L.U. 1 (as,c,ees,ei,em,es,et,fm,i,mt,rts,s,se,spa,st,ws&ptc), ST. LOUIS, MO — Missouri has an official state rifle, the Samuel Hawken Plains Rifle. Bob Browner, a Local 1 retired brother, 48-year member and retired gunsmith, played an instrumental role in this achievement. Bob had two driving interests as a teenager: following in his father's footsteps to become an electrician and to become a gunsmith, helping his uncle make high-powered rifles.

He became an apprentice not long after graduating high school, and his gunsmithing led him to join a muzzleloading club. There he met Kieth Neubauer, a master gunsmith who Bob apprenticed under, learning the art of restoration and crafting a variety of weapons.

Being a rifle enthusiast and avid outdoorsman, Bob developed a love of the Hawken rifle. During his career, he has made 50 Hawken rifles. For the nitty-gritty on why Missouri chose this rifle, visit ilovemuzzleloading.com.

Kyle Hunter, P.S.

L.U. 11 (i,rts,spa&em), LOS ANGELES, CA — More than $1 billion in federal clean energy grants is coming to California thanks to our local partnership with Los Angeles NECA, working in conjunction with the State Building and Construction Trades Council, to drive investment in dozens of green hydrogen projects from Lancaster to Long Beach. This funding is part of the bipartisan infrastructure deal passed into law two years ago by President Joe Biden.

This massive influx of funds will spur innovation, reduce carbon emissions and create tens of thousands of construction jobs in the coming years, many in areas often overlooked and underserved. These funds from the Department of Energy will leverage additional private and state funding for an estimated $10 to $13 billion in projects, all of which will be covered by State Building Trades project labor agreements.

The Trades Council, Local 11 and L.A. NECA were founding members of the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems, or ARCHES, which led the federal grant application. ARCHES required each of the proposed projects to enter into a PLA, and the union mandate became a key part of securing the federal funds. California is one of seven hubs to receive federal funding as part of President Joe Biden's H2Hubs program to build renewable clean hydrogen projects across the country.

We are excited to announce that Local 11 has a new phone app for our members. This will enable the local to better communicate with our members and provides a one-stop shop for our members who want to contact one of our affiliate offices. The app will direct our members to the respective websites of our various entities (i.e., the dispatch office to check upcoming calls, Health and Pension Trust, Electrical Workers Credit Union, etc.). Look for the QR code sent out to members or look it up on your phone's app store.

Robert Corona, P.S.

L.U. 15 (u), DOWNERS GROVE, IL — On Oct. 1, our local hosted its inaugural charity golf outing at Ruffled Feathers Golf Club in Lemont, Ill. The event was a huge success. The chosen charity was Cal's Angels, a nonprofit organization fighting pediatric cancer, granting wishes, funding research, and raising awareness for kids and their families battling cancer. Sponsorship donations were accepted, providing funds for food, drinks, raffles and silent auctions.

The day started at 7:30 a.m. with golfers arriving in front of the clubhouse and a shotgun start at 9 a.m. Golfing was over by 2 p.m., followed by dinner in the clubhouse.

Local 15 President Chris Riser thanked members for participating and supporting such a great cause. He expressed the importance of getting Local 15 members together to create camaraderie and a sense of union pride.

On Oct. 12, Cal's Angels President Stacey Wahlberg and Development Coordinator Stacey Vessell came to the Local 15 office where they were presented a check for more than $35,000 from President Riser! A huge thank you to all of our members who participated in the outing!

John Richards, Bus. Rep.

L.U. 35 (i), HARTFORD, CT — Our local held its annual outing at Colchester Fish and Game on Sept. 30. This year's attendance was exceptional.

Local 35 thanks the contractors who donated some outstanding prizes to the event. Your contributions made our event that much more special: CT Chapter NECA, Custom Electric, Paul Dinto Electrical Contractors, Ducci Electrical, Electrical Power Solutions, Grove Systems, Mass. Electric, Matrix NAC, McPhee Electric, M.L. Schmitt, Net Services, Northeast Lightning Protection, Ravex Systems and Zenith American Solutions.

