L.U. 8 (as,em,i,mar,mt,rts,s&spa), TOLEDO, OHIO — Now that winter is finally behind us, we can see brighter skies, at least jobwise, hopefully for a long while.

Local 8 could see upwards of 300 wiremen on Fiat Chrysler's Jeep Wrangler line-retool project by the time of this April publication; this project should be good until summer rolls in. Then, long-term projects just sprouting will take us well into 2019. Those include: Leipsic Steel, Oregon Clean Energy's second plant, and Cleveland Cliffs Iron Ore Processing Plant. The Cliffs project alone could reach a $2 billion total investment!

I'd like to give a huge shout-out to Bro. Chris Windom. In late 2017, Chris took on a monumental volunteer task to expand Rebekah's Haven, a shelter for women and children in Toledo. "We were so limited and the demand so high, that the shelter had to turn away 400 families last year," Chris said. He is spending his weekends rewiring the three-story building, which will provide enough space for 20 families and open the door for them to have new opportunities. He thanks Local 8's business office for putting out the call for volunteers, and getting tools and materials to keep the project going. Bro. Windom truly exemplifies what it takes to improve the social conditions of the entire community.

Mike Brubaker, P.S.

L.U. 16 (i), EVANSVILLE, IN — Despite harsh weather conditions and a couple of setbacks, the festive holiday lighting display known as Ritzy's Fantasy of Lights generated over $160,000. These funds will provide approximately 3,330 sessions of rehabilitative therapy for people in need. Since the project's inception, this brings the grand total to over 72,000 sessions provided and $3,300,581 raised. 2017 marked the 24th year for this major community service project. The participation of IBEW members raises the value of the IBEW brand and clearly demonstrates the union's skills.

Retired brothers are maintaining an active schedule, with breakfasts on the fourth Tuesday of each month and lunch on the second Friday, as well as bike riding, Tonk card playing, trap and skeet shooting, Pickleball, and boxing. If you are interested in any of these lively get-togethers, call the Local 16 union hall for times and locations; however, should you decide to step into the ring, just remember to watch out for Bulldog Barry Burleigh!

Many thanks go to Paul Green, Greg Hebbeler, Dan Gretler, Ryan McRoberts, Gerald Packer and Brandon Wongngamnit for their efforts to negotiate a fair and equitable collective bargaining agreement that will serve the needs of the membership and promote the unionized electrical industry.

Donald P. Beavin, P.S.

L.U. 26 (ees,em,es,govt,i&mt), WASHINGTON, DC — At last … springtime in Washington, D.C.! The Local 26 Scholarship Committee is reviewing the many scholarship applications and will make a decision soon. The winners will be announced in our quarterly magazine, In Charge, as well as in the local's upcoming article in The Electrical Worker.

Preparations have begun for our golf outing, and our picnics are on the horizon as well! The golf outing will be Monday, June 4, so be sure to send in your registration forms before May 18. The Manassas, VA, picnic will be Saturday, June 23; and the Edgewater, MD, picnic will be Saturday, Aug. 25. Remember to mark your calendars for these wonderful, fun-filled events!

We are saddened to report that several members passed away since our last article: David E. Allison, Blandin Mozon, Gregory L. Jones, Leslie J. Meeks, Jay O. Green, Werner C. Grabner, Ronald G. Stephens, Ronald F. Hibbard, David W. Hollandsworth and Derrick J. Manigault.

Best wishes to the new retirees: Ronald A. Russell, Jerry W. Weedon, David M. Cusack, Kenneth L. Tomlin, James R. Lacy Jr., Paul F. Abbott, Mark L. Freeman, Glen E. Price, Charles W. Buchanan, Richard A. Poss, Angelo O. Sowers, Frank J. Panetta Jr., Michael S. Burroughs and Herbert R. McDonald.

George C. Hogan, B.M.

L.U. 34 (em,i,mt,rts&spa), PEORIA, IL — With the arrival of spring, we are hoping for improved hours this year. Last year was a trying time for most of our local members. While work in our Quincy area remains strong, the rest of the local has been lagging. The work outlook is improving, with one local hospital pledging to spend almost $800 million on projects in the coming years. Also, we are seeing an abundance of solar farms being proposed. These projects will be finalized this summer with bidding shortly after, and work following late this year or the beginning of next year. Thank you to surrounding locals that have been able to employ many of our brothers and sisters.

