolt, the 27th Honor Flight organized by the Rhode Island Fire Chiefs Honor Flight and sponsored by Local 104. This was a picture-perfect day for our three Vietnam veterans along with 81 other veterans, guardians and medical personnel. In a special moment of pride for Brother Robinson and our local, Brother Robinson presented Local 104's wreath to our nation's heroes during the changing-of-the-guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. With immense honor and respect for all our veterans, the members of Local 104 want to thank you for your service, sacrifice and love for our country and promise that you, your brothers and sisters will not be forgotten. Please always know you are loved for your selflessness and example of brotherhood. May God bless you and your families, and may God bless America. Hugh Boyd, A.B.M.	Pride of the Brotherhood, (from left) Local 104's Joe Venti, Don McRae and Gordon Robinson.
Fast-Growing Cannabis Market Providing Hundreds of Jobs
L.U. 134 (catv,em,govt,i,mt,rtb,rts,spa&t), CHICAGO, IL — ABCO Electrical Construction & Design is helping to meet the demands of the fast-growing cannabis market by partnering with 4Front Ventures to build a large cultivation and production facility in Matteson, Ill. Phase 1 of this multiphase expansion project began in February 2022 and will include a 250,000-square-foot building, 65,000 square feet of flowering canopy and 70,000 square feet of manufacturing space. This project will create the largest cannabis cultivation and manufacturing facility in Illinois. Mike Benker, the foreman for ABCO, said we have installed 37 miles of 4-inch pipe, and 20,000 feet of Unistrut has been hung to date. When finalized, 96 grow rooms will be equipped with 125 light fixtures per room and 150 rooftop units for climate control. The facility is also expected to produce a variety of white-labeled products such as flowers, concentrates, edibles and other manufactured products for multistate operators and other cannabis businesses. Phase 1 of the expansion project is expected to create 240 livable-wage jobs in the Matteson region. Phase 2 will add 300,000 square feet of building and 260 jobs. Donald Finn, B.M./F.S.	Local 134 is at work on the largest cannabis cultivation and manufacturing facility in Illinois.
Local 150 Welcomes 2023
L.U. 150 (es,i,rts&spa), WAUKEGAN, IL — Thank goodness another seemingly endless election year is over. Now that the elections are behind us, we can get on with the business of continuing to right our ship and bringing our country back on course. Sadly, we lost the following members over the past two years: Mauro Bartolai, John Brieden, Corky Bruckner, Terry Clark, Ted Dell, John Dollenmaier, Jerry Jorski, John Justice, Bob Larsen, Jim Lubkeman, Grant Mahoney, Leo McGrain, Jack Rivelli, Jim Robinson, Cliff Shotliff, Dick Sleyster, Joe Smith, Jerome Taylor, Dave Templeton, Mike Templeton, Bobby Vedder and my dear friend Lee Vanderspool. They were all good brothers and wonderful friends to many of us. We wish them Godspeed until we meet again. Our local gives thanks to Pat Serzynski, who retired as our business manager in 2022. He did a great job during his terms in office, and we wish him all the best for a long and healthy retirement. Enjoy your family and your time, Pat! All the best to you. Please be safe out there. We are all in this together, folks. Wendy J. Cordts, P.S.
Local 158's Donald Allen Receives Governor's Award
L.U. 158 (i,it,mar,mt,spa&u), GREEN BAY, WI — Donald Allen has retired after 15 years as business manager. He received an award from Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers for his dedication to the labor movement. Don is a 38-year member of Local 158. He held various positions in that time, including recording secretary, executive board chairman, vice president, business manager, president of the Wisconsin State Conference, president of the Northeast Wisconsin Building Trades and co-chair of the Wisconsin Apprenticeship State Board. Don did wonderful things for Local 158. He had the vision of moving us into our own local office and building a training center, just to name a couple of them. Local 158 would like to thank Don for all the years of hard work. Enjoy your retirement! Jesse Jacques, B.M.	Local 158 retired Business Manager Don Allen and Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers.