We would like to thank Colchester Fish and Game for the use of their facilities and The Butchery for the outstanding food that was catered and much enjoyed.

We also thank Michelle Cleveland and Sharon Landolina for doing an outstanding job of organizing the event and the volunteers who helped set up in the morning, helping make the outing a great success.

We're getting ready to plan next year's outing!

Wishing everyone a safe and happy 2024!

Michelle Cleveland, P.S.

L.U. 41 (em,es,govt,i,se&spa), BUFFALO, NY — Happy New Year, brothers and sisters! We kicked off the holiday season in October with our first annual trunk-or-treat at our union hall. We had a little rain, which led to a perfect double rainbow to start the event. Participation was good, with over 15 trunks decorated, giving more than 30 children an extra-fun-filled night.

As I write this, we are planning our kids' Christmas party, where we expect more than 40 kids to receive gifts from Santa and decorate cookies with his helpers. Thank you to all who participate in and help organize these events for our members and their families.

We finished 2023 the same way we started, busy as ever. We predict this trend to continue well into 2024, as we are in full swing at the Great Lakes Cheese plant and looking to hit the ground running on the new Buffalo Bills stadium this spring.

Matthew M. Gaiser, P.S.

L.U. 43 (em,i&rts), SYRACUSE, NY — Congratulations to our first-year apprentices being sworn in as new members.

Congratulations to our retiring members for their outstanding service and dedication to Local 43. Happy retirement to the following members: Edward Baker, Odisef Boscovski, Manford Boyle, James Brien, Steven Buffum, Thomas Comer, Kurt Connors, Keith Doran, Patrick Dowd, Lawrence Finlan, Mark Haynes, Paul Ivery, Kenneth Kuhn, Don Lucas, Michael Paniccia, Timothy Pomerville, Daniel Poor, Joseph Pudney, David Ricci, Garth Rice, Jeffrey Schiltz and Robin Wilde.

The following members celebrated years of service with the IBEW: Charles Bateman (70 years); Patrick Alfano, Albert Canale, John Cieri, Victor DeCondo, Richard Dreimiller, Salvatore Russo and David Welsh (65 years); Henry Cargen, James Godden, Michel Murphy, Lawrence Olivia, William Philbin, William Ryan, James Thompson and Lynn Thompson (60 years); William Bernhardt, Luciano Bianco, Carmen Bocchino, William Chetney, David Church, Kenneth Czupryna, David Ford, John Hubalek, John LaPlante, Richard Paniccia, Michael Phillips, George Rood and Gary Wulfert (55 years); and Louis Arlotta, George Backus, James Bucklaew, Russell Canestrare, Thomas Carioti, Bernard Coffay, Paul Corbin, Charles Czarnecki, Donald Denblyker, Alfred Desautels, Robert Evans, John Greeley, Christopher Knox, Robert Leroy, Charles Palmisano, Francis Peake, Paul Rouse, George Travis and Charles Zion (50 years).

Jeff Cassano, P.S.

L.U. 47 (lctt,mo,o,u&uow), DIAMOND BAR, CA — Greetings, brothers and sisters. Business Manager/Financial Secretary Colin Lavin congratulates Team Hot Line, the first-place winners at the International Lineman's Rodeo in Kansas City. Read more on page 3 of this issue.

Here are updates from Local 47:

• Concerning Southern California Edison, arbitration regarding the demotion of Long Beach electrical crew foreman Mike Phillips has been settled. Mike will return to the electrical crew foreman position with full back pay.
• Termination of Ridgecrest construction maintenance accountant Teri Paradise is scheduled for arbitration before arbitrator Anthony Miller.
• The Transmission/Substation System Operator Paragraph M (midterm bargaining) passed; increases will begin Jan. 1.
• Production specialist bargaining will begin once the union and the company agree on meeting dates.
• The organizing vote to certify the Grid Control Center (Real Time Transmission Dispatches) was successful. Bargaining will begin in a couple of months.
• In the City of Anaheim, part-time workers' customer service contract passed and was sent to the city council for approval.

