L.U. 2 (catv,lctt,o,t&u), ST. LOUIS, MO — IBEW Local 2 has our own training center located off Interstate 44 in Saint Clair, MO. It was built in May of 2010. We have apprenticeships through our partners at Missouri Valley Line Constructors Apprenticeship & Training Program. This partnership includes other IBEW locals and contractors in the states of Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa and Missouri. Two apprenticeships offered at our training center are the Traffic Signal Technician Program and the Lineman Program. We also offer upgrade training for all our members, such as Confined Space, Crane Certification, and Splicing Certification.

Local 2 is excited about a new program certification for our members. Our own Jeff Lauridsen, who is the instructor for the Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training class, helped get the program started. The certification is through the International Society of Arboriculture. The program is for participants to become ISA Certified Arborists. The classes are held in the evenings and last nine weeks. We will expand and offer an additional certification of ISA Certified Arborist Utility Specialist once we have enough graduates from the initial program. This certification makes members more appealing to contractors, and therefore the contractors are more sought after by their customers.

Greg Benton, A.B.M.

L.U. 8 (as,em,i,mar,mt,rts,s&spa), TOLEDO, OH — Local 8 observed its 125th anniversary with a grand celebration this past November. About 1,500 members and guests turned out for the biggest dinner-dance in our history. Int. Pres. Lonnie R. Stephenson gave tribute to our IBEW founding fathers' dream in St. Louis back in 1891, to what we've become today, and to what our future holds. It was a great night for Local 8 members, filled with pride and brotherhood.

Our work situation continues to thrive with many travelers working in our area. It is expected to stay solid throughout the year.

Mike Brubaker, P.S.

L.U. 12 (i,o&se), PUEBLO, CO — Local 12 held its Annual Christmas Party on Dec. 10 and it was well-attended by the young and the young at heart. We had a wonderful dinner with gifts for the children and giveaways for those lucky enough to possess the winning tickets. With plenty of good cheer to go around, this is always a great time.

The 117th Award Banquet scheduled for Feb. 18 will honor the graduated apprentices from 2016: Tony Huskey and James Brown.

In 2016 we saw three more brothers retire: Juan Medina, Charles Montera and Clovis Trujillo. They will receive an IBEW watch as a symbol of appreciation for their dedication.

We have IBEW years-of-service pins for 2016 to be awarded as well. Our longtime members receiving awards are as follows:

For 45 years of service — Hade Bean, Joe Lucero, Art Oakley and Ramon Quintana. For 50 years of service — Harvey Beach, Albert Bornong and Norman Leonard. And for 65 years of service, we will be honoring Joe Flanders and Bloyce Lambuth. These brothers have witnessed great changes in the electrical industry and we wish them all a happy retirement.

Susan J. Johnson, P.S.

L.U. 16 (i), EVANSVILLE, IN — Members from Local 16 continued their tradition of benefiting the community during the last months of 2016 by setting up and maintaining the 23rd Annual Ritzy's Fantasy of Lights. This event features over a mile of festive holiday lighting displays. As of last November, $2,986,475 had been raised to provide over 92,000 therapy sessions for children and adults needing Easter Seals rehabilitation services. It would not have been possible without volunteers from the IBEW.

This past fall saw the completion of a large-scale solar facility at the interchange of U.S. 231 and Interstate 64. Despite extremely challenging weather conditions, Bro. Greg Ward and his crew finished the project, which allowed Hoosier Energy Rural Electric Cooperative to move ahead toward its goal of generating 10 percent of its power from renewable sources. Thanks to these electricians for demonstrating their skills in another emerging technology, and to forward-thinking companies as they strive to improve the world.

Congratulations on their election to: IBEW Int. Pres. Lonnie R. Stephenson; Int. Sec-Treas. Salvatore J. Chilia; Sixth District Int. Vice Pres. David J. Ruhmkorff; and IEC Chmn. Christopher Erikson. We are proud to have them represent us.

Donald P. Beavin, P.S.

L.U. 24 (es,i&spa), BALTIMORE, MD — At the Sept. 27 union meeting, the Local 24 Scholarship Fund awarded their second annual scholarships. Due to the overwhelming success of the 2016 Scholarship Golf Tournament, there were 20 scholarships awarded in the amount of $1,000 each. Various union members in attendance randomly drew applicants from a hat to select the winners. There were 54 eligible applicants.