Activities and Activism: A Winning Combination
L.U. 236 (catv,ees,govt,i,mo,rtb&t), ALBANY, NY — Our local has been staying active in the community with efforts driven by our committees. The RENEW Committee has been volunteering at food banks, cleaning up neighborhoods and supporting local politicians who support our efforts — including fifth-year apprentice Ryan Brosnan, who took the initiative and ran for a seat on the Troy City Council. Our young members have been stepping up to the plate and showing what the IBEW is made of. They've helped our Veterans' Committee as well, working with Homes for Heroes to renovate a home for those who served our country. The past year was a favorable year for area projects, and 2023 is shaping up to be no different. Offshore wind turbine construction, dozens of solar projects and area industry leaders such as Plug Power and GlobalFoundries expanding their footprints are all offering promising opportunities. There's also been no shortage of member events to promote camaraderie within the Brotherhood, including a New York Giants game, Knick or Treat, and the Health and Wellness Fair. We want to ensure that being a member is about more than just getting work. We wish all of our brothers and sisters a safe and prosperous 2023! Michael Mastropietro, B.M./F.S.	Local 236 members enjoy the day at MetLife Stadium before the New York Giants' win over the Chicago Bears on Oct. 2, 2022.
Minnesota IBEW Day on the Hill
L.U. 292 (em,govt,i,rtb,rts&spa), MINNEAPOLIS, MN — IBEW Day on the Hill is an excellent opportunity to meet with Minnesota legislators to talk about issues important to you and your fellow IBEW members. There is no better way to communicate with our elected officials than to talk directly to those who represent us at the Capitol. Please join us for our annual Day on the Hill on Feb. 28. We will be meeting at 7:30 a.m. at Local 110. Members must sign up now to ensure a scheduled meeting time with your legislators. The 2022 elections proved to be very successful for the IBEW. We were able to elect a labor-friendly majority at the Minnesota House and Senate, as well as keep our friend in labor, Tim Walz, as governor. The Minnesota legislative session started Jan. 3, and we have been able to work closely with them on the IBEW's labor-friendly agenda. The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission has approved the site permit for the Sherco Solar project, a 400-MW utility-scale solar project expected to start soon. With that, and the prospect of a couple of data centers, we hope to see a much-improved work picture this spring and summer. Andy Snope, Bus. Rep.	Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz at Local 292's general membership meeting.
Organizing Efforts Pay Off
L.U. 306 (i), AKRON, OH — Over the past year, Business Manager Mike Might and organizer Cody Ulmer have been proactively pursuing nonunion electricians and contractors in our area. Thanks to their hard work and unrelenting dedication for organizing, it is our pleasure to announce that CSR Mechanical is now a union contractor. Local 306 believes that one of the best ways to gain market share is to collaborate with fellow members to help them feel comfortable with opening their own shops. In addition to organizing, Brothers Might and Ulmer have also helped local members transition into contractors. Local 306 would like to congratulate and welcome Woodarski Electric, Moore Quality Enterprises and Nelson Electric & Controls. We would like to welcome the 24 new journeymen inside wiremen and the two new residential wiremen who were recognized for their commitment throughout their apprenticeship at the Annual Apprenticeship Banquet on Sept. 23. In closing, we would also like to congratulate Brother Glenn Might for being chosen as the recipient of the Vern Saylor award. Chuck Zittle, A.B.M.	Local 306 congratulates its 2022 graduating apprentices!
Electrical Training Alliance of Silicon Valley
L.U. 332 (c,ees,i&st), SAN JOSE, CA — A group of over 600 inside wiremen and residential apprentices from our local are nearing the completion of their first formal semester of apprenticeship training at our new training facility. Once known as the Santa Clara County Electrical JATC, the Electrical Training Alliance of Silicon Valley serves to distinguish the impact and importance of training in this hub of innovation and invention. The new facility is a tremendous reflection of the commitment to training of both the IBEW and NECA in our area. Additionally, it serves to emphasize the importance of partnerships that have been forged with industry leaders and companies that support training and the future of our industry. Since the new facility has been open, we have experienced a tremendous influx of interest from journeymen and foremen alike. Some want to take advantage of new training opportunities. Others want to represent the Electrical Training Alliance as instructors. Both groups reflect not only a commitment to being the best the industry has to offer but also efforts to ensure that the best continue to be at the ready to address the continued innovation that typifies Silicon Valley and our place in it. Andrew Rogers, P.S.	Once known as the Santa Clara County Electrical JATC, the Electrical Training Alliance of Silicon Valley provides new training opportunities addressing the continued innovation that typifies its location.
