L.U. 10 (u), JOHNSON CITY, NY — IBEW Local 10 has new officers in place after recent local union elections. New elected officers are: Bus. Mgr./Fin. Sec. Gary Bonker, Pres. Kevin Lyon, Vice Pres. Tim Hlywa, Rec. Sec. Dan Roys; and Executive Board members Chris Fox, Tim Garceau, Roman Cefali, John Wild Jr. and Dave Androsko. Congratulations to all!

Local 10 is participating in the New York State Public Service Commission's public hearings regarding the Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) initiative. REV is intended to align electric utility practices and the commission's regulation with technological advances that have created alternate ways to meet electricity demands. The transformation of our state's energy infrastructure is important to us as workers and consumers. We need to make sure the commission understands that, and realizes the contributions our members make in the construction, operation and maintenance of our state's energy system.

Please re-familiarize yourself with the IBEW Local 10 website at www.ibew10.org and make sure that you are signed up for "Members Only," the official email for the hardworking members of IBEW Local 10. Members can also sign up for Local 10 text alerts at the site. Meeting dates and times for union meetings are also listed.

Don Tuttel, P.S.

L.U. 12 (i,o&se), PUEBLO, CO — More changes at Local 12! As many of you are already aware, Bro. Dean Grinstead resigned as our business manager. He was appointed as an International Representative in the IBEW Education Department. We are very sad to see him go. Congratulations, Dean, as you begin a new chapter in your service to the IBEW. The Executive Board appointed Bro. Thomas Kelley as business manager to fill the remainder of the unexpired term. Tom has hit the floor running and is doing a great job.

On Dec. 19, Local 12 had its annual Christmas gathering at the meeting hall. It is always so good to see everyone come together. After a delicious meal, there were presents for the children and lots of good cheer for the members.

The 116th Anniversary Award Banquet is scheduled for Feb. 20 this year. We will recognize last year's graduating apprentices and the recently retired members, and also award service pins. We'll have more details in the next correspondence.

Susan J. Johnson, P.S.

L.U. 16 (i), EVANSVILLE, IN — Brotherhood and the spirit of Christmas were certainly alive and well when several dozen journeyman wiremen and nearly 50 apprentices and helpers contributed hundreds of volunteer hours to make the 22nd Annual Ritzy's Fantasy of Lights possible. Fantasy of Lights is the premier fundraising event for the Tri-State Rehabilitation Center. Since the beginning, the event has generated over $2,833,407. The funds are used to underwrite physical, occupational and speech therapy sessions for area children and adults who otherwise could not afford these life-changing services. Special thanks also to Matthew Mullen and Nick Vaught for supervising the set-up and nightly maintenance.

Local 16 would like to remind members of the upcoming Winter Gala, to be held in late February. The evening will include dinner and drinks, and the opportunity to catch up with happenings in the jurisdiction. For more information, check your mail or contact the union hall.

The local wishes to recognize Nick Vaught for his promotion to business agent and Josh Quinn for his service to this local. We wish each of them the best as they take their careers in new directions.

Donald P. Beavin, P.S.

L.U. 24 (es,i&spa), BALTIMORE, MD — In August, Local 24 held its 16th Annual Family Picnic at Conrad Ruth's Villa in Bowley's Quarters. More than 1,300 members and their families attended. The weather was perfect, the food was delicious, the beer was cold and the comradery was priceless. The picnic was a great success thanks to the many volunteers who took time away from their families so that others could enjoy the day.

Congratulations to the members who worked on the solar projects at the three main campuses of the Community College of Baltimore County this summer, the Essex, Dundalk and Catonsville campuses.

This work at CCBC was originally awarded to a non-union firm that did not perform and eventually was kicked off of these projects. Union Electric Company was then asked to take on this work. Union Electric hired 75+ members of all classifications to complete this work.

Our members worked together and were able to complete all of these CCBC solar projects on time before the fall semester started — making a great impression on a general contractor who was not accustomed to dealing with a union firm or its employees. Thank you, brothers and sisters, for educating those involved on what we have to offer.

Michael Azzarello, A.B.M.

L.U. 26 (ees,em,es,govt,i&mt), WASHINGTON, DC — I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful holiday and I wish you the best in 2016! For your calendar, please note several events scheduled: The Electrical Workers Motorcycle Riders Club's 5th Annual Poker Run will be Saturday, May 7; the annual Dollars Against Diabetes golf outing will be Monday, June 6; the Manassas, VA, picnic is Saturday, June 18; and the Edgewater, MD, picnic is Saturday, Aug. 6. We hope you can attend one of our special events. For more information, please see our quarterly magazine, In-Charge, or visit our website www.ibewlocal26.org.

Applications are currently being accepted for the 2016 Local 26 scholarship. The award is for $2,500 per year, for up to four years of college. To obtain an application, visit our website www.ibewlocal26.org and download the form, or you may also contact the Union Hall at 301-459-2900, to request an application. The deadline to submit scholarship applications is Thursday, March 31.