The political picture in Illinois is taking center stage. As this article went to press, primary elections were scheduled to be held in March of this year and midterm elections are in November. Some estimates indicate that the race for governor may be among the costliest ever. This factor alone should be a stark reminder that voting is important for our way of life. Big money anti-worker donors can commit millions of dollars to the campaigns of candidates who want to take away our livelihood. Remember, it costs nothing to cast your vote, but your vote can directly affect your paycheck.

Recently Local 34 hosted our annual Red Cross Blood Drive. Thanks to the efforts of volunteers, donors and Bus. Rep. Dave Lowder, we collected 22 units of blood.

Tim Sprout, A.B.M.

L.U. 38 (i), CLEVELAND, OHIO — The work outlook for Cleveland this year looks pretty good.

At the time of this writing, the major renovations at "The Q" arena were only a few weeks away from beginning. The first phase of the project at The Quicken Loans Arena will start with replacing all the air-handling units and adding new ones. The footprint of the building will be enlarged, and then interior renovations will take place right after the end of the Cleveland Cavaliers season. The new renovations will total about $140 million.

Around the corner from the arena, renovations for the old May Company building are set to begin this year. Floors one through five on the Euclid Avenue side will be retail, and floors six through nine will be apartments. The first floor on the Prospect Avenue side will be retail, and floors two through nine will be apartments. The parking garage will also be renovated.

We have about 50 members working on the Amazon fulfillment center project in North Randall with numbers set to increase there soon. Ullman Electric should be hiring more soon for the core electrical work, and BCU Electric Inc. will be hiring for the conveyor system work.

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

L.U. 40 (em,i&mps), HOLLYWOOD, CA — With Memorial Day coming up, Local 40 respects the men and women who have given their life to protect our country. IBEW has thousands of members who have served, and we appreciate all the members of the IBEW and Local 40 who have served in the armed forces.

Currently, Local 40 has one of our own serving in the U.S. Marines, Bro. Joshua Geller. Bro. Geller is a third-year apprentice, and he has taken a year to pause his apprenticeship to serve our country. Bro. Geller is currently deployed in Afghanistan. The local sent a care package to him and his unit, with IBEW shirts, stickers and apprenticeship applications. We look forward to his safe return, and we thank Bro. Geller for his dedication to service.

Another Local 40 apprentice, Bro. Donovan Brunkalla, is currently in the U.S. Army reserves. Bro. Brunkalla spends his evenings studying for school, and he spends weekends with his unit.

Utilizing the Helmets to Hardhats program, Local 40 connects with veterans to help provide an opportunity for a quality career and fair wages. Whether it is utilizing our apprenticeship program to provide the necessary training, or through organizing, we want our veterans and members of the military on active duty to know that Local 40 has a place for them.

Thank you from IBEW and Local 40 to all our veterans and active-duty military service men and women.

Stephan Davis, B.R./R.S.

L.U. 46 (as,c,cs,em,es,et,i,mar,mo,mt,rtb,rts&st), SEATTLE, WA — April is "Pin Night." Please join us on Wednesday, April 11, at 5 p.m., as we celebrate our sisters and brothers for their years of service in the IBEW.

Our Inside Wireman Unit contract expires May 31, 2018. Local 46 should have contract negotiations well underway by April. Our Bus. Mgr. Bud Allbery has selected the members of the negotiating committee. The committee has received training from our international representatives, and a survey was sent out to the Wireman's Unit to identify the most significant issues. Based on the current work picture plus our excellent market share and union density, our negotiating committee has the tools for getting our members the best possible contract.

Local 46 continues to have more work than our members can man. We need travelers! If you are interested in working out of Local 46, please take the necessary steps to get your state of Washington Journey-Level Electrician certificate before you come out. Washington does not reciprocate with any other state and there are no temporary electrical licenses. If you have completed an IBEW apprenticeship, getting approved for testing is quick and simple. Please contact us and we will assist you with getting your Washington state license.

Warren Shill, V.P.

L.U. 48 (c,em,i,rtb,rts,st&tm), PORTLAND, OR — In 2017 we signed 13 contractors, including five nonunion shops, five "home-grown" shops, and three travelling shops. Mark Adams Electric brought 12 new IBEW members and Veteran Electric brought 11. Combined, all 13 new shops now employ over 220 IBEW members on jobs all throughout our jurisdiction. This is a real-world example that could easily be a case study for our COMET training.

2018 is already off to a great start. On Jan. 13 this year, we signed Coburn Electric. That means 20 new members, and at this writing Coburn expects to hire three journeyman wiremen immediately.

