Local 16’s Fall Activities
L.U. 16 (i), EVANSVILLE, IN — On Sept. 1, the local had its best turnout in recent memory at the Labor Day Association’s 139th annual parade. This event was the culmination of a long weekend of activities honoring the working men and women that built this great country. Participants celebrated with a delicious meal, new matching shirts, candy for parade watchers and walkers, free carnival rides, and other events. Thanks to all who made this possible!
Many thanks are due to the executive board members and other hardworking volunteers who hosted Local 16’s family picnic this year. Workers served food, held giveaways, offered children’s games and supported the Brotherhood in many other ways. Blessings on each who gave their weekend to make it happen.
Sister Sara Schapker recently joined a team that went to Dago, Kenya, to work with the JD Sheth Foundation on a wattle-and-daub home for a widow with 10 children. Using simple tools, the crew erected the posts and wattle, working by hand to pour the mud that will form the structure’s walls. Local 16 is proud to recognize Sara’s commitment to making the world a better place.
Donald P. Beavin, P.S.
Growing Membership, Growing Staff at Local 24
L.U. 24 (es,i&spa), BALTIMORE, MD — Greetings from Charm City! Data center development in our jurisdiction has continued, and we are playing a critical role. Our members’ commitment has gone beyond the jobsite: They have volunteered hours attending meetings to make the case for well-paying middle-class careers.
Recently, the Frederick County Council passed legislation creating an overlay map for future data center development. While this is valuable, there is still work to do as our advocacy efforts turn to influencing the map’s boundaries.
The results of our efforts are clear. Local 24’s membership has grown to more than 2,700, with data centers helping to drive this increase. Our continued growth in all market segments amplifies our voice in the region.
To capitalize on this growth, we welcomed several additions to our staff. Brother Mike Ayres joined us as a service agent, bringing years of experience and leadership to the role. Our local is also excited to announce Brother Don Herrera and Sister Anna Moore as new organizers. Their energy and perspective will strengthen our efforts to grow market share and bring more workers into our union.
As 2025 draws to a close, the officers and staff of Local 24 wish you and your family a happy holiday season!
Live Better/Work Union.
Mike McHale, B.M.
Season’s Greetings From Local 26
L.U. 26 (ees,em,es,govt,i&mt), WASHINGTON, DC — Our local hopes everyone enjoyed a blessed and safe Thanksgiving.
We held our annual fishing trip and poker run in September, and the annual pension seminar and 10th annual Union Sportsmen’s Alliance Conservation Dinner in October.
A financial awareness seminar was also held for our members between the ages of 25 and 40 and their spouses in November. And in December, our annual holiday parties will be held in Front Royal, Va.; Roanoke, Va.; and Greenbelt, Md.
For all upcoming events, please visit our website at ibewlocal26.org.
Best wishes to the following retirees: Brian Abercrombie, Joseph Baker, Edward Barton, Derwin Bell, Andrew Burkhardt, Donald Bussink Jr., William Clottey, Rafael Cruz, Barrie Farrell, Robert Gilroy, Lawrence Goswick, Bernard Gwynn, David Hogan, Juan Garcia Jimenez, Louis Kelley, Matthew Miller, Troy Minor, John Muir, Neal Smith, Kelly Stout and Craig Venning.
The following members have passed away since our last article: Harold Beall Jr., Dylan Biscoe, Brian Brigden, Michael Cox, Danny Friend, Charles Granger, Dennis Lamb, Hudson Lancaster, Jerome Little II, Denny Mitts, James Ward and Christopher White.
Christopher M. Cash, B.M.
Local 38 Annual Scroll Party
L.U. 38 (i), CLEVELAND, OH — On Sept. 27, our local held its annual scroll party, honoring members with 50 to 70 years of service, along with graduating apprentices from the inside and VDV branches. Brothers Frank Vanah, Eugene Orlando and Herb Meyers, all in their 90s, attended the event and spoke on what being a member of the IBEW has meant to them over the last 70 years.
Local 38 also honored nine 65-year, nine 60-year, 58 55-year and 30 50-year members.
Congratulations to the graduating class of 2025, comprising 31 inside journeymen and nine telecommunication installer technicians. Stay active in your union — you are the future of this great Brotherhood.
Dan Gallagher, B.M./F.S.
Local 46 Members Power Hospital Expansion
L.U. 46 (as,c,cs,em,es,et,i,mar,mo,mt,rtb,rts&st), SEATTLE, WA — Business Manager Sean Bagsby joined members at the Providence Swedish North Tower project in Seattle, with VECA Electric and EC Electric performing all electrical work under Mortenson Co. The visit reaffirmed Local 46’s commitment to supporting our signatory contractors and ensuring their success.