The 2016 Local 24 scholarship recipients, and the schools they are attending, are as follows:

Steven A. Balbo — attending Palomar College; Pablo A. Briones — Coastal Carolina University; Robert Broadfoot-Schroeder — West Virginia University; Bethany P. Broznowicz — Salisbury University; Juliana M. Carlin — University of Pittsburgh; Anthony L. Celozzi — Harford Community College; Kaitlyn E. Cooper — Harford Community College; Dylan V. Demchuk — University of Maryland Baltimore County; Jill T. Flenner — University of Maryland; Kevin D. France — Dakota State College; Noah R. Frankenfield — Anne Arundel Community College; Mitchell J. Freund — Frostburg State University; Brianna L. Frutchey — Towson University; Stephanie Gold — Hunter College; Katherine V. Griffin — Towson University; Troy R. Hastings — American Military University; Brittany L. Heck — Community College of Baltimore County; Amanda C. McGowan — Towson University; Conor F. Thompson — University of Maryland; and Frank S. Voso — University of Baltimore.

Congratulations to the scholarship recipients!

Gary R. Griffin, B.M.

L.U. 26 (ees,em,es,govt,i&mt), WASHINGTON, DC — I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful holiday. Local 26 is excited about the prospects of 2017. The local's annual Christmas parties/meetings were well attended and enjoyed by members.

Scholarship time! Visit the local's website (www.ibewlocal26.org) for information and to download application forms for this year's Local 26 scholarship. The award is $2,500 per year, for up to four years of college. Applications may also be obtained by calling the Union Hall (301-459-2900) and requesting one be mailed to your home. The deadline to submit applications is March 31, 2017.

The following annual Local 26 events have been scheduled: The Electrical Workers Motorcycle Riding Club (EWMRC) will host their 6th Annual Poker Run on Saturday, May 6; the JATC graduation is Saturday, June 3; the annual Dollars Against Diabetes golf outing is Monday, June 5; the Manassas, VA, picnic is Saturday, June 24; and the Edgewater, MD, picnic is Saturday, Aug. 26. Please update your calendars accordingly.

Several members passed away since our last article: William C. Schwinghammer, Edward F. McGlynn, Claude J. Martin, William R. Cole, James F. Keaveney, Charles N. Henderson, Calvin O. Bayliff Jr. and Francis J. Coleman.

Best wishes to recent new retirees: Roy F. Boswell Jr., Peter C. Byrus, Keith L. Rowley, Timothy E. Ogle, James L. Koutoulakos, John T. Sherwood Jr., Jeffrey P. Beth, Paul J. Vicere, Gilbert J. Gray, Donald W. Judd and Larry H. Cross.

George C. Hogan, B.M.

L.U. 34 (em,i,mt,rts&spa), PEORIA, IL — Happy new year to all IBEW members from Local 34 officers and staff.

Local 34 would like to thank Local 364 for putting so many of our members to work as we experience a slight slowdown. With winter in full force, central Illinois has few new construction projects breaking ground. Hopefully, with spring just around the corner, Local 34 will have an upswing in new construction projects. One of the larger projects expected to break ground this spring is a new Convergence Center at Bradley University. This facility is designed to merge the university's Foster College of Business and Caterpillar College of Engineering & Technology. The merger will foster collaboration between the colleges and transition technological developments into marketable businesses in Peoria and surrounding areas.

Our Quincy jurisdiction looks to have a good amount of work this spring. Two new schools and a county jail are scheduled to break ground along with work at the Archer Daniels Midland facility in Quincy. In our Galesburg Division, St. Mary's Hospital will be starting a large addition in the new year. Local 34 is excited for what 2017 will bring and expects a prosperous new year.

Marc Burnap, P.S.

L.U. 38 (i), CLEVELAND, OH — Our recent picketing activities have led to some productive meetings with owners, developers and construction managers. It has helped us notify them and the public about the business practices of non-signatory contractors and their exploitation of workers. We have been able to show them how some of these contractors are illegally classifying workers as independent contractors. We have also been filing prevailing wage complaints against some of these contractors, which has resulted in the employers having to pay some big paychecks back to the workers for the violations.