Local 47's Christmas party on Dec. 2 was a huge success.

We're sad to report the deaths of Terion Alexander, Grady Coulter (retired), Jason DeWitt, Brennan Eby, Scott Perdew, Paul Racine and Derek Quesenberry. Our condolences and prayers are with their loved ones.

Work safe and buy union.

Mitch Smith, P.S.

L.U. 51 (catv,lctt,o,ptc,rtb,t,u&uow), SPRINGFIELD, IL — When gas journeyman Dave Alford saw a co-worker walking toward him in distress, his instincts and safety training instantly kicked in. Dave and several natural gas journeymen at the Ameren Illinois Peoria Operating Center were building a gas regulator station in the welding shop when co-worker Mike Morris indicated that he was choking. Brother Alford attempted to give Mike the Heimlich maneuver before Mike went limp and unconscious. Alford immediately started chest compressions while Brother Joe Sears dialed 911, Brother Curt Nauman monitored Mike's pulse, and Brother Brandon Harris retrieved the nearest automated external defibrillator (AED) and took over CPR while Alford performed mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, resulting in Mike regaining consciousness.

An IBEW Life-Saving Award has been submitted. The local union is extremely proud of our members who performed the most noble of all services — saving a human life.

It is with a heavy heart we inform you that Brother Tom Peterson passed away in October. Tom was a retired business representative for our local. We all have many fond memories of Tom and ask that you keep his family in your thoughts.

Karlene Knisley, Bus. Rep.

L.U. 55 (lctt,o,u&c), DES MOINES, IA — In 2012, our local's business manager and officers saw a need for a structured orientation early on in the process of initiating members in outside construction. New members often do not have a family history with labor unions, and as they enter this field of work, who better to inform them of union benefits than their local union? Our goal is to educate this new generation of IBEW members about historic struggles and successes of the labor movement and its importance in today's workforce.

Over the years, this orientation has grown to cover all aspects of what it means to be union — not just the hours, pay and great benefits, but the history of Henry Miller and labor issues faced by those before us, often through tragedy.

Topics covered include the Code of Excellence; IBEW Constitution; local union bylaws; the oath of membership; our union ticket; union membership dues versus working assessments; our contract; working out of jurisdiction; ERTS; union meeting attendance; representation, safety and conflict resolution; buying USA/union/local; and financial stability.

Terri Vitiritto, Treas.

L.U. 71 (lctt,o&rtb), COLUMBUS, OH — Richard Helman, a journeyman lineman with our local, started a nonprofit organization called Kamp George for Wounded Heroes in 2018. Kamp George offers all-inclusive vacations in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan for disabled veterans and first responders. Kamp George has welcomed nine heroes to date. Visit Kampgeorge.org for more information.

The Wheeling Sportsman Team-Up takes place over three days, with the participation of Heroes to Hunters; the National Wild Turkey Federation, Wolf Creek Chapter; the Ohio Department of Natural Resources' Division of Wildlife; and the Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area. The first day is fellowship and sighting in guns, and the second and third days are for hunting along with one of the volunteers. Fifty disabled hunters and veterans will be accommodated, and 150 volunteers are needed. Former Local 71 President Danny Harris volunteered, and now Vice President Dirk Dozer volunteers. In 2021, the hunt harvested 34 deer, and this event has made it possible to harvest more than 380 deer since 2001.

Thank you, Local 71 members, for giving back!

Matt Bruggeman, Bus. Rep.

L.U. 103 (cs,i&ptc), BOSTON, MA — Gillette Stadium, home of six-time Super Bowl champion New England Patriots, debuted its new $250 million south end zone renovation project in September. This project features a 370-by-60-foot video board, the largest video display in any outdoor NFL stadium. The curved high-definition video board provides the best available game and replay action.

This is the most dramatic improvement to Gillette Stadium since its opening in 2002. It features a completely reimagined plaza heading into the stadium, including a new and enhanced 22-story lighthouse and observation deck overlooking the stadium, 75,000 square feet of year-round hospitality and function space, and new upper and lower concourses and concessions.