With nearly 1,000 members on the out-of-work books, Dispatcher Wayne Horton acknowledged the realities of today’s job market in his remarks during the visit. Business Manager Bagsby emphasized that this is temporary. “Our goal is to ensure our contractors thrive, because when they succeed, our members succeed,” he said. “The work will return, and we’ll be ready.”
The Swedish North Tower project will expand vital health care services for the region, powered by the skill and dedication of IBEW members. Even in a challenging season, Local 46 continues to build for the future with hope, determination and solidarity.
Seamus Anglin, P.S.
A New Look for Local 68
L.U. 68 (i), DENVER, CO — Hello, brothers and sisters! I want to start by apologizing for not submitting an article for the October issue. Things have been busy at Local 68 as I slip into my new role as the local’s president. We have some exciting happenings here in Denver.
Our annual picnic was a success this year, with approximately 615 in attendance. Thank you to all the volunteers who helped and to Local 68’s members and their families for coming out.
At the time of this writing, we await the completion of Local 68’s newly remodeled hall, and we are planning an open house celebration that I hope will have a big turnout. The renovations have been ongoing for almost a year, and we are excited to get back into the building.
We are completing plans for the annual Christmas party, which will be held Dec. 13 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. There will be gifts for the kids, face painting, cookie decorating, food and beverages, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Come on over with the family and join the fun.
Finally, with the hall’s completion, we resumed the retirees’ monthly lunch gatherings in October.
Debbie Tikka, Pres.
Missouri’s Historic Special Session
L.U. 124 (ees,em,i,mar,rts,se,spa,t&ptc), KANSAS CITY, MO — Hello, brothers and sisters.
On Sept. 10, our local’s members and their families boarded a charter bus and headed to Jefferson City for a rally and protest of the historic mid-decade gerrymander. The IBEW was one of many labor organizations that packed the Rotunda and walked the halls of the Capitol that day. By some accounts, it was considered one of the largest rallies in Missouri’s history.
However, it was not enough to stop the General Assembly from passing the gerrymandered maps and changing the initiative petition process, which could hurt labor in many ways. In particular, the change could compromise our ability to defend against future right-to-work laws.
The proposed map would split Kansas City into three districts, affecting the city’s ability to get funding for infrastructure projects from the federal government. Having a single, dedicated congressional leader representing all of Kansas City is more effective than having three congressional leaders who are loosely dedicated to Kansas City but also represent 10 to 30 other counties.
There’s still a chance to stop the changes in the initiative petition process, as it would alter the Missouri Constitution and must be put on the ballot for voters to decide. The governor has the power to determine which 2026 election (April, August or November) to hold this vote, but no selection has been made yet. Signatures are due Dec. 11; once they are certified, the governor will determine the election month for this ballot item. As more information becomes available, we will notify the membership.
Wade Kiefer, Bus. Rep.
Celebrating Local 134’s 125th Anniversary With Family and Friends
L.U. 134 (catv,em,govt,i,mt,rtb,rts,spa&t), CHICAGO, IL — As 2025 comes to a close, we would like to take a moment to reflect on one of this year’s highlights, the local’s family picnic and celebration of our 125th anniversary.
On a sunny Saturday afternoon in September, we gathered at the IBEW-NECA Technical Institute campus with family and friends for a well-deserved celebration. The afternoon was filled with live music and dancing, delicious food and drinks, and all kinds of activities for the kids. Every member left the event with a special gift.
We will continue to honor generations of hardworking Local 134 members as we move forward into the new year. Our membership’s commitment to this great local and the electrical industry will carry us well into the next century and beyond.
Donald Finn, B.M./F.S.
Amped for the Future, Local 150 Welcomes 2026
L.U. 150 (es,i,rts&spa), WAUKEGAN, IL — Our local wishes all IBEW families a safe and joyful holiday season! We hope 2026 will be a healthy and flourishing year for all our IBEW sisters and brothers.
Members made many great memories at our union events this year. Local 150’s family picnic was chaired and planned by the fourth-year apprentices, and it was an enjoyable day and well attended.
We had perfect weather and a great show of solidarity for our golf outing. Additionally, Local 150 sponsored softball, bowling and sporting clay teams to represent us at various events, with all teams enjoying their participation.