Work has slowed down since the Republican National Convention for now, but we are hoping that the bigger projects that are planned get their financing so that they will start some time in 2017. Some work has started on the East Bank Flats. Irizar Electric is doing the new Rascal Flatts night club. The new Jimmy Buffet's Margaretville project should start soon, and there are plans for two new breweries and additional restaurants.

Dennis Meaney, B.M./F.S.

L.U. 40 (em,i&mps), HOLLYWOOD, CA — On Dec. 10, Local 40 celebrated a successful year in the industry to conclude 2016. The local held its annual holiday party for the membership and showed recognition to the graduating apprenticeship class of 2016, handed out service pins, recognized members for excellence in the industry and honored our retired brothers and sisters.

Our recipient for the Achievement Award for outstanding apprentice of the year was Daniel Peterson, and several other members received Recognition Awards for involvement in the local and excellence in the industry as well.

As the holiday season approached, the local reached out to give back to our community, in addition to celebrating our local's successes. In conjunction with the party, the local hosted a canned food drive for the Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission, benefiting the homeless, and also hosted a toy drive for the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission, benefiting homeless children. We thank the membership for their contributions and participation.

Local 40 wishes everyone a good new year in 2017. We hope that all of our brothers and sisters are prosperous in the year ahead and have an opportunity to help those less fortunate as part of our local's community service activities.

Stephan Davis, R.S.

L.U. 68 (i), DENVER, CO — During September through November last year, we were busy with political activity here at Local 68.

Members and their families volunteered to do phone banking. We canvassed neighborhoods, not just supporting specific candidates, but also discussing the issues. One of the big issues was so-called "right-to-work," which we fight almost every year here in Colorado. We explain to people what "right-to-work" is really about and how it would affect working people. Then we ask people to sign a pledge card stating that they oppose "right-to-work" legislation. So when the issue comes up again here in Colorado, we can take these pledge cards to our elected officials and show them that their constituents, public citizens and neighbors are also against it. This campaign was successful with several pledge cards filled out and returned. Here in Colorado we had some victories … and some losses, but as proud union members we will not let these defeats define us. We will continue to fight and take on the challenges facing working families and labor. It is vital that we stay active and let our voices be heard, even between election cycles, now more than ever.

On Nov. 17 our retirees held their Thanksgiving luncheon at Wishbone Restaurant. About 80 retired members and spouses attended. All had a wonderful lunch and enjoyed the brotherhood. On Dec. 3, our annual Local 68 Children's Christmas party saw around 345 children in attendance. Santa, Mrs. Claus, and elves were highlights. The Keystone Cops and Shriner clowns with their balloon designs are always a big hit also. Attendees enjoyed good food and fellowship.

We extend our sympathy to the families of recently deceased members: Bros. William J. Campbell, Nick Rino and James J. Smith.

Morgan J. Buchanan, Pres.

L.U. 100 (c,em,i,rts&st), FRESNO, CA — Local 100 welcomes newly elected Bus. Mgr. Ronny Jungk into office. Bus. Mgr. Jungk has served our local as organizer for over 15 years, and he has a big role to play in upcoming jobs in our jurisdiction. Also elected were: Pres. Gerald Zumwalt, Vice Pres. John Stevens, Treas. Joe Estrada, Rec. Sec. Chuck Stanton; Executive Board members Rory McCarthy, Scott Farmer, Luis Almendarez; and Examining Board members Darrell Goodpaster and Ryan Harrell.

Utility scale solar projects continue to dominate our landscape and will for quite some time. PLAs have also been signed for an additional 800 megawatts, with another 1.2 gigawatts of projects that are currently drafting agreements with our local.

The long anticipated arrival of high-speed rail has finally gotten started, with several infrastructure projects that are currently underway.

We anticipate full employment in our local for years to come once that project gets into full swing.

The need for state-certified electricians continues to be an issue regarding getting IBEW out-of-state travelers to work. The cost for taking the exam is $175, and certification could result in hundreds of thousands of dollars in wages should any travelers wish to work here in our state.

Our collective bargaining agreement for 2015-2018 will see a $5.40 increase to our local package. Pension will require some additional funding but the majority may go into wages. There will be a 75 cent increase, with 50 cents going into our pension on March 1, 2017.

