Electrical
Industry Expo Highlights IBEWs Future, History
October/November 2001 IBEW Journal
President Hill and Secretary-
Treasurer OConnor open the
Electrical Industry Expo.
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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
OConnor used wire cutters to snip a cable to open the three-day
Electrical Industry Expo on Friday, September 7.
Some 130 companiesmany of them employers of IBEW membersassociations,
agencies, professional service firms, benefit plans, and departments
of the IBEWs 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 unions 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 Utaha utility employing IBEW membersattracted
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 IBEWs 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.
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