L.U. 16 (i), EVANSVILLE, IN — IBEW members were once again willing to share their skills to set up and maintain the 26th annual Ritzy's Fantasy of Lights. This year's festive holiday lighting display brought in a record $180,000 to benefit Easter Seals, providing 3,750 therapy sessions to children and adults who would otherwise not be able to afford these life-changing opportunities. Since its inception, RFOL has raised over $3,648,000, which covers the cost of approximately 76,000 visits to the Tristate Rehabilitation Center.

April looks to be a very busy month for Local 16. The Entertainment Committee will be hosting the Easter Egg Hunt on April 5. The Political Action Committee is having a spring Meet the Candidates fundraiser and BB Gun shoot on April 11. The Executive Board will be putting on the Local 16 Family Picnic April 19. Also, the brotherhood will be preparing for the Turkey Testicle Festival, scheduled for April 25. Anyone who is available to help with any of these functions would be greatly appreciated. For more information about these and other upcoming events, please contact the union hall.

Local union elections are this spring. Please educate yourself and vote!

Donald P. Beavin, P.S.

L.U. 20 (em,i,mt,spa,t&u), DALLAS-FORT WORTH, TEXAS — The North Texas Electrical JATC held its annual Completion Dinner at the Hilton Arlington on May 31, 2019.

Local 20 congratulates all of the 2019 apprenticeship graduates on their success.

Awards are presented to apprentices for outstanding performance at school and on the job. Taken into consideration are their grades, attendance, job evaluations, attitude and community involvement.

IBEW Local 20 and the North Texas Chapter NECA both give an award to a graduating apprentice for an overall outstanding performance. The NECA Outstanding Apprentice Award went to Joaquin Pozos. The IBEW Outstanding Apprentice Award went to Jonathan Watson.

Local 20 Gold Pliers Award recipients: Salim Amara (1st year apprentice), Roger Rosillo (2nd year), Zachary Barchak (3rd year), and Daniel Burgos (4th year).

NECA Achievement Award: Jose Romero Jr. (1st year), Roger Rosillo (2nd year), Zachary Barchak (3rd year), and Anthony Kottaridis (4th year).

Local 20 Federal Credit Union Award: Salim Amara (1st year), Dustin Dillard (2nd year), Preston Pack (3rd year), Daniel Burgos (4th year), and Jonathan Watson (5th year). The Forth Worth Local 116 Federal Credit Union Award went to graduating apprentices Jonathan Watson and Joaquin Pozos.

Perfect Attendance Award: Ramiro Aguirre Jr., Cristian Alvarado, Horacio Avila, Marcus Campbell, David Chaney, Eric Contreras, Rigoberto Estrada, James Garver, Jorge Gonzalez-Beruman, Angel Maldonado, David Mata Jr., Roy Pierce, Eric Pineda, Joaquin Pozos, Angel Ramirez, Mario Rojas, Anthony Seeger, Edwin Vasques, Samuel Vasquez, Jonathan Watson and Victor Zamarron.

Price Warwick Jr., B.M./F.S.

L.U. 24 (es,i&spa), BALTIMORE, MD — Thanks to the numerous members who checked members in, helped kids onto Santa's lap, handed out toys, cooked food, served drinks and hosted the magic show at the annual Children's Christmas/Holiday Party last year. Because of your efforts, brothers and sisters, everyone had a great time and our union is stronger because you care.

On Saturday, Jan. 18, I along with business agents Nick Caruso and Mike Azzarello attended the Maryland Public Service Commission hearing in Ocean City, MD. The meeting was held to hear public input for the proposed and previously approved wind farm to be built approximately 20 miles offshore. The politicians were in full force telling the commission it would "ruin the view shed." However, at 800-feet tall and 20 miles offshore, the windmills would look like toothpicks and that's on a clear day. Further delays in this project will not only jeopardize the wind farm project, it will also jeopardize the construction of a windmill assembly facility to be constructed at Trade Point Atlantic. This facility could possibly be used to assemble windmills for the Mid-Atlantic region, bringing hundreds of union jobs to our communities.

Peter P. Demchuk, B.M.

L.U. 26 (ees,em,es,govt,i&mt), WASHINGTON, DC — It's springtime in Washington, DC, and that means cherry blossoms and final preparations for our annual golf outing on Monday, June 1, for Dollars Against Diabetes.