On the organizing front, we've had some success recently in stripping manpower from a nonunion shop that does quite a bit of public works projects. We are continuing in this effort and seem to be making headway.

Mike Caglia, P.S.

L.U. 112 (c,i&st), KENNEWICK, WA — Members employed by Rock Electric, a signatory contractor with Local 112, recently posed for a photo in front of a new Holiday Inn Express that is currently under construction in Hermiston, OR. Members pictured are: journeyman wiremen Phil Carlson, Jim Jennings, Kim Carson and Richard Morgan; and apprentices Dan Wolcott, Callie Witt, Scott Walker and Ryan Mitchell.

Local 112 would like to congratulate Bro. Richard Morgan on his first place over-all finish in the Western States Apprenticeship Contest held in Pocatello, ID. Richard took first place in two separate events (Residential and Motor Controls) during the contest.

Travis Sellers, Mbr. Dev.

L.U. 150 (es,i,rts&spa), WAUKEGAN, IL — Well, 2017 has begun. Let's hope the GOP finally does their job, keeping the well-being of all Americans in mind when they vote. Remember, our elected leaders are there to listen to us. You would be amazed at how much difference an email, a phone call or a written letter can make. Please hold their collective feet to the fire.

At our Christmas meeting pins were given to members with 50 years or more in the IBEW. The following members received 50-year pins: M.L. Baker, Dick Bouma, Harry Carlson, Tom Faust, Roy Flood, Dick Gelden, Joe Longo, Al Sayerstad, Jimmy Sullins and Mike Templeton. Receiving 55-year pins were: John Bailey, Walter L. Carl, Ray Lamb, Bob Mortensen, Joe Musich, Al Schulz and Duwayne Thompson. Two men received 60-year pins: Vito Lubes and Dick Wells.

And as the book closes on 2016, let us not forget the members we lost this past year: Bob Kiesgen Sr., John Benson, Dennis Lackey, Ed Elfering, Joe Steber, Bill Roy Sr., Eddie Ellis, Bob West, Mickey Witten Sr., Erik Herman and John Rivi. Godspeed to them all.

Wendy J. Cordts, P.S.

L.U. 158 (i,it,mar,mt&spa), GREEN BAY, WI — Local 158 is once again flush with work and looking for manpower.

Many of the long anticipated projects have come to fruition and it will be a very busy 2017. There are several projects going on at Point Beach Nuclear Plant, with two outages scheduled for the spring and fall of 2017. There are also several projects going on at Lambeau field, home of the Green Bay Packers. Completion of most of those will be done by July 2017.

There is a lot of work at two shipyards in our jurisdiction, Bay Ship building and Marinette Marine.

The new year will bring much work at several hospitals, clinics and area schools. There are also projects at Proctor & Gamble paper mill in Green Bay and a new grocery store. We look forward to a prosperous new year.

Donald C. Allen, B.M.

L.U. 246 (ees,i,rts&spa), STEUBENVILLE, OH — Our local recently saw a successful outcome in a case that went before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Local 246 settled a discrimination/refusal to hire case against Aerotek staffing agency. The settlement amount of $9,300 was made payable to: Frank Redmond, David Pietro, Ryan Omaits, Greg Whiting, Jason Welch, Chuck Nemeth, John Clouston and Bob Kirkpatrick, all members of Local 246. Thank you, gentlemen, for your help and making it hard for the open shop to hire in our jurisdiction.

Community Service: Local 246 donated labor to the City of Steubenville and Old Fort Steuben to build electrical services for the city's Nutcracker Village Christmas display. This display is one of the biggest events in the city and we were proud to be part of it. A big thank-you to the Steubenville JATC directors Tony Shreve and Brian Ferguson for letting us use the apprenticeship facilities, as well as the apprentice classes that helped build the panels. Thanks also to JATC instructors Rich Cesta and Greg Serefini, who teach those apprenticeship classes. A special thank-you to those who dodged rain drops on a Sunday to install the electrical services: Local 246 members Frank Redmond, Rob Biacco, Dave Pietro, John Fenske, Brian Utt, Rob Kovaleski, Jim Truax and Eric Nutter. Great job!

2016 Elections: A big thank-you to Ryan Omaits and anyone who took the time to volunteer during the recent election cycle. Election results weren't great, but your effort was.

Eric Nutter, Mbr. Dev.