The Retired Members' Club will set sail in June 2016 on a cruise to Bermuda as well as Nassau and Coco Cay, Bahamas! If interested, please contact Rick Warner as soon as possible.

Several members passed away since our last article: Stanley B. Harris, Gilbert I. Quackenbush, Robert V. Neary, Russell E. Pullen, Thomas W. Long, Gary A. Steppler-Krieg, Stephlevan B. Gbelee and Carey W. Lee.

Best wishes to recent retirees: Mary B. Appling, Michael D. Lambert, George Tedesco, Kevin T. McNeeley, Howard L. Ritchie Jr., Edward R. Sargent, Michael R. Shoemaker, Victor J. Bukewicz, George J. Hellmuth, Michael D. Hoyt, Damian L. Peach, David R. Porter, Raymond J. Skinner and Jaurequi Garcia.

Charles E. Graham, B.M.

L.U. 38 (i), CLEVELAND, OH — Local 38 members have a tradition of volunteering for the Winterfest Christmas Project. Over two weekends, approximately 90 members showed up to help out. Members worked from boom lifts, on ladders and on the ground to get the lights and decorations out and lit up. The displays look great and we received many accolades from the mayor, the county executive and other city leaders and media outlets for our participation. Thanks to everyone who came down to participate.

Some more great news on waterfront development has come our way as work has started on the Lakefront Development project, which spans from East Ninth Street to behind the Cleveland Browns stadium. The project includes restaurants, retail space, a hotel, offices, more than 1,000 apartments and a K — 8 school (for kindergarten through eighth grade) to support those apartment residents.

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

L.U. 42 (catv,em,govt,lctt&o), HARTFORD, CT — Local 42 congratulates two IBEW members, Craig Samatulski of Local 42 and William Evers of Local 456, who recently received a notable award. Craig and William were present on Oct. 6 last year at a serious multicar accident. A car had flipped over a guardrail and gone down a steep embankment. Both men acted quickly and resourcefully by using available equipment they had access to. The IBEW members were able to successfully extricate one of the vehicle occupants in that accident.

Police Sgt. Thomas Fern witnessed much of the commendable action Craig and Williams performed that day and nominated them for recognition.

The city of Norwalk Police Department and the board of Police Commissioners honored Samatulski and Evers on Nov. 16 and presented them with a Certificate of Commendation for their extraordinary actions.

Upcoming events for 2016 are as follows: Dinner Dance/Apprentice Graduation — April 23; Trap Shoot — May 7; Dinner Cruise -June 18; Chartered Fishing Trip — July 9; Annual "A" Picnic — Aug. 27; Trap Shoot — Sept. 10; Annual Bike Run — Sept. 24; and Christmas Smoker — Dec. 8.

Milton Moffitt Jr., B.M./F.S.

L.U. 48 (c,em,i,rtb,rts,st&tm), PORTLAND, OR — Our Local 48 RENEW chapter is awesome!

Our members truly are embracing the mission of the RENEW (Reach out and Engage Net-gen Electrical Workers) initiative by becoming active in our local union and by focusing on issues important to younger workers, providing education about the IBEW and the labor movement, and fostering relationships with members and our leadership.

Our Local 48 RENEW chapter includes a diverse group of members — men, women, single, married, and some with families. They come together to serve our local and our community under the IBEW banner. Most RENEW participants give of their time, even though we wonder how they can fit it into their busy schedule.

Our RENEW members participate in political phone banking, political door knocking, raffle ticket sales at membership meetings for RENEW, and clothing drives for the homeless; they also donate time working in an area community garden project. Many RENEW members attended Labor Education Research Center (LERC) summer school and were educated on labor history, duty of fair representation, how to perform effective committee work, and union solidarity.

Please feel free to contact Local 48 Bus. Rep. Terry Reigle for more information about RENEW initiatives.

Bob Blair, P.S.

L.U. 68 (i), DENVER, CO — Greetings, brothers and sisters. Calls slowed in October at Local 68 but oddly picked back up in November with a few calls still hitting Book II.

We had an informational meeting at the union hall on Oct. 24, with a representative from Prudential, about our annuity funds. Approximately 100 attended. It was a good question-and-answer forum for the members.

On Nov. 17, Local 68 hosted the Eighth District organizing meetings at our hall. We had a good turnout from all locals.

Our retirees had their Thanksgiving get-together at Wishbone Restaurant with 94 retired members and spouses in attendance.

On Dec. 5, the Local 68 Children's Christmas Party was held at our hall. Some 351 kids brought their parents to see "Santa," and the children received toys made in the USA. Everyone enjoyed the great food and treats for all.

I hope you all had a safe and happy holiday season with your family and friends.

Remember: "Brotherhood — Pass it On."

We extend deepest sympathy to the families of our recently deceased brothers: Marvin L. Gregory, Dennis D. Archer and Leo G. Eberhart.

Jack Cox, Pres.