Local 150 members also walked in the Zion, Ill., Labor Day Parade. We won the Mayor’s Choice Award for best overall entry for our “Candyland”-themed float. This is Local 150’s third year in a row winning this coveted award.
Last, members showed off their rides at the local’s car show, where they enjoyed each other’s company and Brother Jon Aunet’s smoked ribs, prepared on site. Yum!
Local 150 thanks and recognizes the following members who chaired committees: Jon Aunet, John Bonnot, Dan Dimitroff, Pat Garrity, Matt McNeill, Ron Meyer, Jeff Schwingbeck and the fourth-year apprenticeship class. Thank you to members’ families who helped out, supported and participated in this year’s union events! And thanks to all members who volunteered their time, efforts and contributions to continue the legacy that is Local 150. We look forward to seeing all of you at our 2026 events.
Our work outlook for 2026 is good, with a casino, data center and various other projects moving forward during the year.
Sisters and brothers, take care of each other and be safe!
Aaron M. Rendon, P.S./R.S.
Christmas Time Is Here!
L.U. 158 (i,it,mar,mt,spa&u), GREEN BAY, WI — Our local is sponsoring the caterpillar display at the Green Bay Botanical Garden of Lights event. We have proudly sponsored this display of more than 350,000 Christmas lights for more than 20 years. The garden opens the event at the end of November, and it runs until after Christmas, averaging 56,000 visitors. It is a stunning winter landscape filled with interactive lights and displays with sound and motion.
The Botanical Garden and the local reached an agreement a few years ago, and their construction bid stipulates that only Local 158-affiliated contractors can bid for work at the facility. Our local could not ask for a better partner than the Green Bay Botanical Garden.
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Jesse Jacques, B.M./F.S.
Local 164 Helps Bring the Fun
L.U. 164 (c,em,i,o&t), JERSEY CITY, NJ — On June 21-22, July 19-20 and Aug. 2-3, our local’s members volunteered their time and took part in the annual Best Day Foundation beach days. The foundation is a national organization that provides a fun, exciting beach-day experience for children and young adults ages 4 to 24 with special needs.
Activities included games, an obstacle course, and surfing and bodyboarding. Volunteers at these events can be “beach buddies,” where they play on the beach or on water teams, helping participants surf the waves at the Jersey Shore. It’s an exciting and rewarding experience for all involved.
Local 164 became involved with the Best Day Foundation through Brother Ivan Zhirnov, who has volunteered with the organization for years as a water team captain. We are proud that Local 164 fielded a water team for each event day and had multiple beach buddies.
Business Manager Dan Gumble and President Tom Sullivan thank all the members who participated and helped make the events a success.
Warren M. Becker, P.S.
Union Strong
L.U. 300 (govt,i,u,mo&lctt), MONTPELIER, VT — In a world where we are constantly judged on how we work, where we work, what we look like and where we came from, members of our local are proud to say, “We are IBEW strong!”
A recent conversation with some members who work for a small municipal electrical utility in the brave little state of Vermont prompted me to draft this article. It should not matter where we came from or where we may end up; nor should it matter the size of the company we work for or the brands of the tools and equipment we use to accomplish our work. It shouldn’t matter the type of work we do on a daily basis or the work we do during emergent situations, the size of our crew, or the comforts we enjoy inside our office environment.
What should matter is the leadership we provide so that others can develop the trust they need to follow us, the training we provide so that others can develop the confidence to continue to work under extreme conditions, the safe work environment we foster so that others may go home to their families after a day’s work, and the camaraderie we create so that others feel welcomed and willing to continue the legacy we have nurtured.
In a country full of adversity, I humbly ask that we all take a moment and reflect on what are we doing as citizens. If you think you are someone who can do no wrong, well, you are wrong. Humility is a gift; accept and use it wisely.
Have a wonderful holiday season, and see you all in 2026. Find your (IBEW) faith, keep the faith, and embrace your humility.
Jeffrey Wimette, B.M./F.S.
Union of the Year
L.U. 302 (i,rts&spa), MARTINEZ, CA — Our local was recently recognized by the Contra Costa Labor Council as “Union of the Year.” New Business Manager Julian Vinatieri received the award at the 27th annual Contra Costa Labor to Labor Dinner. This dinner hosts local- and state-level elected officials and representatives from the labor council’s 85-plus affiliated unions.
Local 302 was chosen for this award because of its activism in key political races during the recent election cycle. Our local led the charge in contributions, leaflet drops, phone banking and lobbying at the Capitol.