Under Bus. Mgr. Gary Young's leadership, our Organizing Department is doing truly amazing work. In 2017, Aaron Barber-Strong, Wayne Chow, Christina Daniels, Randy Davis, Matt Smyth and Scott Zadow have helped recruit 251 electrical workers.

On a somber note, Local 48 recently lost two icons of organized labor. Norman D. Malbin passed away Oct. 1, 2017, after 20 years as Local 48's legal counsel. And J. Melvin Connor, a former organizer and 40-year member, passed away Jan. 1, 2018. The dedication of these brothers will not be forgotten.

Ray Lister, Rep./P.S.

L.U. 68 (i), DENVER, CO — Greetings, brothers and sisters. Local 68 held its annual Christmas party for members and their families on Dec. 2. Thanks to the help and hard work of volunteers, 342 children and their parents enjoyed the afternoon.

On Dec. 19 the local, along with Int. Rep. Dean Grinstead from the I.O. Education Dept., conducted a "Member to Member" training session. Over 70 members attended and received useful information. If you did not attend that session, more opportunities are coming up. The organizers, with a goal of increased member participation, will conduct monthly training for: Member to Member, Member to Future Member, or COMET classes. So, check with the organizers to see what classes are coming up and plan to attend. A local is only as strong as its members.

Colorado HB 18-1030, a proposed anti-labor "right-to-work" bill, was killed in committee on Jan. 17. Every year we fight this legislation here in Colorado and we defeated it once again. Thanks to those who testified against this bill and to everyone who came to the hearing. Organized labor packed the hearing chamber and the overflow in an awesome show of brotherhood for a common cause.

Mike Jack was appointed as the new dispatcher for Local 68. Keith Hewitt, former dispatcher of seven-plus years, retired in December. Thank you for your dedicated service and enjoy your retirement, Bro. Keith.

We extend deepest sympathy to the families of our recently deceased brothers: William D. Mollison, Donald R. Miller, Deryl L. Botts, Doran J. Robb, Timothy R. Crabtree and Richard A. Yeager.

Morgan J. Buchanan, Pres.

L.U. 80 (i&o), NORFOLK, VA — On Dec. 14 last year, the IBEW Local 80 RENEW Committee volunteered at the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia & the Eastern Shore. In two hours they completed 2,076 meals for those less fortunate.

Our local also participated in Code of Excellence training on Dec. 7. We will now be able to teach and certify our members.

We also look forward to our annual Local 80 picnic on May 5 this year.

Wil Morris, A.B.M./P.S.

L.U. 124 (ees,em,i,mar,rts,se,spa&t), KANSAS CITY, MO — Brothers and sisters who voted to "drain the swamp" should take note of the cesspool rising in its place. The damage to working families comes from the appointment of labor-hating judges and cabinet officials who will work to decrease our wages and working conditions.

The glaring truth of Trump's tilted tax law should leave no doubt about who this president represents. Our checks may be larger, but the flip side is that we lose most of our deductions. No more itemized deductions for tools, boots, mileage and union dues just to name a few. Higher-income families will benefit more in after-tax income gains than will middle- and lower-income families. The tax cut disproportionately helps the wealthy at the expense of workers. Corporations will benefit the most with a reduction from a 35 percent tax rate to 21 percent. A rate this low was last used during the Great Depression. The injustice is that business tax cuts are permanent, while individual tax cuts expire in 2025.

We will have an opportunity to correct course this year. Please vote labor in 2018 midterm elections.

Kansas City will have several large construction projects this year, including a new airport and downtown hotel along with many other projects. We look forward to full employment soon.

Steve Morales, P.S.

L.U. 150 (es,i,rts&spa), WAUKEGAN, IL — Greetings, brothers and sisters! This should find us in April and according to my Farmer's Almanac we should be experiencing weather in the 40-degree range with showers most of the month. I hope this is correct.

The JATC has many choices for those wishing to take continuing education classes, either for their own edification or for the CEUs. Something to keep in mind regarding the Foxconn job in Racine — it has already been stipulated that you must have Code of Excellence training and most likely OSHA 10 within the last five years. There are also Wisconsin licensing requirements but as to how those will wind up in the end is unclear at this point. But be sure that your CEUs are up to date. Courses being offered this spring by the JATC are: OSHA 10, OSHA 20 Continuation, NFPA 70E, IMSA Work Zone I, IMSA Traffic Level I, IMSA Traffic Level II, IMSA Hands On, CPR with AED/First Aid, Code Review and Motor Control I. I think there are plenty of options there for anyone wishing to keep up their CEUs.