The Gift of Giving
L.U. 340 (em,i,rts&spa), SACRAMENTO, CA — At the time of this writing, we are wrapping up 2022. We brought back our annual event, Operation Christmas Basket, which just reached its 41st year. The event helps to raise money for local charities that provide food and presents to union families during the holiday season. After the less-than-normal past two years, the totals this year exceeded our expectations. We are grateful to both contractors and members who wanted to help this special cause so near and dear to our local's heart. Operation Christmas Basket helps many during a time when some find themselves unable to provide for themselves, or they just need a little extra help. With the help of our local Labor Council, we assist struggling families in our community with a warm holiday meal and toys for their children. It is a group effort, with many happily offering assistance in any way they can. We are proud to help our brothers and sisters in need. We hope everyone had a great holiday and a safe New Year's. Robert D. Ward, B.M.
Hard Rocking in Rockford
L.U. 364 (catv,ees,em,es,i,mt,rts&spa), ROCKFORD, IL — On Dec. 10, our local held its annual Kids' Christmas Party at our banquet hall, and what an event it was. Nearly 400 members and their families attended this event, and of course retired brother Howard "SanTY" Hillman thrilled all the kids with his spot-on performance of Santa Claus. Our event featured a roaming magician and balloon animals, as well as a coloring contest and arts and crafts to keep the kids entertained while waiting for their visit with the big guy. This is our most heavily attended event and one that we look forward to each year. We thought 2022 was busy, but here comes 2023, and the work outlook just keeps on coming on strong. As we reported in our last update, our new Hard Rock Casino has broken ground and, as of this writing, should start ramping up by summertime. This, along with the Facebook data center still going strong, puts Local 364 in the driver's seat for one of the best years in our history. A special thanks to all our traveling brothers and sisters who have helped us out: We could not have done it without you. Brad Williams, P.S.
Local 520 EWMC Gets it Done
L.U. 520 (i,spa&em), AUSTIN, TX — The local's Electrical Workers Minority Caucus has been working overtime to fulfill its mission: making our union a force for good in our community and building the future leadership to carry our local into the future. In the last quarter of 2022, there was barely a weekend where Local 520 members weren't volunteering at an event sponsored by the EWMC. We supported the Halloween Trunk or Treat at Callison Elementary, a school with a high percentage of economically disadvantaged students. We helped with the Special Olympics bocce and bowling tournaments. We cleaned headstones and planted flags at the Central Texas Veterans' Cemetery for Veterans Day. We volunteered for Blue Santa and held a toy drive and coat drive here at the hall. It's amazing to watch young men and women engage with these projects and begin to organize events of their own. In watching these leaders develop, it's clear that the future of Local 520 is in good hands. Ben Brenneman, B.M.	EWMC's Local 520 chapter volunteered at Callison Elementary's Trunk or Treat.
Our Seat at the Table
L.U. 692 (i,mt&spa), BAY CITY, MI — There is no doubt that today's political climate demands that the IBEW be involved in government affairs on a national level. There's truth in the old saying "Better to have a seat at the table than to be on the menu." In Bay City, the benefits of the International Office's political engagement were on full display as President Joe Biden visited a polysilicon manufacturing facility in November, touting the passage of the CHIPS and Science Act. Though Biden's visit was testament to organized labor's renewed political strength, we should be careful to never overlook the importance of local unions building working relationships with all locally elected officials. School boards and county commissions share a goal with skilled trades organizations when it comes to providing a pathway to a career that allows local youth to earn a livable wage and solid benefits. By keeping talent local, communities can attract and retain employers, which strengthens the tax base, ultimately providing more resources for officials to provide services to taxpayers. It is this continued symbiotic relationship between labor and local governments that will ensure that future generations can further the purposes for which the IBEW was founded. Brendon Baranek, P.S.	President Joe Biden meets with Local 692 members John Davis (left) and Jackson Tobias (right) during a visit to SK Siltron's polysilicon manufacturing facility in Monitor Township, Bay City, Mich.
Local 2304 Volunteers at Holiday Fantasy in Lights
L.U. 2304 (u), MADISON, WI — For years, our local's members, retirees and families have volunteered their time to staff the Holiday Fantasy in Lights booths at Olin Park in Madison. This season, Local 2304 staffed the booths every night from Nov. 22 through Dec. 4. Through our volunteer efforts over these two weeks, the local was able to donate $2,500 to Second Harvest Foodbank. Local 2304 would like to give a special shout out to Local 159's electricians, apprentices and retirees who perform the behind-the-scenes work on the lighting displays to help make this 34-year Madison tradition a reality. Nate Rasmussen, B.M.	Brother Brian Larsen, Local 2304 Executive Board member, volunteering his time at the 2022 Holiday Fantasy in Lights booth.