L.U. 70 (lctt&o), WASHINGTON, DC — PAR Electrical Contractors, a longtime union contractor, took over a transmission job from a nonunion contractor in Virginia. PAR came in and — with the help of IBEW local 70 members and the contractor's own union men — went to work to make sure that this job for Dominion Virginia Power was done safely and on time.

PAR, which sacrifices no expense when it comes to safety or tooling to get a job done, brought in two helicopters to help make sure the timeframe was met on a very important outage project.

The project required long hours, seven days a week, and working through holidays. We are proud to report that the job got done successfully and on schedule. Thanks to the union members who made sacrifices to get this work done. Congratulations to PAR and IBEW members on a job well done.

Jimmy Horton, P.S.

L.U. 110 (em,i,rts,spa&u), ST. PAUL, MN — Local 110 installed a unique tribute, called the Veterans Honor Wall, to honor all military veterans who served in the U.S. armed forces. These veterans served to keep our country safe. As a fellow veteran, I am very proud that Local 110 has given all veterans recognition. Thank you to Local 110.

Jon "Jack" Buchal, P.S. Pro Tem

L.U. 124 (ees,em,i,mar,rts,se,spa&t), KANSAS CITY, MO — After spikes in employment that put calls into Book 2 in early 2015, our local's construction employment picture has returned to where it was a year ago. The work that area general contractors and engineering firms predicted seems to be on hold. Our Book 1 remained fairly constant throughout 2015.

Labor won a major political battle when the Missouri House of Representatives sustained the governor's veto of so-called "right to work" legislation. Thanks to the following for their efforts in Jefferson City: Missouri Rep. Joe Runions, a Local 124 retired member; our Political Dir. Porfirio Raya; and Local 124 Pres. Rudy Chavez. Thanks also to the members who contacted their Missouri legislators.

While RTW received the most attention, the Missouri General Assembly dealt the construction industry a blow by overriding the governor's veto of HB 150, a bill that reduces unemployment benefits by 35 percent.

On the Kansas side, Gov. Sam Brownback's tax cut experiment has left that state's coffers with a multimillion-dollar deficit and has become a national embarrassment. Our Kansas members can barely wait until 2018.

2016 elections will be our next opportunity to elect public servants who will serve the people on Main Street rather than those on Wall Street. Please get politically active and become part of a revolution; future generations depend on it.

We remember recently deceased members: John W. Barnes, Kenneth J. Brownlee Jr., Jerome C. Dick, Raymond Dunkle, Norman Lee Evert, Denise Hansberger, Carl McKarnin, Louis Rinehart, Donald L. Wissman and Donald J. Zimmerman.

Congratulations to recently retired members: Jack Bell, David Binger, Greg Carter, Danny Collins, Kevin Elwell, Larry Hilliard, Glenn Holmes, Richard Mathews Jr., Scott Parkison and Geoffrey Quer.

Terry Akins, B.M./F.S. Steve Morales, P.S.

L.U. 130 (i), NEW ORLEANS, LA — Last summer kicked off negotiations on three different building trades contracts for projects at: Harrah's, the Superdome/New Orleans Sports Arena, and the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

We succeeded in negotiating raises and needed language changes on the Harrah's and Superdome projects. The Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, however, appeared to be a losing battle from the start. Management had begun an incentive program offering immediate wage increases, if the crafts gave up union representation before negotiations took place. One by one other crafts gave in to the tactic. However, our IBEW members stood strong, while Local 130 Bus. Mgr. Paul Zulli met with management to address concerns regarding wages and language. In the end, the unity of our members and Paul's efforts won a hard-fought battle. This unity and cooperation earned members a $2.48 increase immediately and language that could bring increases shortly after. Local 130 has now become the sole referral system for electricians at that site for the next three years and the conduit for the other crafts should they once again agree to be represented. The power of unions is UNITY.

Last year we began negotiations on our inside agreement; it was clear this would be a long battle also. At press time, we have many issues to be addressed and look forward to finding common ground to work together with our partners. In late November we visited the Council on Industrial Relations (CIR) and a decision was made to return to the negotiation table to try to work out our issues.

To end the year on a high note, the contract to start construction on the new airport terminal at New Orleans' International Airport was signed. This project will employ many members and has brought much-needed new contractors to our area.

As members, please remember that our issues and problems need to stay in our house. The workplace is not the place to vent or discuss our business. There are many ears who pass on our information and business to parties who use it against us during negotiations. Stand strong and united; together we win every time.

Billy Buckel, P.S.

L.U. 134 (catv,em,govt,i,mt,rtb,rts,spa&t), CHICAGO, IL — At our December monthly membership meeting, we sponsored two events regarding veterans. The first was a Socks for Soldiers Collection. We gathered more than 3,000 pairs of socks for area homeless veterans for the winter months.