Just a reminder of a few other key dates to mark your calendars for:

• JATC Graduation — Saturday, June 6
• Virginia Picnic (Manassas) — Saturday, June 27
• Maryland Picnic (Edgewater) — Saturday, Aug. 22
• 9th Annual Poker Run for Special Love — Saturday, Sept. 19 (organized by the Electrical Workers Motorcycle Riders' Club)

The Local 26 Scholarship Committee is currently reviewing the many applications we received, and a decision will be made shortly. The winners will be announced in our quarterly magazine, as well as in an upcoming Local 26 Local Lines article in the Electrical Worker. Good luck to all of the outstanding applicants!

Best wishes to new retirees: Gary R. King, Edmund J. Royston, Angel R. Gonzalez, Robert S. Watts, Willie J. Sowers Jr., Frank J. Marinucci, Dale E. Shaw, James B. Malone, George B. Rosonovich and Robert F. Whitestone III.

Several members have passed away since our last article: Sherman R. Anderson, David W. Venis, Bernard M. Long, Joseph L. Miller, Ronald H. Bostic, James M. Nicholson, Robert F. Haspel, Nolan R. Gonzalez, James R. Cameron Sr., Neydi B. Lopez, Robert L. Johnson and James A. Voigt. They will be missed.

George C. Hogan, B.M.

L.U. 34 (em,i,mt,rts&spa), PEORIA, IL — Brothers and sisters, a brand-new year brings promising prospects of work and growth for Local 34. At this writing, our out-of-work list has increased in numbers slightly over the past few months heading into winter, but many of our members are still working in the local and nearby. Travel safe, brothers and sisters. Overall, we expect the work picture to be positive for the 2020 year and look forward to many projects in the area including work at OSF Hospital, the Quincy Veteran's Home and local school projects.

The membership of Local 34 recently ratified a four-year contract with annual wage and benefit increases. Wage and benefit increases to the Inside Agreement will go into effect March 1, 2020.

Our Building Committee has exciting news coming out of the ground! This spring, Local 34 will begin groundwork on a new 6,000-square-foot facility in Bartonville, IL. IBEW Local 34 has called the AFL-CIO Labor Temple in downtown Peoria, IL, home for more than 90 years. This new location will provide an updated space to meet the needs of members and serve generations well into the future.

George C. Rudd, P.S.

L.U. 38 (i), CLEVELAND, OHIO — Thanks to Brother Rob Mauch, who took the time to come down from the North Pole in his Santa suit and delight all the kids at our 2019 Christmas Party last year. The 2019 party was held at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri C) for the first time in the 70-plus years of its history. We moved the party from the old Masonic Hall building after the new owners chose to use a non-union electrical contractor for renovations. The newly renovated auditorium at Tri C was done under a project labor agreement (PLA) and wired by our members working for several of our contractors.

At this writing, some of the new projects getting started in our area include the new Swagelok facility in Solon, which was awarded to Lake Erie Electric, and Premise Solutions has the teledata work. Lakeland Electric has the new Westlake Community Center project. Lakeland Electric was also awarded the Vitalia Senior Living Complex project in North Olmsted. Gateway Electric will be starting on the K and L Buildings being built on the old NASA property in Fairview Park. The new buildings will include a hotel and apartments. Gateway also has the project for the conversion of the AT&T building into a hotel at 850 Huron Road.

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

L.U. 40 (em,i&mps), HOLLYWOOD, CA — Local 40 is proud to announce that the RENEW Committee has elected its new officers to help lead the charge to make Local 40 better for current and future members. Congratulations to newly elected RENEW Committee Pres. Eric Steele, Vice Pres. David Garcia and Rec. Sec. Michael Robinson.

These RENEW members have committed themselves to do what they can to help shape the next generation of members and are accomplishing this by leading by example and becoming part of the solution to solve the problems we as union members face every day. These members are making a positive impact through reaching out to veterans via our Helmets to Hardhat program as well as reaching out to members and nonmembers to register to vote in the upcoming elections.

These members are also leading the charge by spreading the word about all the benefits of being in a union to all who will listen and are making an impact in the community spreading the word about the benefits of trade unionism and the benefits of apprenticeship programs. I encourage all members to reach out to see how they can help become part of the solution and create lasting change for their local union.

Marc Flynn, B.M./F.S.

L.U. 42 (catv,em,govt,lctt&o), HARTFORD, CT — 2019 finished out with a bang for Local 42. We celebrated our 50th year with a formal event at Foxwoods Resort and Casino, and with 629 people in attendance the event was a huge success. Local 42 would like to thank BMA Media Group for their hard work and excellent planning in helping us plan such a great event. Second District Int. Vice Pres. Michael P. Monahan, Bus. Mgr. Michael Treadwell and local union Pres. Daniel Hartley addressed those in attendance speaking about Local 42's early beginnings and 50-year history, and former administrative assistant Corenda Haugh gave the invocation. All in all, it was an event that will be remembered for another 50 years.