The date for the annual picnic is Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018, at the Lakewood Forest Preserve. See you there!

Wendy J. Cordts, P.S.

L.U. 212 (i), CINCINNATI, OHIO — As of this writing, there are renewed attacks on workers' rights at the state level in Ohio. Union workers from across the state gathered on Feb. 24 for a "Day of Action." We stood with our state legislators such as Rep. Brigid Kelly and Sen. Cecil Thomas to make sure our voices are heard.

At press time, many of our members were also making plans to participate in the St. Patrick's Day parade in March with the Greater Cincinnati Building Trades. That event is always fun for all ages!

Our work outlook remains steady. Ongoing projects include Cincinnati's Union Terminal restoration project; the University of Cincinnati's Fifth Third Arena project; Northern Kentucky University campus buildings; and the Ford Motor Co. transmission plant in Sharonville.

There are upcoming outages scheduled at two power houses. Additionally, plans are underway for an entertainment venue at "The Banks" along the river. Also, the Hamilton County Coroner building will be completed under a community development agreement; this project is slated for late summer.

Our democracy and our union are not spectator sports! Get out there and get active.

Phil Bovard, P.S.

L.U. 246 (ees,i,rts&spa), STEUBENVILLE, OHIO — Our new agreements for Inside, Teledata and Residential went into effect Nov. 27, 2017, and are effective through October 2020.

On Dec. 9 last year our annual dinner dance was a great time for all. During the celebration, Pres. Frank Redmond and Vice Pres. Ryan Omaits presented service awards and pins to eligible recipients who were present. Receiving 60-year pins were Raymond Selman and Harold Urich; 50-year pins — James Cunningham, James Pilutti; 40-year pin — David Morgan; 25-year pins — William Davis, Daniel Diserio, Frank Redmond, Jeffery Smith, William Welch and Paul Zorne. Service award recipients not in attendance: 50-year members — Charles Deshler, Danny Florian, William Mellington, Harry Porter and Terry Stoll; 25-year members Jennifer Badgley, George Hudson, William Kendrach, Mathew Pastre and Douglas Smith. Our late Bro. John "Jack" Pearson, who was a 65-year member, was unable to attend the December event; sadly, Jack passed away on Dec. 19. Congratulations and thank you to all service pin recipients for your years of service and dedication to the IBEW.

We are pleased to introduce our newest members. Inside and residential apprentices were sworn in at our Dec. 27 meeting. Inside: Ean Bland, Devin Ferguson, Jason Holt, Shane Keener, Scott Kosek, Michael Pietro and Hunter Wallace. Residential: Corey Mitchell, Steve Mitchell, Mark Moore and Ronny Payton. Congratulations, gentlemen, and welcome to Local 246.

Eric Nutter, Mbr. Dev.

L.U. 292 (em,govt,i,rtb,rts&spa), MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Once again Local 292 members had another great showing at the second annual IDEAL National Tradesman Competition in Lake Buena Vista, FL. There were 30,000 entrants and for the second straight year our JATC won the top apprentice team competition. Michael Fox, Andreas Penna and Jeremy Welle each won $10,000 by beating out six other finalist teams. Our JATC also received $5,000 for having the top team. Additionally, Fox, Penna and Welle competed in the individual apprentice competition, and Welle placed second with a $20,000 prize!

We are so proud of our top-notch apprentices, the instructors who teach and the journeymen who mentor them. We claim to have the best JATC in the country, and that claim is backed up by two straight team championships, another top three individual finish, and the fact that we had more wins in this year's event than any other organization.

Eric Peterson, P.S.

L.U. 300 (govt,i,mt&u), MONTPELIER, VT — Congratulations to the 120 Asplundh employees who voted to organize in January of 2016, and who ratified their first collective bargaining agreement in January of 2018. The new Local 300 members weathered the two-year negotiation period with a positive response to ratify the agreement. Congratulations to all.

Spring has sprung here in Vermont (no snow at press time), and business is booming for the construction industry. Vermont has placed a significant emphasis on apprenticeship programs within the building trades and elsewhere to help with the shortage of trades members, as well as better training models to improve skill levels. I just hope our legislative parties and nonunion adversaries can stop tripping over each other and allow Vermonters to take advantage of this positive change. Stay tuned.

Contract negotiations for Burlington Electric, Vermont Gas Systems, Stowe Electric, and Morrisville Water and Light will commence this year. Negotiations with Lyndonville Electric took a whopping three hours and were successful in developing an amazing outcome for the members and the department. I think they set the bar for this year. Any takers?