We also held an Honored Veteran Pin Ceremony. An advance mailing went out inviting all Local 134 veterans to attend. Bus. Mgr. Don Finn thanked all veterans for their service to our country and our local, and he asked the veterans to introduce themselves and announce the branch they served in and the years they served. Well over 100 veterans, active and retired members, were in attendance. I was honored to be among the veterans recognized. Former Local 134 president and Marine veteran Rich Rioux presented each veteran in attendance with a special honorary pin. Our veterans received a standing ovation. Special thanks to Bus. Rep. Marty McElligott and Jim Valleyfield for putting these two events together.

At this writing, we were preparing for our second Annual Terry Allen Memorial Children's Christmas Party on Dec. 19 at the union hall.

The majority of the work we do is in the city, and that is the reason our Building Association is looking at multiple locations in the city as possible sites for relocating our union hall. A special meeting will be scheduled when our Building Association has more available details.

Frank Cunningham, R.S.

L.U. 146 (ei,i&rts), DECATUR, IL — Congratulations to several Local 146 members on their recent retirement and a job well done: John Miller, Steve Holland, Jimmy Smith, Curt Young and Shawn Whetsell.

As of this writing, we are still waiting for the start of the Cronus Fertilizer project and the Eon Wind Farm project. However there is some good news: Exelon announced that there will be no decision made on the future of the Clinton Power Station for at least another year. A maintenance outage is scheduled for this spring.

We invite everyone to check out the Local 146 website at www.ibew146.com and view the great photos of our members as well as union activities we held over the last year, and be sure to see the Green Light and Red Light lists.

Rich Underwood, R.S.

L.U. 150 (es,i,rts&spa), WAUKEGAN, IL — The following members were awarded their inside journeyman wireman certificates in 2015: Matthew Armitage, Jonathan Bender, James Brenner, Alexis Carrillo, Michael Lallaman, Robert Logan, Randy O'Day, Nicholas Siebert, and Jeremy Topp. The Robert C Hansen Award (Highest GPA for the 2014-2015 school year) was awarded to: Nicholas Siebert. The Outstanding Apprentice Award (Highest overall GPA for all five years) was awarded to: Matthew Armitage. Congratulations to all of these young men on their achievement. Best wishes from the entire membership for a long, healthy and successful career.

The local RENEW program is up and running. The purpose of the Reach out and Engage Next-gen Electrical Workers (RENEW) initiative is to inspire the next generation of IBEW workers to become more involved in their local union by focusing on issues important to younger workers, providing education about the IBEW and the labor movement, and fostering relationships with members and local union leadership. Check it out on the second Tuesday of every month at 5:30 p.m. at the hall.

Last year we lost the following brothers: John Giles, Richard Dosenbach, William Carrick, Gerald Laurent, Roger Williams Sr., Jon Bliss, George Smith, Ray Ekdahl, and Ted Galvani. Godspeed to them.

The JATC has plenty of journeyman update classes available. Remember most of them will count toward any CEUs you need to keep your license active if you are licensed in another state.

[Editor's Note: The National Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (NJATC) rebranded in 2014 and transitioned into the Electrical Training Alliance. See "NJATC Transitions into the Electrical Training Alliance," The Electrical Worker (Sept. 2014), and at www.ibew.org.]

In Solidarity,

Wendy J. Cordts, P.S.

L.U. 158 (i,it,mar,mt&spa), GREEN BAY, WI — Local 158's work picture was a bit slow during the holiday season, but we expect a busy spring and even busier summer. We had a scheduled outage project at the Point Beach Nuclear Plant in October and will have another outage for the other unit in March. We appreciate everyone who helped us man our work there, both Local 158 members and traveling brothers and sisters.

We will have work coming up at: Point Beach Nuclear Plant, Bay Shipbuilding, Marinette Marine, Marinette Aurora Hospital, Green Bay Psychiatric facility, Lambeau Field and many more jobs yet to be released.

We started construction on an addition to our office building in mid-October for classrooms and a training lab. At this writing, work on the facility was progressing nicely. We caught a break with the beautiful fall weather. At press time, we anticipated that the new space would be ready for classes by early 2016. We can hardly wait.

Donald C. Allen, B.M.

L.U. 300 (govt,i,mt&u), MONTPELIER, VT — I hope all members had a safe and happy holiday season and wish you well for the upcoming spring/mud season. In recent months Local 300 has made significant forward progress with organizing Asplundh line clearing and tree trimming employees. Their enthusiastic acceptance and willingness to trust the organizers of Local 300 is a great feeling and a significant achievement. Local 300 looks forward to the ability to help secure a better way of work and life for the Asplundh workers. We also look forward to meeting and working with Asplundh management to help grow the company's network within the utility industry, and to improve employment for future IBEW members to come.

The winter season had a slow start this year. However, winter weather will likely have reached full swing by the time you read this — with temperatures below zero. The construction unit has been busy and continues to stay steadily employed in the industrial, commercial and solar arenas. We look forward to the construction season and warmer weather ahead.

Keep your eyes focused on the political debates and debacles. Your health insurance and livelihoods rely on your staying in tune and involved.

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

L.U. 302 (i,rts&spa), MARTINEZ, CA — Once again we are about to choose our U.S. president in 2016 elections. Voter turnout will be much higher than in the past few midterm, non-presidential elections.