L.U. 292 (em,govt,i,rtb,rts&spa), MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Local 292's JATC program is one of the best in the country, which was proven once again at the latest IDEAL National Championship Finals. When it all was finished, fifth-year apprentice Mike Fox took third place in the Individual Apprentice Competition and won $10,000. Patrick Flanery, Benjamin Woodworth and Bryan Olson, all second-year apprentices, won first place in the Apprentice Team Competition with a group prize of $30,000. They have all been invited to compete again next year.

[Editor's Note: To read more, see news article "IBEW Members Dominate 'Elite Tradesmen' Competition," in this issue and posted on the IBEW website at www.ibew.org.]

Some of the credit for having such great apprentices must be attributed to our instructors, who have won first place for three straight years at the NEC Challenge. The contest started three years ago to find the top electrical code expert in the country. Since its inception, the only winners of this contest have been instructors from the Minneapolis JATC.

JATCs across the country train apprentices to become the most qualified electricians in the world. This is why the IBEW provides a level of production and quality work that is unmatched.

Eric Peterson, B.R.

L.U. 300 (govt,i,mt&u), MONTPELIER, VT — I would like to congratulate Maureen Bothfeld for being the first woman from Local 300 to be elected to and attend an IBEW International Convention. Maureen was one of the delegates from Local 300 who attended the 39th IBEW International Convention last year in St. Louis. Her work and her dedication to the members of Local 300 bestow great credit on her and the continued progression of women in the IBEW. I encourage all members to get more active in their local to support their fellow members and the electrical industry, and to be diligent in building on IBEW success in maintaining a proficient and efficient workforce, which includes a productive and meaningful labor-management relationship.

We will be watching how the political landscape reveals itself this year, and I encourage all members to get involved with cultivating the path to prosperity and good will. The IBEW and other unions create, support and maintain the values and livelihood that all working people seek to achieve. Support your friends, support your families, and most of all, support those who strive to achieve what you have helped create. As union members, we observe a principle stated in the IBEW Constitution, "… to elevate the moral, intellectual and social conditions of our members, their families and dependents, in the interest of a higher standard of citizenship.

I wish everyone a happy new year ahead and hope you have a safe, prosperous 2017. Be well and do good work.

Jeffrey C. Wimette, B.M./F.S.

L.U. 306 (i), AKRON, OH — On Nov. 12, we celebrated the 90th anniversary of our local. The event was marked with a banquet and award presentation. Our guest speaker was retired Bro. Bob Sallaz, who enlightened all with his knowledge of history, the electrical industry and the IBEW presence in Akron since 1899. Local 306 was chartered in 1926, and was actually preceded by three other former locals in Akron.

We have survived the Great Depression of the 1930s, the loss of the tire industry in the 1980s and the recent recession. Now, we are ready for the next 90 years! We thank every member, both past and present, for their hard work and sacrifice that has ensured the success of Local 306 and the IBEW.

In December we again held our annual Christmas party for our members and families. As always, the kids had a wonderful time. Entertainment included a magician, a balloon twister and a special visit from Santa himself. Thanks again to our Social Committee, officers and retirees for their help with this and all of our social events throughout the year.

In sadness we report the passing of Bro. Adam Stull and retired Bros. Mitchell Filing, Joseph Duncan, Richard Knepp and George Umbower. Our sincere condolences go out to their families and friends.

Thomas Wright, P.S.

L.U. 332 (c,ees,i&st), SAN JOSE, CA — Congratulations to recent apprentice graduates. Receiving their completion certificates were: 59 inside, 14 voice-data-video, and 13 residential apprentice graduates. Also, welcome to the 97 inside apprentices and 14 residential apprentices who were indentured in 2016.

Work has been excellent and we are glad to have enough work for the 1,900 traveling brothers and sisters here now. Work continues to grow, but it is crucial to take the necessary steps to get your electrical certification with the State of California to take advantage of the work that is available.

Special thanks to our stewards out in the field, who deserve recognition and appreciation for their hard work, good judgment, and the resolve to represent the local and the IBEW in an honorable and professional way.

We are fortunate to have grown our membership by almost 600 members in the last five years, a net increase of over 23 percent. This increase has helped us to push our market share up significantly as well, keeping more than 500 new jobs steadily out of the hands of nonunion contractors. We owe this increase to the dedication of both the leadership and membership to organizing all electrical workers and electrical contractors in our jurisdiction. We are proud of our members' commitment to the growth of our great union.