This entire project could not be done without the electrical expertise of Murphy Electric and Industrial Control and the hard-working men and women of Local 103. Our members were invited in October for a Patriots away game viewing party in the Putnam Club.

One thousand Local 103 members and their families enjoyed watching the game on the big screen and running and playing on the field. This is another great Local 103 family event to look forward to, part of our advertising and marketing partnership with the Kraft Group and the Patriots. #PoweringGillette #WePlugYouIn

Jimmy Fleming, P.S.

L.U. 125 (lctt,o,t,u&​ptc), PORTLAND, OR — With the retirement of Travis Hefely, our local welcomes journeyman lineman Josh Miller to our staff as business representative. Josh has been assigned to Clark Public Utility District, Klickitat Public Utility District, Hood River Cooperative, West Oregon Electric and Skamania Public Utility District.

Josh completed his line apprenticeship through Northwest Line JATC in 2010. He worked at Canby Electric and Portland General Electric, where he was journeyman lineman and foreman. Josh served on numerous safety committees and spent significant time advocating for our members as a shop steward.

"It was time to give back to our union," Josh said. "I am proud to be a journeyman lineman and want to do my part as a member."

The son of a journeyman lineman, Josh grew up with a father who embodied what the IBEW represents. "My dad was active in the union and took time to ensure I was exposed to everything that we are supposed to uphold as IBEW members." With two children of his own, Josh wants to continue the example that was set by his father.

"We are happy to have Josh join our staff," said Business Manager Travis Eri. "He will be a great advocate for our membership."

Marcy Grail, A.B.M.

L.U. 129 (i,mt&spa), LORAIN, OH — Work is plentiful here in Lorain, and more is coming. We have a $2.2 billion expansion just starting at our Ford plant, a 125-megawatt solar field starting next year, a new roller coaster at Cedar Point and many other projects on the books. It looks like we will be very busy for the foreseeable future.

We recently had our brotherhood golf outing, which was a huge success. We also had a Local 129 skydiving event where some of our members, including the business manager, jumped out of a plane at 12,000 feet. Good times were had this summer at the kids' fishing and picnic outing. The Brotherhood also participated in the local's third annual motorcycle ride.

We would like to welcome our new officers and thank the outgoing members who have given their dedication and support the past three years. The new slate of officers includes a number of reelected or experienced members along with first-time officers, a mix that will bring a lot to the table.

At our July union meeting, the following officers were sworn in:

• President: Leonard Roark
• Vice president: Marius Pride
• Business manager/financial secretary: John Novak
• Recording secretary: Marc Schueszler
• Treasurer: Kurt Kauk
• Executive board: James Adams, Mark Burnette, Mark Day, Jay Hasenflue, Tom Nagy and Earl Wiegand Ill.

Paul Kress, P.S.

L.U. 131 (i,rtb,rts,se&spa), KALAMAZOO, MI — The work outlook is steady in Kalamazoo. Several projects are keeping the book clear. Travelers are working in our jurisdiction. Gun Lake Casino, the new 15-story hotel and aquadome, has several floors enclosed and is still a cold construction site.

The Halloween party was a huge success. Many stories and the sharing of IBEW values really came through. Thank you to all the volunteers who helped. The retirees' Christmas party was also well attended. More than 40 members explained to me how good we have it now.

At the Sixth District Progress Meeting, Local 131 member Corey McCulloch gave an emotional and moving talk about his experiences and challenges as a transgender man in the IBEW.

Thank you, Corey, for the inspiration.

Collective bargaining class was held at the Kalamazoo hall for several Michigan locals. Thank you, Lisa Page and C.J. King. This was an excellent class, and you are amazing.

We now look forward to the Kalamazoo Jan. 31 annual party (1-31 Day).

Morris A. Applebey, B.M.