We view choosing our president as very important. But wait! It is also critical to remember that local, county and state elections are also of great importance for the lives of working people.

In some respects, our local City Council, mayor and supervisor, as well as state legislators, have much more to do with the daily lives of our members than the most powerful man in the world, the president of the United States!

The mayor decides what does and does not come before the city. City Council members vote on critical issues. They approve projects. They set the standards for the community.

County supervisors do the same for matters not governed directly by the various cities. Assembly and Senate folks are a bit farther away in the state Capitol, but they approve legislation that puts our members to work on state projects.

The president may set the course for the nation as a whole, but our local elected officials help determine the quality of life where we live, learn, shop and enjoy the communities we build.

Yes, vote for our next president! But also support, thank, and vote for those at the state and local level who will work to make our days better and brighter!

Bob Lilley, A.B.M.

L.U. 340 (i,rts&spa), SACRAMENTO, CA — In late November, I had the opportunity to showcase the largest project in our jurisdiction — the new Golden One Center Downtown Arena — for IBEW Ninth District Int. Rep. Michael Meals. We were joined on an extensive project walk by Local 340 Asst. Bus. Mgrs. Bob Ward and Andrew Meredith; our local jobsite stewards and foreman; and then-Pres. Tommy Meredith, who at the time was working on the project. I was proud to show off the fine craftsmanship that our Local 340 members are exhibiting for the three project contractors on this job — Placer Electric, Whittington Electric, and Rosendin Electric.

[Editor's Note: At press time, Local 340 reported with deepest regret that Pres. Tommy Meredith passed away on Dec. 4.]

This huge project, which put many of our members back to work after a long dry spell, would not have been possible without the hard work of the members, officers and staff of Local 340, both past and present. They fought to make sure Sacramento had a new, fitting home for our NBA team, the Sacramento Kings. This project continues to spur further economic development in the Sacramento downtown area, and there are several new union projects already in the works. My staff and I are working diligently with developers in order to secure this future work for Local 340 members.

We mourn the passing of several members since our last article: Pres. Tommy Meredith and Bros. Tim Bailey, Scott Fray, Augustine Granaoz, Jerry Hobson, Kenneth Melchiori, Robert Neidigh, Albert Sperling and James R. Steelman.

Tom Okumura, B.M.

L.U. 352 (u), LANSING, MI — After participating in the 31st Annual Silver Bells in the City electric light parade with our neighboring IBEW Local 665, and sharing successful campaigns for both Toys For Tots and United Way, we want to wish you all a happy New Year!

Local 352 Pres. Tracy Tolbert and Vice Pres. Maggie Rich ushered in 2016 in the spirit of service, by traveling to New York City to participate in the Electrical Workers Minority Caucus 26th Annual Leadership Conference held Jan. 14-17, over the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend.

Tracy and Maggie attended leadership and skill-building workshops and participated in panel discussions with delegates from locals from across the U.S. and Canada. They also participated in Community Service Day of Giving; hundreds of conference attendees went into the community and provided electrical work and other types of service. They were excited to meet fellow members, eager to learn from and share stories, happy to participate in community service projects, and humbled as they toured the 9/11 World Trade Center Memorial.

As our unions are being attacked and prevailing wages challenged, we're proud to stand with our IBEW brothers and sisters. In unity, there is strength!

Maggie Rich, V.P.

L.U. 400 (es,i&o), ASBURY PARK, NJ — Local 400 Bro. Eric Houghtaling won election to the New Jersey General Assembly in November 2015, unseating the GOP incumbent for the first time in over 20 years. The valuable support of the IBEW local unions in New Jersey, the AFL-CIO, Monmouth-Ocean County Building Trades, and Central Labor Councils brought about a huge win for organized labor. Eric is the third IBEW member now serving in the New Jersey Legislature. General Assemblyman Joseph Egan, deputy majority leader, is a member of IBEW Local 456, and Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo, deputy speaker, is a member of IBEW Local 269. Bros. Egan and DeAngelo won re-election in November last year. Congratulations to all three brothers.

Local 400 congratulates Don Mazza on his 50th anniversary teaching our JATC apprenticeship courses. In addition to teaching, he is a dedicated participant in the Retiree Committee. [Editor's Note: The National Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (NJATC) rebranded in 2014 and transitioned into the Electrical Training Alliance. See "NJATC Transitions into the Electrical Training Alliance," The Electrical Worker (Sept. 2014), and at www.ibew.org.]

The Wellness Committee had a very active year during 2015. They were busy providing our members with health screenings (AngioScreen), Weight Loss Seminars, Tobacco Cessation Programs, and our annual health fair. The Wellness Committee always works hard to keep the membership healthy and strong.

Raven Morris, P.S.

L.U. 412 (u), KANSAS CITY, MO — The 2015 apprentices for the Mechanic Apprenticeship program were chosen and have begun their three-year training at Cedar Point, Kansas City Power & Light's new training facility. This group will graduate in September 2018.