David Bini, Organizer

L.U. 340 (i,rts&spa), SACRAMENTO, CA — Once again the annual IBEW/NECA Operation Christmas Basket Fundraiser in December was a huge success.

In 1981, two local members, Bros. Lud Larson and Harry Bain, wanted to help local charities in our communities and bought a shotgun with their own money to raffle off at Christmas. I believe they raised about $300 that first year and then it just took off from there. Over the years, thousands of dollars in donations for food and toys have been raised through this fundraiser and given to local charities that focus on aiding union workers and their families who just need a "hand up" at the holidays. The incredible generosity of our signatory employers, our affiliates and our members makes this possible each and every year. For 2016, the top prize winner was one of our biggest employers, Schetter Electric. Not only did Schetter initially purchase over $200 in raffle tickets, but they won the $1,500 first prize and re-donated it back. Due to this generous and kind act, we were able to give out over $9,000 in 2016 to local food banks and children's' charities. That's true Christmas spirit and true unionism.

Rest in peace to: Bros. Richard Evans, Robert Johnson, C.T. Madden and Mike Palmer. They will be remembered. Rest in peace, brothers.

Robert D. Ward, B.M.

L.U. 352 (u), LANSING, MI — Happy new year from your brothers and sisters at the Local 352! 2016 ended on some high notes.

In September, Local 352 Bus. Mgr. Ron Byrnes and Pres. Tracy Tolbert attended the 39th IBEW International Convention in St. Louis, MO. Some highlights were connecting with members from all over the country, working with the law committee on new amendments, getting fired up by speakers like Sen. Tom Harkin and the International Officers, and watching newly elected International Officers get sworn in. Our local union officer delegates came home re-energized and shared what they learned.

Subsequently, Bus. Mgr. Byrnes and Pres. Tolbert joined a bargaining committee where they fought hard to get a new bargaining agreement for our local. Special thanks to Ron and Tracy, and to committee members Pat Rennie, Mickey Fountain, Jacob Haman, and Steve Perry for their diligence and hard work. Michigan is a so-called "right-to-work" state, but our sister and brothers emerged from the committee with a great contract! We couldn't be more proud.

Tracy brought in the giving spirit by organizing two events where our local fed the homeless community in Lansing. Thanks to our brothers and sisters who participated in those events. We are definitely stronger together!

Maggie Rich, F.S.

L.U. 364 (catv,ees,em,es,i,mt,rts&spa), ROCKFORD, IL — On Saturday, Dec. 3, IBEW Local 364 held its annual Kids Christmas Party with well over 230 members and their families in attendance. This event is one of Local 364's best attended events and really brings the spirit of the holidays to all who attend. Of course our Kids Christmas party would not be complete without a visit from Santa Claus, played by our own brother and retired full-time instructor Ty Hillman.

As of this writing the Belvidere Chrysler Plant has 100 journeyman wiremen on-site, with expectations to reach 400 to 600 by the time you read this.

The work outlook remains strong for Local 364 well into 2017, with the $500 million Mercy Hospital project underway as well as the OSF hospital's bed tower expansion. Local 364 is on pace for one of its best years in a very long time.

Plans are underway for Local 364's 100th anniversary festivities. Look for future information regarding this once-in-a-lifetime event.

Brad Williams, P.S.

L.U. 494 (em,i,mt,rts,spa&t), MILWAUKEE, WI — IBEW Local 494 member Pete Kohl recently donated peripheral blood stem cells to help save a life. His donation is being used to help a 27-year-old man with leukemia, whom he has never met.

We commend Pete for his generous and selfless action. Than you, Pete.

Kurt Jante, B.R.

L.U. 502 (c,em,i,it&t), SAINT JOHN, NEW BRUNSWICK, CANADA — IBEW Local 502 members and contractors responded to a fundraising request from Hestia House, a Saint John shelter for abused women and their children, by re-lamping the premises with energy efficient LED bulbs. Replacing conventional incandescent bulbs with energy efficient LED bulbs will result in a $3,500 reduction in energy costs each and every year.