L.U. 141 (ees,i,o&u), WHEELING, WV — Greetings, brothers and sisters. Work remains very good in our local, with 13 members on Book 1. Our work outlook through the first quarter is positive. Local 141 expresses our continued gratitude to our traveling brothers and sisters for helping to man our work.

Local 141 recognizes Brother Dan Morris as our newly appointed local union organizer. Dan has been a member of Local 141 for nearly 30 years. He is the vice president of our local, a JATC instructor and previously a Local 141 executive board member. We wish him all the best in his new position.

As of this writing, the Local 141 social committee is busy planning for our holiday festivities. The kids' breakfast with Santa, Christmas dinner dance, members party and float preparations for several local Christmas parades keep the social committee very busy during the holiday season.

Local 141 is mourning the recent passing of Brother John E. Dusci. Brother Dusci was a disciplined electrician with 59 years of service to the IBEW. He will be greatly missed.

Kurt "Bug" Reed, P.S.

L.U. 197 (em&i), BLOOMINGTON, IL — Let's kick off this new year off right, whatever that means to you. For some, it may be starting a new resolution or a new beginning. Let us be supportive of each other's growth in a good way, ascending to new heights with a prosperous future for us all. Happy New Year from Local 197.

Stevie Anthony, P.S.

L.U. 245 (govt,lctt,o,rtb&u), TOLEDO, OH — When you sit down to read this article, hopefully you've enjoyed spending quality time with your loved ones during this holiday season. I can't believe that 2023 is over, and we are beginning to navigate through 2024 with many new challenges. We hope that everyone enjoyed the Christmas union meeting and the kids' Christmas party as well.

At our October union meeting, Ted Hagedorn was recognized with reaching a milestone of 45 years with Local 245. Ted has spent his entire union career at Bay Shore/Walleye Power as a master mechanic maintenance specialist. It's a great accomplishment, and we thank you for your continued commitment to your brothers and sisters. We would also like to congratulate our newest officers, who were sworn in at the November union meeting.

Local 245 is in negotiations with several bargaining units across our jurisdiction. As of this writing, negotiations are ongoing for a first agreement with a newly organized unit at the City of Bryan Street Department, and we hope to reach a fair and equitable agreement soon.

Additionally, Local 245 is pleased to report that new members working for RKR Traffic Control unanimously ratified their first collective bargaining agreement Sept. 9. Welcome to the IBEW, sisters and brothers.

In closing, let's celebrate a successful 2023 and enjoy spending precious time with your loved ones.

Brian Gendaszek, P.S.

L.U. 257 (em,i,rtb,rts,spa&t), JEFFERSON CITY, MO — Our local had an amazing 2023 and expects to continue its growth in 2024. We participated in the annual Jefferson City Labor Day parade with our float and the support of our community and members. We also had our annual family picnic Sept. 16, which is always a fun time for the whole family, with games, activities, prizes, amazing food and — let's not forget — ice cream.

Our local was happy to present many members with service awards. With plenty of large projects going, more breaking ground and starting up, and an increased market share, the local is grateful for our growth and success.

We continue to swear in many new members each month and almost doubled our new apprentices to the program for a second year in a row to keep up with the growing demand.

Let's continue to do good work and show our union pride and brotherhood on and off the job. Happy New Year!

JL Stanley, P.S.

L.U. 343 (i,spa&st), LE SUEUR, MN — Happy New Year, brothers and sisters! This is the month we make resolutions and commit to making changes or improvements in our lives. The International Office has made a resolution to organize hundreds of thousands of new members, covering all branches of the IBEW. With the promise of decades' worth of new work throughout the country, the ultimate goal is to reach a total of 1 million members. This campaign will bring new policies to local unions and new challenges for business managers and staff organizers.

Organizing those who are nonunion has never been easy, although it is safer today than it was 100 years ago. Joe Hill was a union activist, organizer and member of the Industrial Workers of the World in the early 1900s. He became a popular songwriter and cartoonist for the union. At that time, the IWW was considered radical by business society and law enforcement. In November 1915, Joe Hill was accused of murder on trumped-up charges. His trial was controversial, garnering international attention. Joe Hill was executed by firing squad at a Utah prison.