We wish all members a wonderful spring (mud) season and look forward to seeing you in throughout the summer.

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

L.U. 302 (i,rts&spa), MARTINEZ, CA — 2017 was a good year for Local 302. We are enjoying full employment, with a good number of traveling brothers and sisters helping us fill our calls.

During the holidays our local had a couple of events. On Dec. 2 we had our annual Christmas Dinner Dance. That night the members had a good time dancing and winning raffle prizes. Our master of ceremonies Russ McNally made sure that everyone had a fun evening. The winner of our grand prize was third-year inside wireman apprentice Carlos Palacios.

Dec. 9 was our Santa party for the children and grandchildren of our members. It is a day for the children to enjoy crafts, cookies and getting their pictures with Santa. Our local owes special thanks to our secretaries June Rogers, Nicole Potter, Cathy McStocker and April VanBuskirk. Their hard work is what makes that day a success.

2018 looks like another good year for our local and the San Francisco Bay area. We still have a good amount of work to come in the refineries this year, and with the project labor agreements (PLAs) we have and those we are working on, we should have enough work to keep us busy.

Tom Hanson, B.M.

L.U. 332 (c,ees,i&st), SAN JOSE, CA — Every new year is a time for reflection on past accomplishments and our future. For Local 332, 2017 was a very busy year with new leadership and near record breaking man-hours logged with numerous projects being completed with union labor. Our 2018 projections appear just as positive.

We ended 2017 with some tremendous successes. One of the most notable accomplishments was an organizing campaign at the end of the year that brought in over 40 new members desirous of better conditions, wages and training.

We welcome these new members to our ranks. We are sure they will embrace the culture of unionism, a rich culture steeped in, among other things, a tradition of community involvement. Here in Local 332, as with other locals, this culture was particularly apparent during the season of giving. Imagine how proud we were to see this culture in action when our apprentice group initiated a food drive that collected over 2,000 pounds of food, which was then distributed to local families and individuals in need. We are appreciative that they have embraced the union culture and will help to promote that legacy.

Andrew Rogers, P.S.

L.U. 400 (es,i&o), ASBURY PARK, NJ — James Gratton was a 44-year member who served as business manager of Local 400 for 26 years. He also served as president of the Monmouth & Ocean County Building Trades. Jim set the standard for how all future managers of Local 400 would embody our jurisdiction. He represented both our local and the IBEW with pride, maintaining the highest of standards. Jim represented all our members with class and dignity. He had a special way to make every job dispatch feel as though it had been handpicked just for the individual.

As building trades president, Jim was a pioneer in establishing relationships with developers and politicians on both sides of the aisle. Jim negotiated New Jersey's earliest project labor agreement (PLA) at Oyster Creek Nuclear Facility, established a trade council to represent workers at Great Adventure, and was instrumental in organizing the BA members of Fort Monmouth.

On Jan. 17, 2018, Local 400 honored James Gratton's funeral procession. As he passed the union hall one last time on his way to his final resting place, the highway was lined with 250 of his brothers and sisters.

Michael Ricca, B.A.

L.U. 428 (govt,i,rts&spa), BAKERSFIELD, CA — Spring is upon us and with the warmer weather comes the next wave of renewable energy projects for our area.

Utility grade photovoltaic solar projects are still the main driver with multiple 100-plus megawatt projects set to start in upcoming months. These will undoubtedly clear our journeyman books and allow us to continue to expand our apprenticeship rolls.

Other work looks promising as well, with school bond work projects bidding now and the much-anticipated California High Speed Rail finally making its way into the county.

In other exciting news, our newly established RENEW group meets monthly before the general membership meeting. Thanks to Bros. Jacob Owens, Robert Elliott and Kevin Absher for stepping up and taking on leadership roles to get this thing going.

Our Local 428 Annual Family Picnic will be held at the Kern River Picnic Area (same place as always) on Saturday, April 7, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please join us for the usual good food, good drink and fellowship. Hope to see you all there!

Brian Holt, A.B.M.

L.U. 446 (i), MONROE, LA — IBEW Local 446 would like to recognize three loyal, hardworking and honorable recently retired members. Brothers Lonnie Peters, James Bagwell and Danny Decorte retired in 2017. We wish to thank these men for their dedication and hard work in representing IBEW Local 446. These men worked every day to show America the importance of working as union members in the electrical field. Local 446 officers, members and staff wish our brothers a happy, healthy retirement and hope they get to enjoy time with their family and friends. Best wishes, brothers!