IBEW Local 412 currently has an Electrician Apprenticeship group in training; they are in their first year of their apprenticeship.

Congratulations to all the apprentices!

Debi Kidwiler, P.S.

L.U. 464 (mt), COVINGTON, VA — On Oct. 29 at the Best Western in Covington, VA, IBEW Local 464 met to honor three retiring members: David Knick, electrician; David Maddy, electrician; and David Morris, instrument journeyman.

Local 464 Bus. Mgr./Pres. Rodney Bell served as master of ceremonies for the event. A crowd of family and friends gathered to celebrate this significant milestone for the three honorees. These men have careers that in total represent a span greater than 100 years, and all three were employed by one manufacturer.

Congratulations, gentlemen, on your longtime careers — and thank you for the memories you provided us and more importantly, your service. God bless each of you in your new journey.

Cliff Persinger, P.S.

L.U. 466 (em,es,i&rts), CHARLESTON, WV — On Sept. 12 last year some of Local 466's members, both active and retired, braved spotty showers to have a golf scramble tournament at Bridge Haven Golf Club in Fayetteville, WV.

The winning team was Mickey Knowles, Dan Burdette, John Shea and Terry Fogarty. The longest-drive winner was Gary Alford. The longest-putt winner was William 'Tree" Ondra. Closest to the pin was Terry Fogarty. Everyone had a good time. Thanks to all who attended, and a special thanks to Dustin Vaughn and Paul Monroe for driving the beverage cart. Let's do it again next year.

Joe Samples, B.M.

L.U. 494 (em,i,mt,rts,spa&t), MILWAUKEE, WI — The Milwaukee Area Building Trades hosted its 2nd Annual Labor Awards event, and Local 494 was honored with two very special awards. We were awarded the "Local of the Year Award," and Local 494 Bus. Rep./Organizer Rick Gutierrez received a "Lifetime Achievement Award."

Local 494 congratulates Rick on winning this very prestigious award — and, more importantly, we congratulate him on his well-deserved retirement, effective mid-January 2016. Rick began his IBEW career in 1978 as an apprentice, and he served as business rep/organizer from 2007 until his retirement. Rick has served our union as: a steward on various jobs; a delegate to several IBEW International Conventions; and as a member of our Apprenticeship Committee. He also served on various Labor Councils, and was very involved with both the Milwaukee Building Trades and the Latino community in our area.

We wish to publicly thank Rick for all he has done for Local 494. He is well-liked and much respected by his union brothers and sisters for all his dedication and hard work. One would be hard pressed to meet a gentleman as sincere and down to earth as Rick is. Enjoy your retirement, brother.

Kurt Jante, B.R.

L.U. 520 (i&spa), AUSTIN, TX — The year 2015 was closed out on a positive note! Volunteers from Local 520 enjoyed giving back to the community with a Habitat for Humanity Blitz build. Two homes were completed in just two weeks.

Local 520 has been active with Habitat for Humanity since 2002, completing more than 100 homes in Austin and central Texas. To view a video of the latest event use this link: www.facebook.com/374752682377/videos/10153792282862378/?theater.

Lane Price, Pres./P.S.

L.U. 530 (i,o&rtb), SARNIA, ONTARIO, CANADA — Nov. 20 saw our local celebrate our 74th Annual Dinner Dance and Banquet. It is at this event every year where members receive their years-of-service pins. As always a social hour was followed by a great meal, then music and dancing.

Our Children's Christmas Party was Dec. 6. Local 340 members and their children were invited for an open skate. After the skating Santa arrived to hand out gifts and take Christmas wishes from all the kids.

As in previous years we again collected nonperishable goods to be donated to the Inn of the Good Shepherd. All food goods donated go to the less fortunate in our community during the holiday season.

Local 530 wishes all IBEW members a safe and prosperous 2016.

Al Byers, P.S.

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

We are proud to be celebrating our local's 98th anniversary this year. IBEW Local 558's charter was established in Florence, AL, on Feb. 28, 1918.

Local 558 held our Service Pins Presentation for members on Nov. 9 last year. This is one of our most exciting nights and looked forward to by all. The local awarded 74 25-year pins, 23 30-year pins, 57 35-year pins, 42 40-year pins, 46 45-year pins, 13 50-year pins, 11 55-year pins, eight 60-year pins, four 65-year pins, and one 70-year pin. We are proud to honor these members for their loyal and faithful years of dedicated membership with the IBEW and this local union.

Our work picture was slow this past year in our construction sector. We ratified six collective bargaining agreements in 2015 and have seven collective bargaining agreements scheduled for negotiations in 2016. Also, we are preparing for the upcoming 2016 spring outage scheduled at TVA Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant in Athens, AL.

We hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful holiday season and look forward to new opportunities for progress that 2016 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 had another slow year with work in our jurisdiction. Thank you to the fellow IBEW locals that put our traveling brothers and sisters out for work in their regions. We look forward to a better work picture in 2016.