His last words were: "Don't mourn for me. Organize."

Make a resolution to buy Made in the USA.

Tom Small, P.S.

L.U. 347 (em,i,mt,rtb,rts&spa), DES MOINES, IA — Our local is in the enviable position of providing for the surging data industry. There are three data companies operating or building in five locations in the Des Moines area. This is a dramatic change for our local in terms of man-hours worked on an annual basis.

In the past, it was common for many of our members to travel to maintain a consistent income. This is no longer the case in Local 347. Now we welcome travelers to help with the workload. As mentioned in previous articles, the local has also increased the number of applicants for apprenticeship. This is a fantastic time to be an apprentice in Local 347.

A relatively new approach to recruiting young talent for our apprenticeship and industry is a program known as Interim Credentials. Trevor Stevens of the Des Moines Electrical Apprenticeship is working with Southeast Polk High School and Central Campus to make this curriculum available to students interested in exploring a career in the electrical industry.

Once they have completed the program, these students would be eligible to receive an interview with the apprenticeship committee and earn credits that could be applied toward the first year of apprenticeship. The JATC is willing to make this program available to high schools, community colleges and community organizations. The program can also help tailor high school mathematics and physics classes to the needs of students expressing interest in the electrical field.

The Christmas party was a huge success. Happy holidays!

"Every advance in this half-century — Social Security, Medicare, aid to education — one after another came with the support and leadership of American Labor." — President Jimmy Carter

Mike Schweiger, P.S.

L.U. 357 (c,i,mt&se), LAS VEGAS, NV — Our members, working with Dynalectric, had the amazing experience of installing the DAS (distributed antenna system) at the Formula 1 speedway in the heart of Las Vegas.

The DAS includes approximately 100,000 feet of fiber optic cable running between the rooftop and the racecar pit garages. There were twenty 5G antennas installed on the roof directly next to the scoreboards and aerial view screens (which were installed by Bombard Electric).

Local 357 members did all of the electrical work on permanent structures for the project, and the world saw it in its entirety as the race unfolded. IBEW contractors who worked on the project include Bombard Electric, Communication Technology Services, Dynalectric, Fisk Electric, LC Electric, Live Electric and Summit Electric.

We are grateful to have been a part of one of the most dynamic projects ever to take place in Las Vegas! Thank you to Mike DeCilla and Porfirio Lopez for submitting the photo and for the information included in this article.

Julie-Ann Peeples, P.S.

L.U. 369 (em,es,i,lctt,o,rtb,rts,spa,u&ptc), LOUISVILLE, KY — Work continues to be booming throughout our jurisdiction, and we've got new images of the progress at BlueOval SK Battery Park in Glendale, Ky. We have more than 800 electricians on this project alone, with the need for more in the months ahead. Each plant measures approximately 4 million square feet, the size of more than 60 football fields. Construction is on schedule, and battery production begins in 2024.

We would like to thank all the men and women working on that project and all projects throughout our jurisdiction. Without their dedication and commitment, those projects don't get done. The increased work throughout our jurisdiction has created many opportunities for growth, and we remain committed to taking advantage of those opportunities here at our local.

Edward J. Devine IV, B.M./F.S.

L.U. 459 (catv,ees,em,govt,mt,so,u&ptc), JOHNSTOWN, PA — U.S. Sen. Bob Casey toured the Keystone Generating Station, a 1,700-megawatt coal-fired power plant, on Aug. 28 to see our members keeping the lights on throughout the largest interconnection in the country.

Through many discussions with Local 459 leadership, Sen. Casey has professed his vision of an "all of the above" energy policy for our country and was truly amazed with the technology that keeps these plants running. Thanks to the senator for taking time to meet the members and be receptive to their knowledge and concerns. Without fossil fuel plants, the country faces a dark future, economically and literally, with impending blackouts.

Aric Baker, Pres.