2020 promises to be a busy year as well. With our new union hall and training facility having an estimated completion date of April, we plan to be moved in and running by May. The work picture has slowed slightly on the distribution side, but transmission work is still going strong as well as railroad and traffic work.

Derek Santa Lucia, B.R./P.S.

L.U. 44 (catv,lctt,o,rtb,s&u), BUTTE, MT — Sometimes people are destined to be at the right place at the right time with the right skills. That day for a Canadian pilot was July 30, 2019. IBEW Local 44 member Brian Godbey and co-worker Melanie Foran from Fergus Electric Co-op were on their way to the city of Roundup, MT, a trip rarely taken. Brian, a journeyman lineman and EMT search and rescue leader, saw something that looked like the tail end of a plane. Getting to the wreckage site, seeing blood and hearing a cry for help, the gravity of the situation settled in quickly. Brian stayed with the pilot to assess his injuries and to start first aid. Melanie went back to the highway and helped open a section of fence and guide in emergency services.

Doctors told the pilot he would have had two to three hours left to live had Brian and Melanie not stopped to help when they did.

On Labor Day weekend, Brian received a call from the pilot wanting them to know that he was OK, recovering at this home, and was grateful and had not forgotten about Brian and Melanie.

Brian told the pilot, "If you're coming through this way again, we'd like to see you … under better circumstances."

Dwight Rose, Mbr. Dev.

L.U. 46 (as,c,cs,em,es,et,i,mar,mo,mt,rtb,rts&st), SEATTLE, WA — IBEW Local 46 has achieved a membership milestone. For the first time in our 105-year history, membership has surpassed 6,000! Local 46 ended 2019 with a total membership of 6,040! Our membership in 2001 was 4,120. It took 15 years for our membership to reach 5,023 members in 2016, but it only took three years to go from 5,000 to over 6,000 members.

This membership milestone was achieved through both the expansion of our apprenticeship program and our highly successful organizing efforts. The Puget Sound Electrical JATC currently has 1,308 apprentices. Our organizing staff used both top-down and bottom-up approaches to add members. Door-knocking blitzes, concert sponsorships, radio ads, our Associate Member program, and Industry Night events all generated new IBEW members. Additionally, multiple contractors signed Letters of Assent in 2019.

Upcoming events include our next shop steward class, which will be held at the Kent Hall on Saturday May 2, 2020, beginning at 8 a.m. Please call or email Dispatch to sign up.

The Local 46 election of officers and international convention delegates is coming up. The election judge and tellers will be elected at the April general meeting. Nominations for officers and delegates will be held at the May general meeting. Voting will take place in June with any run-off elections shortly thereafter. Officers will be sworn in at the July general meeting.

Warren Shill, V.P.

L.U. 68 (i), DENVER, CO — Greetings, sisters and brothers. On Dec. 14 last year, Local 68 hosted its annual Christmas party with 365 children and their families stopping by to visit Santa Claus, receive a gift, have something to eat, and enjoy some fellowship. Thanks to all the volunteers and staff who helped with decorating, passing out the gifts, preparing and serving the food, and cleaning up. Your help is greatly appreciated and helps to make these events successful.

Don't forget to take your Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Licenses renew in September of this year, and you must have completed 24 hours of approved CEU courses before then. Check with the apprenticeship for course schedule and times.

Negotiations for our inside agreement will be starting soon. Stay active and involved — your input and participation are valuable and important. Your union is only as strong as its members!

We extend our deepest sympathy to the families of our recently deceased members: Robert W. Stewart and Arno F. Trinkaus.

Morgan J. Buchanan, Pres.

L.U. 80 (i&o), NORFOLK, VA — Hello to all our brothers and sisters. Work in our area has remained steady. The 2020 work outlook looks promising with various projects starting in early spring.

The majority of our work is on our military facilities, including the largest naval industrial base, Norfolk Naval Shipyard. With the executive order that was placed on our shipyards, Coast Guard bases and our other military installations, there are limits on time per week to provide representation to bargaining unit employees. This new order has put a strain on our stewards and union council members. We will continue to fight and show our solidarity for IBEW members and their families.

Local 80 has its election of officers this year with nominations in May and elections in June. Good luck to everyone.

We would like to welcome our new membership development coordinator, Bro. Christopher Query. Chris has been an IBEW member for 15-plus years.