We didn't let last year's work situation stop us from maintaining our tradition of community service.

In November and December Local 570 members volunteered at the following events:

• Southern Arizona Construction Career Days — Local 570, NECA and the Tucson Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Program helped more than 1,000 students to bend conduit and wire basic circuits with the help of journeyman wiremen, construction electricians and apprentices;
• The Cyclovia biannual cycling event with over 20,000 riders;
• The Tour de Tucson, where Local 570 volunteers staffed the 75 mile start line at the 33rd annual cycling event with approximately 7,000 riders; and
• Local Holiday Food Boxes project — Local 570 volunteers joined others in packing up food boxes distributed for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Forty food boxes went to members of Local 570 on each of those holidays.

Thanks to all the volunteers, including: Pete Sabin, Tanya Houston, Elizabeth and Hugo Valdez, Patrick Armet, Orion Gresham, Mike Pugh, Scott and Anita Toot, Chuck and Mary Grube, Miguel San Juan, Dick Solomon, Russ Wind, Kevin Cunningham, Kris Cobbs, Marcos Escarcega, Stephen Phininzy, Patrick McKnight, Cody Aalberg, Eric Stoltz, Anthony Leyvas, Alan Nido, Clayton Fitzgerald, Alan Brizee, Clayton Oertwig and others.

Scott W. Toot, Pres./Mbr. Dev.

L.U. 584 (ees,em,es,i,rts,spa&u), TULSA, OK — Happy 2016, brothers and sisters. I hope you all had a nice Christmas and got to spend some time with friends and loved ones over the holidays.

One of our bigger stories is a new effort by Ted Jenkins, our JATC director, to help first-year apprentices with the initial costs of their training. While first-year apprentices find themselves in good financial shape by the end of the year, there are upfront costs that they have to meet for books and tools, which can run about $800.

But Jenkins looked into a new program through the Labor Department and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, which offered reimbursement for the budding electricians. Many of them were able to save hundreds of dollars, which helped them better transition into their new careers. Check out the full story in a new video on our YouTube page: www.bit.ly/ibew584youtube.

[Editor's Note: The National Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (NJATC) rebranded in 2014 and transitioned into the Electrical Training Alliance. See "NJATC Transitions into the Electrical Training Alliance," The Electrical Worker (Sept. 2014), and at www.ibew.org.]

As of this writing, journeyman Larry Martinez was gearing up for the Tulsa Shootout — the world's largest indoor Micro Sprint Car event. Look for exciting coverage of Bro. Martinez's performance at www.ibew584.com.

Until next time, work safe, and please attend your monthly union meetings. Thanks for all of your good work and commitment.

In solidarity,

Alan Shipman, B.M.

L.U. 606 (em,es,i,rtb,spa&u), ORLANDO, FL — Local 600 sisters and brothers participated in an October deep-sea fishing trip organized by the hall. Sixty members joined in the fun aboard The Orlando Princess out of Cape Canaveral. Although the seas were rough, and a few people became seasick, everyone enjoyed themselves. It was a great day for brotherhood, fishing and relaxation.

At the time of this writing, the Local 606 organizing department is in full gear preparing for another Blitz & Industry Night. Our last Industry Night had over 200 electricians attending; our goal at press time is to surpass that number by half. Work in our jurisdiction continues to be good, and our signatory contractors expect more work in the future.

With great sadness, we report the death of several Local 606 members: Gary Hunter, Woody Sullivan and Rudy Griffith. These brothers will be sorely missed.

Fernando Rendon, R.S./P.S.

L.U. 636 (as,catv,em,spa&u), TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA — On Oct. 5 last year, Rob Ellis from My Safe Work spoke to the students of St. Joseph Catholic High School in Windsor, Ontario.

Rob's son was killed in a workplace incident in 1999 and Rob has made it his mission to educate high school students on safety in the work place.

Champions from United Way, Enwin Utilities, Essex Powerlines and IBEW Local 636 were in attendance. It was extremely encouraging to see how engaged the students were and how challenging the students' questions were. We learned that our future leaders are challenging each of us to improve in our communications, reporting safety performance and training.

Afterward, members from Local 636, including Bus. Mgr. Barry Brown, presented Rob Ellis from My Safe Work a cheque in the amount of $15,250. These funds were the proceeds from Local 636's annual Golf Tournament.

Christie Armstrong, R.S.

L.U. 692 (i,mt&spa), BAY CITY, MI — We are pleased to report that working people in Michigan have won another round in defeating attempts by anti-union forces to repeal prevailing wage provisions in our state.

Local 692 and the Michigan State Building Trades were among those working to oppose efforts by the anti-union Associated Builders & Contractors and Silver Bullet Inc. of Nevada to gather signatures for a petition to have a prevailing wage repeal initiative appear on the 2016 ballot. It appears a Michigan firm was also hired to collect signatures. The foes of prevailing wage failed to get enough valid signatures to have the measure put on the ballot. Many signatures were found to be duplicates and many others ruled invalid. We are waiting to see what ABC and others will do next. Brothers and sisters, please continue to call your state representatives and state senators and explain what prevailing wage means to you and your family. If you haven't yet called your elected legislators, please consider calling today. This is a very important issue for our state. Thank you for your participation on behalf of working people.