Ken Green, B.M./F.S.

L.U. 520 (i&spa), AUSTIN, TEXAS — The year 2017 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 over 100 homes in Austin and central Texas.

We also had a great turnout of Local 520 volunteers for Operation Blue Santa, which provides holiday toys and food for needy families. Additionally, Local 520 members made a significant contribution to the Central Texas Food Bank.

Lane Price, Pres./P.S.

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

This year, Local 558 celebrates 100 years of service in north Alabama and southern Tennessee. Our local was chartered on Feb. 28, 1918. Local 558 has played a pivotal role in the early years of the Tennessee Valley Authority. This local has played a huge part in space exploration, mankind walking on the moon and the national defense. Local 558 has had the honor of hosting a presidential candidate kicking off his campaign. However, most of all, our local has given mothers and fathers dignity, hope and security while they worked to provide for their families. This local has fulfilled all the objectives of our IBEW Constitution, by seeking a higher and higher standard of living.

Work has been increasingly better for this year. We are awaiting further announcements on the Toyota-Mazda assembly plant to be built in Madison, AL. We expect this to be one of the largest construction projects ever in our jurisdiction and we will need help in manning this project. Also, we have been fortunate to expand into some new facilities, and 2018 looks like it will be a monumental year for Local 558.

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

L.U. 584 (ees,em,es,i,rts,spa&u), TULSA, OK — Hello, brothers and sisters. It has been a steady 2018 at your local union hall. As of this writing, it looks like the job picture will be picking up for the spring and summer. At the union hall and in the field, we have been working hard to not only bring in new sisters and brothers, but to also make contacts with contractors who could benefit from using our skilled labor.

To help in this effort, we created a new organizing and marketing website — www.IBEW584Advantage.com. It's just one more tool in the toolbox to help us grow and get more work. Our organizer K.J. Payton has been visiting sites and talking to contractors every day, and I feel like we are positioning ourselves well for growth and prosperity in 2018.

We also recently enjoyed a victory when IBEW 584 activism got an anti-union contractor kicked off a project for the new Red Wing Shoes store in Tulsa. Red Wing had been using a general contractor that was discriminating against signatory shops. We didn't think that was right — especially since Red Wing still does a fair amount of work with unions and makes many of their boots in the USA. After some phone calls and emails to their corporate office, they agreed with us, and removed the contractor. You can read about this victory at www.IBEW584.com.

I hope you enjoy the season and I look forward to seeing many of you at our next regularly scheduled union meeting. In solidarity.

Jeff Sims, B.M./F.S.

L.U. 606 (em,es,i,rtb,spa&u), ORLANDO, FL — One of our electrical contractors had his company logo featured on a car that raced at the 2018 Daytona 500 in February.

Carter Electric's logo rode on the back of the #20 DeWalt Toyota in the Daytona 500. This was made possible because of the partnership with Carter Electric and DeWalt Tools, and DeWalt's end-user program. Carter Electric owner Doug Carter is a graduate of the Local 606 JATC and a longtime member of the local. He was in the pit area and met Dewalt racing team owner Joe Gibbs and driver Eric Jones, who drove the #20 DeWalt race car. DeWalt made sure all had a good time, even though the car's race was cut short by an early accident.

Work in our jurisdiction continues to be very good. Our signatory contractors continue to pick up work and the construction boom shows no signs of letting up. There are many opportunities for travelers, with the calls going into Book 2 on a regular basis.

Fernando Rendon, P.S.

L.U. 666 (i,mt&o), RICHMOND, VA — With the arrival of spring, the work picture in our jurisdiction, like many others in the country, is promising. Help grow our local and educate new members as things progress.

Thank you to our delegates to the Virginia AFL-CIO Legislative Conference in January this year: Bros. James Underwood, J. D. Jenkins, Charles Skelly, Eric Lambert, Robert Humphries and David Small, Sister Rebecca Dickerson, and COPE Chm. James Farkas. The delegates also participated in Labor Lobby Day and did an excellent job presenting our issues to state legislators. What a difference a year makes. … Thanks to the recent wave election in Virginia on Nov. 7, 2017, we saw a much better reception for labor and our issues this year than in recent memory.

Our Local 666 bylaws call for the nomination of local union officers in May, in preparation for a June election. Stay involved and participate, and perhaps run for an office! Attend the May and June meetings and be part of our industrial democracy!