Brothers and sisters, always remember: "United We Stand, Divided We Fall." Let's all work hard for what we want, because it won't come to us without a fight. Stay strong and courageous and know that anything can be accomplished by putting our minds together. Work safe.

Wil Morris, A.B.M.

L.U. 90 (i), NEW HAVEN, CT — Yale University will have several projects starting by the time this article is published. These include the Kline Tower renovation, the historic Peabody Museum project, and the St. Raphael Hospital renovation.

Millstone Nuclear Power Station in Waterford, CT, has two outages planned in 2020.

The Lawrence & Memorial Hospital in New London, CT, has a renovation underway. Local 90 has three school projects slated for 2020. The South Boat Assembly building at the General Dynamics Electric Boat Yard in Groton, CT, is underway.

Local 90 and the New Haven Building Trades are volunteering manpower to help build the Vanacore Field Concession Stand at the North Haven High School Campus. Former business manager Frank Halloran, now deceased, helped start this project several years ago. Bus. Mgr. Sean Daly and I would like to thank the journeymen and apprentices who have donated their time to this project. Completion is scheduled for the fall 2020 football season.

John Bellemare, Pres./B.A.

L.U. 134 (catv,em,govt,i,mt,rtb,rts,spa&t), CHICAGO, IL — A joint venture of IBEW Local 134 electrical workers and the Electrical Contractors Association of the City of Chicago, Powering Chicago is an electrical industry labor-management partnership that invests in consistently better construction, better careers and better communities within the Chicagoland region. Utilizing the latest technology, its members are elevating industry performance through their commitment to safety, level of experience and reliability, all while investing in the future of skilled labor through an innovative apprenticeship program that is paving the way for the next generation of skilled electricians.

The foundation of Powering Chicago's commitment to better construction is a continuous investment in training for its members and the use of the latest technology in electrical construction to ensure every job is completed in accordance with the highest standards in the industry.

Powering Chicago's commitment to better careers is underscored by the advancement opportunities for apprentices who graduate from IBEW/NECA Technical Institute. Journeymen and journeywomen have access to ongoing education and training providing those motivated to own their own businesses in metro Chicago with the support necessary to do so.

Each year, members take part in more than 100 charitable activities and play a major role in rebuilding blighted properties.

Kevin Connolly, R.S.

L.U. 212 (i), CINCINNATI, OHIO — This spring is shaping up to be very busy. Ongoing work includes the new soccer stadium, a new music venue on the banks of the Ohio River, a Children's Hospital project and many jobs around the airport. Our scale is $30.19. We have a raise allocation of $1.90 in June. The local union election of officers is also in June.

In January, Bus. Mgr. Rick Fischer was appointed to the board of directors of the Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority by the Hamilton County Commissioners. The Port Authority Board is an economic development agency formed to stimulate growth of the regional economy and initiate projects to promote job creation. It's great for labor to have a voice in the room!

Phil Bovard, P.S.

L.U. 236 (catv,ees,govt,i,mo,rtb&t), ALBANY, NY — Spring has sprung, and so have the large labor projects! The work picture continues to look strong as we move into the warmer months with projects like Amazon, Regeneron and Wadsworth Laboratories. Thank you to our traveling brothers and sisters who have helped us man our jurisdiction during this busy time!

Talk of the Grassley-Alexander legislative plan to raise taxes on retiree pension benefits invoked a strong reaction from our membership. Not only were dozens of calls made to politicians at all levels to urge the defeat of this proposal, but several of our members also went to Washington, D.C., to lobby in opposition to this attack on our pensions. Peter Classen, head of the Local 236 Veterans Committee, was among those who made the trip to Capitol Hill. After spending most of a lifetime earning a pension, the last thing any worker deserves is to have that benefit stripped away. [Editor's Note: To read more, see three news articles — "There's a Terrible New Plan to Tax Your Retirement – Help Us Fight It Today" (Dec. 6, 2019); "Tell Your Senators, Don't Tax My Retirement" (Dec. 10, 2019); and "Two Major IBEW Priorities Finally Made Law" (Jan. 23, 2020) — posted on the IBEW website at www.ibew.org/media-center/articles.]

Thanks to everyone who has been a part of Local 236. We strive to make it a better place for electricians to be every day.

Mike Martell, A.B.M.

L.U. 270 (i&o), OAK RIDGE, TN — At this writing, our work picture looks very good. We are working several traveling brothers and sisters as of press time and expect to put many more to work in the next few months as the weather breaks.