L.U. 481 (ees,em,i,mt,rts,s&spa), INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Brothers and sisters, our local had a busy end of the year! In October, our retirees kicked things off by inspecting and making repairs to the stringers for Indianapolis' Circle of Lights. In November, over 300 members volunteered to install those stringers on Monument Circle.

More than 2,000 IBEW members and their families gathered downtown to watch the world's largest Christmas tree turned on during the annual Circle of Lights celebration Nov. 24. Thanks to our member volunteers, we successfully celebrated the start of the holiday season!

In December, nearly 200 retirees attended our annual holiday lunch and pin ceremony. The event is a great way to celebrate our retirees and the years of service they continue to give to the IBEW. The same evening, we had our annual December union meeting and holiday dinner, where we swore in more than 60 new members. It was a great first meeting for the new members to share in some brotherhood and sisterhood.

We closed the year by hosting our annual food drive, where our members and contractors brought donations for those in need in our community. Thank you to everyone who participated.

We hope everyone had a great holiday season and end to 2023. We look forward to what 2024 brings to Local 481 and all locals!

Blake A. Andrews, Treas.

L.U. 483 (catv,lctt,o&u), TACOMA, WA — On Aug. 12, members of our local, along with their friends and families, gathered for our annual picnic. Attendees enjoyed a variety of food accompanied by cornhole, bouncy houses, a balloon artist, snow cones and a caricaturist. At this year's picnic, we hosted our years-of-service awards, with a 50-year award given to retired lineman Dave Kauppila. Dave's stepson, lineman Scott Brennan, received a 25-year pin, making it a family tradition to be an IBEW member!

Membership engagement has been on the rise, with new work groups organized and strong interest in our shop steward training. We are delighted to be able to host these memorable events for our members and their families!

Byron Allen, B.M.

L.U. 601 (i&rtb), CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, IL — Our local's RENEW committee has another successful bags tournament under its belt. This, our fifth tournament, was a very special one for us. We are proud to have come this far as a RENEW committee and hope to do more events to bring our local together.

It was a close final between the last two teams, but an apprentice team won first place this year. The finals were played on a bag board set made by one of the apprentices on the winning team who was a classmate of Caleb Huls.

Caleb Huls was the son of another member, Rodney Huls, and was lost to us last year during his third year of apprenticeship.

Local 601 wishes you all a happy new year! Be ready to "light the path to the middle class" this election year.

Stay Union Strong.

Luther Baker, P.S.

L.U. 611 (catv,es,govt,i,lctt,o,spa,t&u), ALBUQUERQUE, NM — I hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving and a great holiday season.

Work in our jurisdiction is still going strong. US Electrical picked up the Walmart job in Clovis, N.M., which sustained damage from a fire in September; they were paying $50 per hour so they could meet their opening deadline.

As of this writing, Triad has 400 workers on site, but calls are slowing down a bit; B&D has 161 at Intel with more work coming their way in the near future; and Facebook has about 400 on site.

Negotiations with Inside contractors will be starting up in a few months, and hopefully we can agree to a fair contract.

On behalf of Local 611, I would like to extend condolences to the friends and families of Jerry T. Barboa, Robert S. "Turkey" Garcia, Michael J. "Johnny Walker" Jaramillo and George K. Richardson III.

Don't forget to attend your local or unit meetings.

Darrell J. Blair, P.S.

L.U. 683 (i&ptc), COLUMBUS, OH — Our annual 25-year dinner was held at the end of September to honor our members reaching 25 years of service with the IBEW. This year's officers did a great job, and a big thanks is due to club President Andrew Maciejewski, Vice President Brian Engle and Secretary Martha Ward. Congratulations to the new 25-year class and the members who received service pins.

The Local 683 RENEW committee hosted a trunk-or-treat at the hall in late October, giving our members' children a great place to test out their Halloween costumes and load up on sweets in advance. The turnout was much better than expected, and we look forward to next year's installment. Thank you to the members of the committee who made the event a success.

The work outlook continues to be outstanding in the jurisdiction, with ongoing projects in the area and new jobs coming out of the ground. Our local will be in great need of manpower throughout 2024 and welcomes travelers to help us.