Congratulations to recent retirees Mack Parson and David Dolan!

Charles Skelly, P.S.

L.U. 684 (c,i,rts&st), MODESTO, CA — Greetings, brothers and sisters. 2017 was an incredible year for our local and state, with our books empty for almost the entire year. We are grateful for the brothers and sisters who brought their knowledge and experience in from all over the state and country to lend a hand in completing several local projects.

With the addition of two new organizers to the Local 684 team, along with Local 684 organizer Marcos "The Ghost" Salas, we've doubled our market share in the last couple of years at a rate among the highest in the country.

With the two upcoming solar projects, the Tuolumne County Courthouse & Jail project, the continuation of University of California Merced's 2020 project and many smaller-scale projects, our work picture is outstanding in the Central Valley. As of press time, we are also in contract negotiations and are confident we will reach an agreement soon with our local NECA contractors.

Local 684 general meetings are the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m., with our barbecue starting at 4:30 p.m. If you happen to be in and around Modesto, come join us!

Dave Jones, P.S.

L.U. 692 (i,mt&spa), BAY CITY, MI — Brothers and sisters, if you have never been involved in the political process, now we need your help more than ever before.

We were provided information during previous election cycles regarding which candidates were worker-friendly and would be better for our union movement. If you honestly look at what the candidate does once in office, not what he says he will do once elected, for the last year the results could not be more clear. Read or re-read the article "State of the Worker," published in the February 2018 issue of The Electrical Worker. The article is also posted on the IBEW website at www.ibew.org/media-center/Articles/18Daily/1802/180222_StateoftheWorker.

Facts, brothers and sisters, not some Russian robot army dispatched to cause confusion, spread lies, and distort the record. We are a nonpartisan organization, but we do track politicians' votes and recommend candidates. Although some Democrats let us down on certain issues in past years, the alternative is very disturbing. Anti-worker foes are overtly trying to get rid of us for good. We may be down, but not out.

Get politically involved, get out to vote, and help make our voices heard on issues most important to working people. Too few members participate. Every vote counts — so take a stand in the fight for workers.

Our work picture is still slow, so thank you to our sister locals for keeping us going. Hopefully we can repay them in the future.

We regret to inform you of two recent deaths. Bro. Terry Pierson died at age 58 on Dec. 11, 2017. Retired Bro. Jack Osland, 81, died Sept. 28 last year.

Mark Thompson, 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 will once again host our retirees to a luncheon on Tuesday, April 3, this year in Mt. Vernon, IL, at the Cedarhurst Center for the Arts.

All of our members should have received a Child ID Kit in the mail over the winter. This initiative, started by the National Football League, has been supported by the IBEW. We hope none of our members or their families ever need to utilize one of these kits in the case of a missing child, the kits could be vital in saving time for such instances. More kits are available upon request.

On Jan. 28, IBEW Local 702 member Hunter Ivie, a journeyman lineman from Pemiscot Dunklin Electric Cooperative in Missouri's Bootheel region, joined other Electric Cooperative members from Missouri and participated in the "Brighter Bolivia" project.

Our smartphone app continues to develop as members now have the ability to pay their dues online or through the app. Members can also re-sign now online or with the app between the 10th and the 16th of each month.

As of this writing, our referral books are as follows: Inside Construction — 128, Outside Construction — 36.

Mark Baker, B.R.

L.U. 776 (i,o,rts&spa), CHARLESTON, SC — Data center work remains very strong and looks to continue for at least a year or more just on our existing projects. Charleston is a nice place to be any time of year and we are welcoming many travelers. Our local is in the process of making some changes so that we can better train those whom we organize. This is an important process being developed nationwide because a large percentage of our members are aging out and there is no guarantee that we will have enough apprentices to fill those spots, not to mention the additional workforce that we will need in the future. We should organize, welcome and teach new members, however they come to us.

Reading the "letters to the editor" sections of local newspapers, one often sees anti-union rhetoric written by folks who have never been in a union. It is hard to understand people, especially workers, who are seemingly against raising their own standard of living. This is the real fake news of today.

We are more than an organization; we are a movement and we must champion our cause. Let's all talk to those who don't understand but who might listen and might perhaps be persuaded.

Andrew Weiner, P.S.

L.U. 824 (i), TAMPA, FL — On Saturday, Nov. 18, last year, members of Local 824 in Tampa, alongside their brothers and sisters from Local 915, also from Tampa, were honored to participate in the 3rd Annual EWMC International Day of Service.