IBEW Local 270 congratulates our newest graduating class of journeyman wiremen. These recent Oak Ridge Electrical JATC graduates are top-notch and have a bright future in store. We are proud to say that each journeyman wireman is not only outstanding in electrical ability, but also in character.

With regret, we report the recent passing of two of our charter members, Bro. Al Mayton and Bro. Harold T. Wade. This leaves only one surviving charter member, Bro. A.J. Gentry.

Until next writing, please work safe.

Jake Lequire, R.S.

L.U. 280 (c,ees,em,es,i,mo,mt,rts&st), SALEM, OR — Greetings, brothers and sisters. Local 280 was blessed with another good year of prosperity. We are optimistic, as we approach the upcoming elections, for a shift back to working families and their best interests.

Local 280 has started a RENEW group. The inaugural meeting was Jan. 10. The Local 280 RENEW group is following the goals set out by the International Office. The goals are: to educate the next generation of electrical workers about the benefits of being union; to provide a setting for younger members to discuss relevant issues in their workplace and communities; and to encourage participation in programs on strengthening the local union and labor movement.

At the inaugural RENEW meeting, there was a good turnout and very active participation immediately! Staff at the local are very interested in the success of this newly formed group. At the first meeting, the focus on efforts to develop community activities that foster solidarity (along with the latest news on the street) was coupled with socializing. Thank you to members Zac Bakke and Rodney Herschbach for getting our local's RENEW group started.

In solidarity, IBEW family.

Drew Lindsey, B.M./F.S.

L.U. 306 (i), AKRON, OHIO — At our December union meeting, service awards and watches were presented to eligible members in appreciation of their years of service to Local 306 and the IBEW. Recipients of awards for 25 years were: James Bush, Leroy Cate, Rennick Dutton, Peter Hafler, Jack Haywood, John Kulesa, Timothy Meighen, Joel Metro, Matthew Micale, Martin Morris, Frankie Nicholson, Edward Ondash, Denis Pennington, Donald Rinaldi, Larry Robinson, Thomas Steurer, Mark Stoltz, Jeffrey Sweitzer, Louis Torcasio, Steven Trompower and John Zevenbergen. Thank you and congratulations to all.

On a serious note, 2020 is shaping up to be a very important year for the future of organized labor. Over the past four years, we have witnessed many attacks against the hard-won achievements of those who came before us. Many unions are seeing their pensions in crisis and health-care costs skyrocketing. So-called "right-to-work" laws are being advanced nationwide, partly due to the impact of the Janus v. AFSCME Supreme Court ruling. And the fight to protect collective bargaining and prevailing wages is an ongoing battle. If we want to keep what we still have and regain what we have lost, we need to elect labor-friendly candidates.

If you are not registered to vote, please do so. And in November, exercise your right to vote. Your job may depend on it.

Thomas Wright, P.S.

L.U. 424 (as,ees,em,es,i,mo,o,ptc,rtb,rts,spa&u), EDMONTON, ALBERTA, CANADA — Thank you to everyone who took part in Local 424's first Telephone Town Hall event. Over 400 members stayed on the phone for an hour to talk to Bus. Mgr. Mike Reinhart. A podcast of the Telephone Town Hall will be available for members to listen to in the members-only section of the new website, which as of this writing was expected to be operational at the end of February.

The work picture is still slow as of press time, with calls expected to be on the job line for the TransEd Light Rail Transit project in late spring.

Scott Crichton, P.S.

L.U. 446 (i), MONROE, LA — Congratulations to our two IBEW Local 446 members who retired in 2019, Robert "Bob" Moore and John H. Gallagher Jr. We want to thank Bro. Moore and Bro. Gallagher for their years of service representing Local 446 with such pride and devoted dedication. Best wishes to you, brothers, in your retirement years!

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

L.U. 494 (em,govt,i,mt,rts,spa&t), MILWAUKEE, WI — Did you know that 28% of Americans in their 60s are extremely short on retirement savings? Though there's no magic savings number that guarantees financial security during retirement, as a good rule of thumb, it's smart to close out your career with about 10 times your ending salary socked away. The reason? Social Security will only replace about 40% of the income you're used to if you're an average earner. If you're a higher earner, it will replace even less. Meanwhile, most seniors need considerably more than 40% of their former paycheck to stay afloat financially, especially when we factor in health-care expenses, which are likely to climb in retirement.