Local 502 employers RFI Industrial Contractors Ltd. and Omega Electric together with IBEW Local 502 journeymen and apprentices installed LED bulbs throughout the Hestia House premises and replaced those fixtures not compatible with the LED bulb. Switching to energy efficient lighting represents a great opportunity to reduce your carbon footprint and save on energy costs.

We thank RFI and Omega and all IBEW Local 502 members who volunteered their time to support their community and this great cause.

David Stephen, Pres.

L.U. 530 (i,o&rtb), SARNIA, ONTARIO, CANADA — We would like to wish all our brothers and sisters a healthy, safe, and prosperous new year.

On Friday, Nov. 18, Local 530 held our 75th Annual Dinner Dance Banquet. After dinner a comedian performed, followed by a D.J. and dancing. At this event IBEW years-of-service pins are presented. Congratulations to all those members who were honoured.

Our annual Children's Christmas Party was once again a success last year. After members and their families enjoyed a session of skating, Santa arrived with gifts for all the children. Food was provided with social time. Thanks again to our Recreation Committee for putting this on and all the events they provide us with throughout the year!

Local 530 would like to thank Thunder Bay Local 402 for helping keep some of our members employed during these times.

Local 530 is saddened to report the recent passing of Bros. Dick Harris and Bill Card.

Al Byers, P.S.

L.U. 558 (catv,em,i,mt,o,rtb,rts,spa&u), SHEFFIELD, AL — Greetings, brothers and sisters.

At the time of this publication, Local 558 will be celebrating 99 years! Our charter was established in Florence, AL, on Feb. 28, 1918.

Local 558 held our service pins presentation on Nov. 14, 2016. This night is exciting and looked forward to by all. Forty-four members were awarded 25-year pins; 24 received 30-year pins; 18 received 35-year pins; 45 received 40-year pins; 23 received 45-year pins; 23 received 50-year pins; three received 55-year pins; eight received 60-year pins; nine received 65-year pins; and one member received a 70-year pin. We are proud to honor these members for their loyal and faithful years of dedicated membership to the IBEW and this local union.

In closing, we also had a special segment during our November meeting, as we hung a plaque in honor of our fallen Bro. Wendell G. Smith, who was tragically taken from us on April 11, 2016. His family were special guests of the evening and we reserved the hanging of the plaque to his wife, Mrs. Lisa Smith.

We hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful holiday season and we look forward to new opportunities for progress that the year 2017 will hold.

We send our best throughout the Brotherhood.

Tony Quillen, Pres./A.B.M.

L.U. 570 (i,mo,spa&u), TUCSON, AZ — Local 570 wishes all brothers and sisters a happy new year.

Local 570 has been active in the community, with numerous activities in the last quarter of 2016.

We thank the many members who came out and helped wire four Habitat for Humanity houses on a Saturday.

Our members also set up the 85-mile start for El Tour De Tucson bike race and participated in the Pima Area Labor Federation Holiday Food Boxes project. We filled 500+ boxes at Thanksgiving and at Christmas, with 20 Local 570 members receiving boxes each holiday. Thank you to all volunteers for their participation.

As for the work picture, we anticipate that it will be better for 2017. As of early December, some of our contractors have already picked up good jobs such as projects at Marriott Hotel in downtown Tucson, the tower at Banner University Medical Center, along with jobs at the airport and Raytheon.

Scott W. Toot, Pres.

L.U. 692 (i,mt&spa), BAY CITY, MI — Former business manager Jack Tobias retired Aug. 1 last year, following a dedicated 38-year IBEW career.

In 1978 Jack was indentured into IBEW Local 692. His first training assignment was at the Midland Michigan Nuclear Powerhouse, where he enjoyed working with IBEW members from across the map and gained great appreciation for the IBEW. After "topping" out, Jack had the opportunity, as an IBEW member, to travel for work. The life with a suitcase … Jack wouldn't have traded it for anything. Jack previously served as an Examining Board member, as vice president and for 17 years as president. In 2013, he was elected business manager. He served on the United Way board, the STEM Committee at Delta College, and was active with the Democratic Party and the Labor Counsel. Jack thanks the IBEW for the great memories and extends best wishes to newly elected Bus. Mgr. Travis Brady. Local 692 thanks Jack Tobias for his longtime service and wishes him a happy retirement.