We had some good news in our Bay City elections. The elections went in our favor. Thank you to all who voted.

We continue to have some calls for work coming in and those calls will most likely be filled by Book 1.

Please keep our servicemen and servicewomen in your thoughts and prayers! Buy union-made, American products!

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), WEST FRANKFORT, IL — On Nov. 12, prior to the expiration date, a new three-year agreement was overwhelmingly ratified by the membership at Illinois Consolidated Telephone Communication, with a 1.75 percent general wage increase each year of the contract and an initial $1,000 ratification bonus. Other changes include a performance bonus in which $500 is guaranteed in 2016; Roth 401(k) investment option; double-time on some holidays; vacation schedule improvement, elimination of vacation restrictions on weekends; improvements in job postings; enhanced severance package due to the Repair Department closing; and an increase to the on-call pay. This is a monumental achievement in the telecommunications industry.

At Alcoa, a new agreement was ratified 81 to 2. It is a five-year contract with annual wage increases of 3.0 percent, 2.5 percent, 2.5 percent, 2.75 percent, and 2.75 percent in each respective year of the contract, as well as increases to all shift premiums, improvements to holiday pay, and an additional personal (sick) day.

Congratulations to our International Lineman's Rodeo journeyman team of Matt McElroy, Mike Smith and Andy Ahner, who finished fifth overall in the Contractor Division and 11th in the Hurtman Rescue Event, while Apprentice Andrew O'Connor finished seventh overall (out of 315) in the Contractor Division.

As of this writing, our referral books are as follows: Inside Construction - 75, Outside Construction - 15, Line Clearance - 1.

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

L.U. 760 (i,lctt,o,rts,spa&u), KNOXVILLE, TN — Local 760 and Bus. Mgr. Tim Tate thank Int. Rep. Janet Schwingshakl from the IBEW Education Department and Tenth District Int. Rep. Charles Rains for their expertise and instruction provided during last year's Steward Training class at Local 760.

The role of union steward can at times be one of the most thankless jobs, but it is a most vital contact between workers and their union. Union stewards have been a backbone of the labor movement for generations. They act as a model of fairness; they accept the responsibility of understanding their contract; they have a basic knowledge of legal guidelines and OSHA laws; and they investigate and follow proper grievance procedures. They also take on many other roles and work as a coordinator and assist with organizing. A good union steward can deal with each person as an individual as well as communicate the goals of the company as a whole to their union brothers and sisters. Union stewards must set the standards for quality craftsmanship and efficient production, and also promote a safety-conscious attitude in the workplace at all times. These good training and education principles ensure that the IBEW will remain strong and continue to elevate the moral, intellectual and social conditions for our members and their families.

Jason Leary, Organizer

L.U. 968 (catv,i,mt,o,rts,spa&t), PARKERSBURG, WV — IBEW Local 968 had two members attend the Young Worker Caucus in July last year — Bro. Michael McGee, a fourth-year apprentice, and Bro. Shawn Gates, fifth-year apprentice.

Three Local 968 members attended the AFL-CIO Leadership Training in June. They were: Bro. Gary Hamilton, journeyman wireman; Bro. William Westbrook, fourth-year apprentice; and Bro. Keaton Housel, third-year apprentice. It's good to see young members taking an active role.

Local 968 held its annual picnic on Sept. 26. Boy Scout Troop 129 and their leader Alan Lloyd (a Local 968 member) and wife Denise did an excellent job with activities for the children, including games and a cake walk. We were also pleased to see a number of Local 968 retired members in attendance at the picnic.

With regret we report the recent passing of several members: Bros. Paul Atkinson, 61-year member; Jim Blair, 45-year member; Paul Blair, 61-year member; and Danny Rake, 47-year member. We have great memories and stories about these IBEW Local 968 brothers. They will be missed.

Lynford C. Lovell, B.M.

L.U. 1928 (i,o&u), HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA — Maritime Electric (an electric utility in Prince Edward Island, privately owned by Fortis) continues its commitment to retain and re-train its 19 skilled IBEW Local 1928 thermal plant workers to keep them permanently employed after its sole fossil-fuel generation plant is laid-up in December of 2018.

In spring 2016, several Local 1928 thermal plant engineers will attend theory training toward a second trade, some of them in mechanical trades, which Maritime Electric sees a need for in the future.

Most of Prince Edward Island's electrical load is carried by purchase of power from neighbouring New Brunswick Power via two subsea cables from New Brunswick. Given the shrinking targets for greenhouse gas-emitting, fossil fuel-driven generating plants — while Maritime Electric is a relatively small utility (with 178 employees and 78,000 customers) — it is heartening to see an employer commit to the skilled members of Local 1928 and consider the future value that they can bring to a business in transition.

Andrea McQuillin, A.B.M.