Vinatieri noted: “It was a true honor to accept this award on behalf of our membership. Our members stepped up and answered the call when we needed them. This award is a good reminder and reflection of what can be achieved when we all contribute. I am thankful to have members who are willing to put in the work to help us secure a brighter future.”
Julian Vinatieri, B.M./F.S.
End-of-Year Thanks
L.U. 340 (i,rts&spa), SACRAMENTO, CA — We are wrapping up another great year with our local. We had a successful annual membership picnic, where our attendance was over 1,000, including members and their families. We offered a huge layout of kids’ entertainment that included jump houses, face painting and carnival games. As always, we cooked barrel chicken and tri-tip for our main course, with hamburgers and hot dogs for our starters.
This event could not have been pulled off without the help of our volunteers. Longtime volunteer Bobby Mitchell again dedicated his time and even brought along his grandson this year in his stroller. Bobby has helped our office for years with many behind-the-scenes tasks that are crucial to getting this picnic secured. Thank you, Brother Mitchell, for the unwavering dedication, love and time you put into this local.
Along with the picnic, we have had numerous successful events, including those by our VOLT Committee. Some may not be aware of the work that goes into securing project labor agreements and community workforce training agreements, but we have many hands on deck to assist us, including Erin Teague, who has spearheaded this committee and is truly a great asset for our local.
Her connections and political experience have helped Local 340 to pick up momentum in getting our members to engage the community where it matters most. One event in particular that she helped to organize was the VOLT Committee’s Speak to Win, where we guided members on how to craft a two-minute testimony to defend our work and strengthen our collective voice.
Robert D. Ward, B.M./F.S.
Local 352’s Day of Service
L.U. 352 (u), LANSING, MI — On Oct. 12, our local proudly hosted a Day of Service in memory of former local union President Tracy K. Tolbert, whose unwavering enthusiasm and dedication to serving others inspired the event. Tracy was the original force behind the event, organizing it annually until her passing. This year’s event carried her legacy forward with compassion, community and solidarity.
Thanks to the coordinated efforts of union members and volunteers, 118 adults and children from the underserved community of Lansing were warmly welcomed and served a healthy, nutritious meal by volunteers and Local 352 members. In addition to the meal, guests received care bags filled with essential dental hygiene items generously donated by local partners.
Bringing joy and energy to the program, Detroit-based comedian Renee Drake 313 performed for attendees, delivering a lively and heartfelt set that brought laughter and connection to everyone in the room.
The Day of Service marked a significant milestone in the union’s Solidarity Feeds Lansing initiative, a commitment to supporting local families in need through direct outreach and volunteerism.
“We are proud to carry on Tracy’s mission,” said a Local 352 representative. “Her spirit was present in every smile, every meal served and every care bag handed out. This event is not only a tribute — it’s a promise to continue her work.”
A special thank you to union member Bob Kingsbury for donating his time and talent to photograph the event, helping to visually document its impact.
Melissa Chavez, R.S.
Local 424’s Election Results
L.U. 424 (as,ees,em,es,i,mo,o,ptc,rtb,rts,spa&u), EDMONTON, AB — Thank you to all candidates who ran in the 2025 local election.
The winners of the election are:
- Business Manager/ Financial Secretary Michael A. Reinhart
- President Joseph Trodden
- Vice President Orrie Bliss
- Treasurer (vacant)
- Recording Secretary David Handley
- Unit 1 Chair Scott Crichton
- Unit 2 Chair Richard Santin
- Unit 3 Chair Brian Young
- Unit 4 Chair (vacant)
- Examining board members Jorden Bergeron, Jian Dong Lu and Robert Gibbons
Scott Crichton, P.S.
Local 702 Celebrates Kevin Leehy’s Retirement
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 — Greetings, brothers, and sisters. Our local congratulates and thanks retiring executive board member Kevin Leehy. Kevin is retiring after almost 40 years in the IBEW. During this time, he served for 15 years as executive board member representing the Manufacturing branch.
Thank you, Kevin, for your many years of faithful service representing the members of Local 702. Best wishes for a long and happy retirement.
Jamie Hatfield, A.B.M.
Congratulations, Local 728 Graduates
L.U. 728 (em,i,rts&spa), FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — To the July 2025 graduating class, it’s been an honor watching your group grow from apprentices into the skilled and dedicated electricians you are today. Your hard work, discipline and perseverance have brought you to this milestone, and it’s well deserved.
Carry the trade forward with strength and solidarity. Wishing you continued success as you light the way for the next generation.
Congrats on this remarkable achievement!
Effie Cruz, P.S.