Brothers and sisters, it is more important now than ever to stay involved in your local union and attend meetings!

We mourn the passing of retired Bro. Ronald W. Harris and extend condolences to his family.

It has been my privilege to write "Local Lines" articles since 2012. Because of my schedule, I have requested that someone take my place to write the articles.

Have a safe and happy new year.

Tammy Gottleber, P.S.

L.U. 702 (as,c,catv,cs,em,es,et,govt,i,it,lctt,mo,mt,o,p,pet,ptc,rtb,rts,
se,spa,st,t,u,uow&ws), WEST FRANKFORT, IL — We are saddened by the Nov.16, 2016, death of newly initiated member Arturo Silva, who was killed in a workplace accident (natural gas explosion). The investigation has been taken over by the National Transportation Safety Board and is ongoing.

Our members at Illinois Gas Company ratified a new three-year agreement, effective Jan. 1, 2017. Details include pay raises of 5.75 percent over the life of the contract and increases in the travel pay and welding premium. New rest-time language was added along with additional safety language and improvements to the severe weather clause.

We also have a new three-year Line Clearance Agreement. Wage increases are 2 percent each year with the contractors picking up the LINECO increases the first two years. If there is no LINECO increase the third year, 1 percent will be added to the National Electrical Annuity Plan (NEAP), bringing it to 20 percent.

The members at the four Southern Illinois Cooperatives have ratified a contract extension of five years that includes wage increases of 2.5 percent each year with a six-month earlier effective date for the contract and all raises, which will now be Jan. 1.

Our referral books are as follows: Inside Construction – 118, Outside Construction – 26, Line Clearance – 4.

Over 50 Local 702 members volunteered on Saturday, Dec. 10, to help the Southern Illinois Central Labor Council stock 18 regional food pantries in 16 counties. The year's donations totaled $22,500. Many thanks to all volunteers for helping needy families.

Mark Baker, B.R./P.S.

L.U. 1042 (u), SANFORD, FL — IBEW Local 1042 donated 55 new bicycles to children in the city of Debary. A special thanks goes out to Bro. Jim Turner for spearheading the 10th annual holiday event. Thank you to the membership for helping make this community service outreach possible.

William Anderson, B.M./Pres.

L.U. 1116 (em,lctt&u), TUCSON, AZ — Happy new year to all of our members. We hope you had a relaxing holiday season! 2017 presents us with many challenges.

Just because the elections are over, doesn't mean that we shouldn't pay attention to what is going on with our government representatives at both the state and federal levels. Unions have worked hard to enact many laws that protect our members, and we don't want to lose any of the ground we've gained.

Congratulations to journeyman designer Jessica Marchbanks, who was awarded the Charles R. Huggins Award for Exemplary Community Service for 2016. Jessica volunteered 68 hours in the course of her apprenticeship and over 200 hours throughout her career at Tucson Electric Power (TEP). She has volunteered for the following organizations: American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, Community Food Bank, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Girl Scouts of America, Humane Society of Southern Arizona, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation and Tucson Nursery School.

As always, regular unit meetings are held at 6 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month. The best way to find out what is going on is to attend a meeting. We invite our members from Asplundh and TRICO to join us.

Sharon Williams, P.S.

L.U. 1466 (u), COLUMBUS, OH — In September last year, Local 1466 was proud to send a group of delegates to represent our membership at the 39th IBEW International Convention in St Louis, MO. Attending from Local 1466 were: Bus. Mgr./Pres. Dan German, Vice Pres./Asst. Bus. Mgr. Rod Cockrell, Treas. John Biskner and Bro. Barry Hickle. The 2016 convention marked the 125th anniversary of the Brotherhood's founding. Convention delegates vote on IBEW resolutions, and help set the goals and agenda of the IBEW for the next five years. Thank you to our delegates for their willingness to be away from home to represent Local 1466 at the 2016 convention.

We hope everyone enjoyed the holiday season and is having a good start to 2017. For those of you who do not know, our three-year contract with American Electric Power will expire in 2018. We are looking at negotiations starting with the company sometime later this year. If any member has anything they would like to see proposed or addressed in the new contract, we would encourage you to attend union meetings this year and share your ideas. We are always eager to hear your thoughts and concerns and look forward to seeing you!

Jimi Jette, P.S.