In retirement, every bit of income helps. That's why on Dec. 19 last year IBEW Local 494 held an information night, with over 300 current and future retirees with their spouses in attendance, to discuss various topics with experts in their fields. Topics discussed were:

• Social Security
• Medicare
• National Electrical Benefit Fund (NEBF)
• Pension Benefit Fund (PBF)
• Local 494'S Pension
• Prefunding, Annuity/ROTH
• NECA-IBEW Retiree Health Insurance Coverage
• The Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)
• Estate Planning/Asset Protection

Due to the demand from membership, IBEW Local 494 will be hosting an information night annually.

John T. Zapfel, Political Dir.

L.U. 538 (i), DANVILLE, IL — Our organizing campaign at Full-Fill Industries was in high gear during the fall and winter. On Dec. 16, after almost six months of organizing work, a win was achieved with a vote of 49-41 by employees at Full-Fill in favor of representation by IBEW Local 538. Next up will be the effort to get Full-Fill employees their first contract to provide them with the benefits and security they have been looking for. IBEW Local 538 would like to thank everyone involved for their dedication and patience in sticking with the process to get to this point.

John Gallez, A.B.M./Mbr. Dev.

L.U. 558 (catv,em,i,lctt,mt,o,rtb,rts,spa&u), SHEFFIELD, AL — Greetings, brothers and sisters. The work outlook for Local 558 at this writing is great. The Mazda/Toyota manufacturing facility now has 11 signatory contractors performing work. We still expect more contractors to come to our jurisdiction with the prospect of work we have for the future. With local members, travelers from other jurisdictions, and organizing efforts in the jurisdiction, the manpower supply has been abundant and plentiful. Thank you to all IBEW members for assisting and getting this project off to a great start. In other work news, the TVA Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant will be having its spring outage for 2020 and pre-outage work is in progress now.

Also, in projection of additional manpower needs for the Mazda/Toyota project, Local 558 obligated 82 of the 107 selected first-year apprentice wiremen at the regular union meeting in January 2020. This is the largest class in history for our local union. We are predicting another large selection of apprentice wiremen for the upcoming first-year class. Pictured in the accompanying photo is the newly obligated first-year apprentice wireman class with Bus. Mgr. Tony Quillen. We congratulate them and wish them the best in their future careers with the IBEW.

Mac Sloan, Pres./Mbr. Dev.

L.U. 636 (as,catv,em,spa&u), TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA — The IBEW Local 636 staff and Executive Board members would like to wish former business manager/financial secretary Barry Brown well on his retirement. Bro. Brown retired in December 2019.

Barry first became a member of Local 636 in 1985 working in The City of Orillia Public Works Department. Shortly after that, he became the chief steward moving on to become unit chair and then Executive Board member for Local 636. In 1995, Barry became a full-time organizer through the First District office working for Local 636, and then became a business representative in 1995 servicing over 15 collective agreements. In 2011, Barry was appointed business manager/financial secretary. During his time in office, Barry had the wonderful opportunity of providing several Local 636 members with the IBEW Life Saving Award. His service as business manager included countless hours spent lobbying for the rights of the union and the members. We wish you a happy retirement, Bro. Brown, and we thank you for all your years of service working for Local 636!

Local 636 is now under the leadership of Bus. Mgr./Fin. Sec. Domenic Murdaca, who was appointed to fill Bro. Brown's unexpired term of office. We look forward to our next chapter under Domenic's guidance.

Melissa Ellis, P.S.

L.U. 640 (em,govt,i,mo,mt,rts,spa&u), PHOENIX, AZ — Our work picture remains strong for the foreseeable future. We had a great Christmas party and "Electric Light Parade" turnout last year, and our parade float was given an Honorary Mention award.

We also want to congratulate our 2019 apprenticeship graduating class, with 50 graduates, for their hard work and dedication.

Our organizers are still working diligently to recruit the "unrepresented" of our trade.

All traveling brothers and sisters are welcome to come and sign our books. We have plenty of work coming up for the 2020 year.

Tim Wilson, B.R./P.S.

L.U. 666 (i,mt&o), RICHMOND, VA — The jurisdiction's work outlook continues to be strong with hospital, data center and several other projects in the works. Congratulations to the men working the RVA project whose hard work and dedication to quality earned them the No. 1 ranking out of all of their client's datacenter projects in the country. This union quality work will ensure that the IBEW remains the best choice for quality and professionalism for clients in the future. Kudos to you all.

Thank you to all the brothers and sisters who went to the Virginia General Assembly to lobby for labor issues alongside the Virginia AFL-CIO and Virginia Building Trades. With our help, the blue wave changed the face of Virginia's legislature, and these dedicated members are continuing the work by ensuring we are not forgotten when that wave washes away some anti-worker policies in the Commonwealth.