Local 683 hopes everyone had a great holiday season and wishes a prosperous 2024 for all!

Mike Morey, Pres.

L.U. 725 (i,rts&spa), TERRE HAUTE, IN — On Oct. 27, our local's RENEW committee celebrated Halloween by hosting its fifth annual trunk-or-treat event at the union hall. Event organizers Skylar Boyll, Aaron Warren and Jordan King were excited to see that more than 10 members participated in decorating their vehicles, dressing up and giving away over 1,000 pounds of candy. Local community members and union members alike all had an enjoyable and memorable evening.

Dickson Hunley, P.S.

L.U. 915 (i&mt), TAMPA, FL — Business Manager Randall King is pleased to report that Tampa has escaped another hurricane season unscathed. The work outlook is strong, with several large projects on the horizon, including a new baseball stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays, a new stadium at the University of South Florida, a new terminal at Tampa International Airport, two hydrogen production plants and the new TECO headquarters building.

Recording Secretary Theresa King was reelected president of the Florida Building and Construction Trades at the annual conference in Orlando. She was also elected vice president at large for the Florida AFL-CIO Conference.

Business Manager King spoke at the annual apprenticeship banquet and led the festivities celebrating our newest journeyman inside wiremen. The Tampa Area Electrical JATC graduated more than 60 apprentices that evening and hosted more than 200 attendees at the banquet. At the October general membership meeting, President Jonathan Fielder swore in 40 new members.

Over the Labor Day weekend, Local 915 hosted the start of the annual motorcycle ride across Florida to raise money to support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Over the last decade, the charity motorcycle ride has raised over $77,000 for this worthy cause.

Brian Nathan, A.B.M.

L.U. 1347 (ees,em,u&ptc), CINCINNATI, OH — For the seventh year in a row, our local donated more than 100 teddy bears to beloved and well-deserving children at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital in December. This year, celebrating our local's 80th anniversary, we were proud to donate the biggest teddy bears since we started this program.

We hope these gifts can make a difference for those who are staying at the hospital during the holiday season. If our membership has the ability to spread a little cheer, we are going to do so! We also extend a thank you to all of those working hard in the medical field.

We wish everyone good health and well-being going forward.

Andrew Kirk, B.M.

L.U. 1579 (i&o), AUGUSTA, GA — By the time you're reading this, a new year will have begun. Let me wish you all a happy new year, and let us start this year with hope, vigilance and continued prosperity. Our work situation is solid and will be gradually getting even better with the Savannah River Plutonium Processing Facility moving forward with the construction — and out of the demolition — phase. The Savannah River site and our in-town contractors are holding their own.

Plant Vogtle still employs quite a few electricians between the contractors remaining on the site. Unfortunately, faulty equipment has caused delays for the startup of Unit 4, but Local 1579 and the Augusta Building Trades are working together to swap out the bad for the good and get the unit online.

I would like to thank our delegates to the 2023 Georgia AFL-CIO Convention: Business Manager J.R. Richardson, President Mike Greene, Vice President Alonzo Ingram, and executive board members Chandra Fussell and Tommie Crabb. Thank you all for your time and dedication not only to our local, but to the organization as a whole.

"It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit."– President Harry Truman

Mike Greene, Pres.

L.U. 1837 (rtb,u&ptc), MANCHESTER, ME — Matt Beck, who recently retired from his role as a business representative and organizer, was honored with the Lifetime Working Class Hero Award by the Southern Maine Labor Council during the group's Labor Day breakfast Sept. 4. Beck's commitment to labor causes and unwavering support for workers' rights earned him this respected recognition.

For decades, Brother Beck actively championed fair wages, safe working conditions and the importance of unions in protecting workers. His commitment went beyond rhetoric; he was a visible presence at strikes, rallies and legislative advocacy.

In addition to his official duties, Beck was known for his volunteerism. Whenever workers needed assistance, he was there to organize events and fundraisers and offer support. Congratulations, Matt!

Kaitlyn Hegarty, Bus. Rep.