The Tampa Chapter of the Electrical Workers Minority Caucus had a painting day in Bradenton, FL. Over 50 members from both locals volunteered their time and materials to repaint the inside of The Joseph Storehouse, a 16-bedroom housing facility in Manatee County for veterans and the homeless. Besides painting, project volunteers also did some much-needed electrical work at the facility.

It was a great day of solidarity and community outreach, in the spirit of the EWMC International Day of Service. A special thanks to Henrietta McPherson, president of the local Tampa Chapter of the EWMC, and Melissa Braswell, the day-of-service coordinator, for spearheading this event.

We look forward to more great events like this that honor our military veterans and get the IBEW name out in the community.

Keith LaPlant P.S.

L.U. 890 (i), JANESVILLE, WI — Bus. Mgr. Leo Sokolik presented service pin awards to eligible members at the annual Local 890 Holiday Party last year.

Awarded 50-year service pins were members Michael Mullooly, Dan Lois and James Herda. Others receiving service pins included: Marty Kelly, 45-year member; Bruce Robers, 40-year member; and 30-year members Dale Martelle and Duwayne Bickle.

Congratulations to all the service pin recipients!

Jason Heidenreich, P.S.

L.U. 968 (catv,i,mt,o,rts,spa&t), PARKERSBURG, WV — IBEW Local 968 held its annual Christmas luncheon at the local union meeting hall on Dec. 15 last year. The local gave out 130 turkeys and fruit baskets to retirees, widows, and members who were ill. Attendance has grown over the years and everyone has a good time reminiscing with good friends.

Those receiving their Years of Service Awards included: 50-year members William "Bill" Patton, John Ash, Clayton "Tater" Griffin, Dwight Thompson, Samuel "Sam" Maze and William "Mike" Armstrong; 55-year members James "Jim" Wigal and Gerald "Gerry" Holbert; 65-year member Donald "Don" Marks; and 75-year member Robert "Bob" Parker.

Local 968 lost the following brothers in 2017: Darius Bennett, Kermit Hyre, Charles Rush, Terry Smith, Don Merinar and Robert "Bob" Patton. They will be missed.

Lynford C. Lovell, B.M.

L.U. 1002 (o&u), TULSA, OK — Hello, sisters and brothers.

Many of you know IBEW 1002 Bro. Jonathan Lacy. He was one of the driving forces to help bring representation to workers at Choctaw Electric Co-Op in 2015. His dedication and strong sense of purpose won him many friends and admirers in the local, and he was set to enjoy a long career as a unionized lineman.

Unfortunately, Bro. Lacy has been fighting cancer for the past few years and is unable to work. In September, doctors at MD Anderson discovered two tumors in his left lung.

But Jonathan is — and always has been — a fighter. He remains in good spirits and takes delight in his three wonderful children and his wife, Mickey.

IBEW 1002 is hoping to raise enough money to send the Lacy family on a trip that they will remember for the rest of their lives: an all-expenses-paid vacation to Disney World in Florida.

To do this, we are asking you to please consider donating at his Go Fund Me page here: www.bit.ly/ibew1002lacy. You can also pass the hat on your job site or make a donation at the hall the next time you are in.

Regardless of whether you are able to make a donation or not, I ask that you please keep the Lacy family in your prayers.

Thank you for all that you do to make IBEW 1002 a world-class organization.

In solidarity,

Jeff Bolin, B.M./F.S.

L.U. 1042 (u), SANFORD, FL — Our local's 2017 Annual Christmas Bike Drive was a great success. We delivered 42 new bicycles with helmets, three skateboards with helmets and numerous unwrapped toys to the Debary Civic Center. I'm very proud of the generosity of our members and the many ways they give back to our community. I'm sure several local boys and girls were smiling a little brighter this past Christmas morning.

Bro. Jim Turner, who was recovering from knee replacement surgery, worked behind the scenes to ensure the bike drive was a success. Thank you to Bro. Turner and all who participated.

William Anderson, B.M./Pres.

L.U. 1466 (u), COLUMBUS, OHIO — IBEW Local 1466 is proud to announce the successful completion of the organizing campaign at the Worley Parsons gas-fired power plant in Lordstown, Ohio!

These employees voted to become members of the IBEW and join with us as part of Local 1466. This will be the first step in giving these workers a true voice on the job! We are working hard to negotiate and secure a first contract for these new members. We would like to thank them for their determination and hard work in becoming part of the IBEW, and we welcome them to the Brotherhood!

Jimi Jette, P.S.