Congratulations to Clay Parrish, who is this semester's recipient of the Baker Scholarship. The award was presented by Adam Baker in memory of his father, Stephen Baker, a longtime member of Local 666.

Jeremy Davis, 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 — Our local would like to recognize Mrs. Cindy Lingle, who served on our clerical staff for over 36 years. Cindy started with the local on Oct. 1, 1983. She retired in February this year. We thank her for many years her service.

Calendar year 2020 will provide an opportunity to restore workers' priorities to the forefront of American politics, but only if working families support those who favor labor's agenda. We will be asking our members throughout the year to consider voting for IBEW and AFL-CIO endorsed candidates, as they provide the best opportunity to improve our standard of living.

We have a new three-year agreement with the Board of Municipal Utilities, Sikeston Light & Water with annual wage increases of 3.5%, 3.25% and 3.0%, and a new contract at Ameren Missouri with 2.5% annual wage increases for three years. Negotiations have begun for the clerical group at Ozark Border Electric Cooperative.

In September, the Union Sportsman Alliance dinner will be hosted again this year in our jurisdiction — please check our website for details as it approaches.

As of this writing, our referral books are as follows: Inside Construction — 96, Outside Construction — 25, and Line Clearance — 12.

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

L.U. 716 (em,i,lctt,rts&spa), HOUSTON, TEXAS — Hello, sisters and brothers. I hope all are well and working. Here in Houston, work has picked up, but slowly. To those jurisdictions working our members, we thank you. Hopefully in the very near future we can put some travelling brothers and sisters to work.

To the brothers and sisters and their families who recently served their community and our local union by working in the primary elections — thank you. And thanks go out to those members who are participating in the PAC Fund, the Sick & Accident Fund, and the Death Benefit Fund. Local 716 is encouraging all members to join the funds that were set up for the betterment of our members and their families.

Thanks go out to all the volunteers and their families who helped build, decorate, march and represent Local 716 in the 61st annual Houston St. Patrick's Day parade. We thank those who participated in the Cesar Chavez March also.

Heads up — the last code update class for this year is scheduled for May 30, 2020. Congratulations are in order for our upcoming 2020 JATC apprenticeship graduating class. Also, congratulations will be in order to the retirees who will receive service pins and certificates in June.

Thanks for exercising your right to vote.

David Alley, Pres.

L.U. 728 (em,i,rts&spa), FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — Local 728 would like to recognize the apprenticeship graduates who graduated from the December 2019 class. To all the graduates, may your skills and knowledge carry you far in your careers as journeyman wiremen!

The recent graduates who attended the graduation ceremony are pictured at bottom, left: Ekundayo A. Brennen, Heaven Desir, John L. Escovar, Charles M. Fink, Marshall A. Hine, Kenneth D. Hosner, Miguel Jordan, Justin M. King, Logan S. Merchant, Fernando E. Mondragon, Timothy Peters, Neyslan Pou, Darrin A. Range, John Paul A. Tirone and Daniel O. Torres. Graduates not in attendance: Ryan W. Deryk, Nicholas J. Impellizzeri and Bryant L. Smith.

Congratulates to all!

Effie Cruz, Organizer

L.U. 776 (i,lctt,o,rts&spa), CHARLESTON, SC — It's spring. A nice time wherever you are but we like to think especially in South Carolina! Beach weather is a scant few weeks away here and the flowers are beautiful. Great restaurants, music and our world class Spoleto Festival, which is in May and is something we do in conjunction with our sister city, Spoleto, Italy. Three weeks of music and art found nowhere else in the world. Bring your family! Plenty of reasonably priced rentals and Airbnb type places.

Our new training center and remodeled hall are harbingers of good times here.

These good times were a long time coming but were clearly started around 2009, after some very bad years. Don't be fooled, it takes a long time to turn a ship as big as the U.S.S. America. You can't do it in just a year or two, no matter who tells you otherwise.

You can pretty much count on a spot in one of our steel, paper or data center concerns. We also welcome our newest signatory contractor Amped Electric. Amped and a few others are busily bidding new work our area is attracting. I love to travel, and I love to come home. Come visit your Southern brothers and sisters. It's been too long!

Andrew Weiner, P.S.

L.U. 890 (i), JANESVILLE, WI — Local 890 Bus. Mgr. Leo Sokolik presented retired Bro. Jerry Cagney with his 65-year IBEW service pin at the annual Local 890 Holiday Party held Saturday, Jan. 25. [See accompanying photo.] Jerry was initiated on March 4, 1954. Accompanying him on the stage at the pin presentation event were his sons Bob (a 24-year member), Frank (34-year member), Chris (27-year member) and Mike (34-year member). In total, the Cagney family represents over 184 years of IBEW membership.

Other members who received service pins included: Dave Kuebli and Tom Jordan (50 years of service); Dale Buchholz (45 years' service); Jim Crans and Ron Westby (40 years); Tony Prestil amd Bruce Raufman (30); Jim Blank (25); J.R. Crans, Rollie Ehle, Chad Heacox and Jeff Murwin (20); Derek Snyder (15); Greg Grover and Dan Reuter (10); and Caleb Elmer, Jeff Jacobson, Nate Kalas and Jamie Olson (5).

Congratulations to all award recipients!

Jason Heidenreich, Organizer

L.U. 1042 (u), SANFORD, FL — The Seminole County Public Schools Giving Tree program extended a big thank-you for the generous donations from the brothers and sisters of IBEW Local 1042. The SCPS Giving Tree program helps spread holiday cheer in the community through gift donations for students and families in need.

In 2019, Local 1042 members were able to support the almost 800 homeless and economically disadvantaged students identified by Student Support Services and Families in Need support staff throughout Seminole County. Each child received a new book of their choosing, three fun wishes each, a new pair of shoes and an outfit.

IBEW Local 1042 has participated in the SCPS Giving Tree program for the third consecutive year and will continue this tradition of giving back to the community in the years to come. We are our brothers' keeper!

Ellen Stephenson, P.S.

L.U. 1116 (em,lctt&u), TUCSON, AZ — Organizing is topmost on everyone's mind this year. We are glad to see so many Tucson Electric Power (TEP) and Southwest Energy Solutions (SES) employees joining our union family. TEP has made the decision to bring our SES workforce into the core company. Bus. Mgr. Scott Northrup is meeting with company officials to develop an integration plan. They are discussing how seniority and pay will be handled and how job classifications will be assigned. With the integration of the SES workforce into the TEP workforce, we hope to make some positive changes that will improve everyone's overall job security. It is likely to be a slow process.

We have local union elections coming up this spring. Nominations are in May and elections are in June. Be sure to attend the regular unit meetings to hear the latest news from all fronts.

The third annual Off-Road Fun Run and camp out is scheduled for Saturday, April 4, in the Patagonia Mountains. We have a great trail planned out this year! We will visit ghost towns, historic places and town-sites. This is a family friendly event for members and retirees — everyone is invited! Come out and have some fun with us. Camp or come for the day.

I once again encourage our younger members to consider running for office and getting involved in the union. Remember, those who show up run the world.

The leadership of Local 1116 expresses our gratitude to all the members who come to the meetings and stay involved. Remember, this is your local and you have a voice.

Sharon Williams, R.S./P.S.

L.U. 1340 (i&o), NEWPORT NEWS, VA — The officers and members of Local 1340 have an eye on the future. Projects such as the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT) expansion and the recent announcement regarding offshore wind coming to the commonwealth, coupled with a changing tide in the state's political scene, present opportunity and we plan to take full advantage of it.

Our training program continues to grow, and our members are encouraged to participate in the many courses being offered. Our political committee has also been working hard, and their efforts are paying off. Working with the Virginia AFL-CIO, we have been successful in helping candidates who support workers' rights.

As of this writing, the Virginia state legislature is currently in session, and several bills have been submitted to improve the lives of working families in the state. Such items as establishing a state prevailing wage, allowing project labor agreements on state-funded work, and limiting the misclassification of workers and wage theft in construction are being debated in committees now controlled by Democratic majorities for the first time in 25 years. Members of the Local 1340 political committee are still hard at work, actively lobbying for support of these and other AFL-CIO backed bills.

As always, brothers and sisters, stay safe out there and we look forward to seeing you at the monthly union meetings.

Jim Avery, P.S.

L.U. 2304 (u), MADISON, WI — Eight IBEW Local 2304 members spent their Thanksgiving holiday in northern Wisconsin and Michigan helping restore power to tens of thousands of residents impacted by power outages resulting from multiple winter storms. They spent a total of seven days on mutual assistance for multiple utilities. Members who responded to this call were: Brian Larsen, Dustin Nicol, Colton Randecker, Tim Schaaf, Todd Schmitz, Steve Seng, Josh Shepard and T.J. Wapneski.

We would also like to recognize the mechanics and storeroom workers who made sure these linemen had the equipment they needed to work safely and efficiently as well as the crews who stayed back and helped keep the lights on in the Madison area, all of whom are Local 2304 members.

Nate Rasmussen, B.M./Pres.