L.U. 16 (i), EVANSVILLE, IN — The 30th annual Ritzy's Fantasy of Lights was highly successful. This year's volunteer effort netted more than $186,000, which covers the cost of 2,000 therapy sessions. Since its inception, more than $4.5 million has been raised for children and adults needing these life-altering treatments at the Easterseals Rehabilitation Center. Special thanks are due to the many JATC students and instructors who helped through the week to insure everything went as smoothly as possible.

Much appreciation goes to Bryan Diehl, Ben Ipock, Ryan McRoberts, Jerrad Sprinkle and Matthew Woods for their efforts to negotiate a fair and equitable inside collective bargaining agreement. Local 16 is also currently in contract discussions with General Motors.

The IBEW would like to congratulate Gracie Kaufman for winning Modern Structure LLC's Southern Indiana Construction Career Kick Start Award. Gracie is a third-year apprentice with Local 16 and is very involved in union events. To qualify for this award, she had to provide an extensive application that included her GPA, work history, extracurricular activities, community service and a list of other achievements. The hall is proud to have members like Gracie, who are truly award-winning!

Donald P. Beavin, P.S.

L.U. 24 (es,i&spa), BALTIMORE, MD — Greetings from Charm City! At the beginning of this year, we bid farewell and happy retirement to Local 24's vice president, Brother Ellwood Hanks. Brother Hanks has been in the trade for more than 40 years and has left a lasting impression on his apprentices and fellow journeymen. Brother Cory Shifflett said: "Wood has been a mentor and a role model for years. He would always lend an ear and support anytime I needed it. Ellwood exemplifies brotherhood, and all of us at Local 24 wish him well."

With the retirement of Brother Hanks, other local union officer appointments were made by the executive board. We'd like to congratulate Brother Cory McCray, who will be filling the vice president position. Brother Miles Morris will be moving from our examining board to the executive board. To fill the position on the examining board, Sister Anna Moore was sworn in as an officer. We also welcomed Brother Jack Powell, who joined the organizing staff in January.

Once again, congratulations to all. Thank you for your willingness to serve the members of Local 24.

Live Better/Work Union.

Mike McHale, B.M.

L.U. 26 (ees,em,es,govt,i&mt), WASHINGTON, DC — Looking ahead, here are a few key dates to mark your calendars for:

• JATC Graduation — June 1
• Dollars Against Diabetes Golf Outing — June 3
• Virginia Picnic (Manassas) — June 22
• Maryland Picnic (Edgewater) — Aug. 24
• Fishing Trip — Sept. 21
• Poker Run for Special Love — Sept. 28

Best wishes to the following new retirees: Brian Abe, Calhoun Anderson, Celestin Barasebwa, Jon Bayeaux, Dale Carpenter, David Chick, Michael Cooper, Wade Dagle, Steven Daniels, Elbert Deel Jr., James Downing, William Figgers, John Gaffney, Riley Gaines Jr., Steven Gerardi, Randall Henri, William Hileman, John Hyre III, Andre Kelly, Raymond King, Horace Malcolm, William Margowski, David Marshall, Stephen Matula, Albert McDowell, Matthew Menke, Michael Milling, Darrell Mincks, Stuart Moore, Michael Moran, Owen Morris, Timothy Moseng, Richard Nelson, Donald Newlond, John Patton, Enrico Pelausa, Richard Pfistner, Kenneth Platt, Michael Reilly, Mark Robba, Donald Robey, Mark Robinson, Jeffrey Rutledge, Michael Sabatino, Perry Samuelson, Kevin Shumaker, Gurtej Singh, Martin Smith, Mark Spruill, Gary Thomas, Thomas Travis, Richard Ulrich, Thomas Vanderark, Craig Wild and Michael Zollman.

The following members have passed away since our last article: Victor Bernard, Dwight Bushnell, Kenneth Campbell, Bryan Collins, Eugene Dailey, Adam Dunaway, James Guelig, Tulio Guzman, Donald Hemmer Jr., Steven Johnson, Anthony Lewis, Michael Long, William Maxwell, Matthew McGahan, John Piazza Sr., Robert Poetzman, Nelson Pumphrey, William Rhodes, Michael Shoemaker, Willie Spradlin, Earl Taylor Jr., John Ward, Kevin Weyant, Thomas Wright and Ray Wyatt.

Joseph F. Dabbs, B.M.

L.U. 40 (em,i&mps), HOLLYWOOD, CA — Our local was in attendance earlier this year with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and the Los Angeles/Orange County Building Trades to announce the $1 billion Radford Studio Center project labor agreement. This project will create over 3,500 union jobs and reinvigorate one of the oldest studio lots in Los Angeles. This investment will also ensure that good-paying union jobs in entertainment stay here in L.A.

The studio lot opened 95 years ago, five years after Local 40 was chartered, and this much-needed modernization will transform the campus into a cutting-edge film and TV facility.

The owner of the studio, Hackman Capital Partners, also owns the historic Television City studio, which signed a $1.25 billion project labor agreement last year. Combined, the two PLAs represent one of the largest private-sector commitments to union labor in Los Angeles history.

Many of the historic buildings will be preserved, and the Local 40 members who work to maintain the facility will be invaluable in assisting our signatory contractors during the remodel process and maintaining the campus upon its completion.

The current projected completion date is summer 2028. Although this project is still a long way from breaking ground, we look forward to the many work opportunities this will create for our members in the years to come.

Stephan Davis, B.M./F.S.

L.U. 46 (as,c,cs,em,es,et,i,mar,mo,mt,rtb,rts&st), SEATTLE, WA — Hello, union family! With nearly 100 contracts for our local's members, there is almost always someone negotiating in our hall. Local 46 members stand in solidarity to improve their contracts and lives.

We started 2024 with Delta Electric Motors, continuing our fight for a better contract. As I write this, our Delta members are in mediation, trying to come to an agreement and avoid a strike. At the same time, our Port of Seattle members are doing some banner training for their negotiations.

Johnson Controls members are in talks with corporate to secure better pay for their specialized skill set. Our limited energy/sound and communications unit, which has grown to over 1,000 members, is in the middle of negotiations, and we hope to be celebrating an improved contract by the time this article is published!

Our largest unit, inside wire, will jump into negotiations as this article is released, as well as our stockman, residential and light-fixture maintenance units. Our political action committee made good use of lobby days, taking 46 members to Olympia to speak with elected officials about improved health care for all, feminine hygiene and pumping on the jobsite, clean injection sites for diabetics, and the ability to file for unemployment while striking.

When we all come together to support one another, we are bound to achieve greatness!

Megan Kirby, P.S.

L.U. 48 (c,em,i,rtb,rts,st,tm&ptc), PORTLAND, OR — With the new year comes a new look for the hall. We committed from the start that the work would be done 100% union. Marshall McGrady, our political coordinator, took on an additional role in coordinating all the meetings from initial design to final product, and the results speak for themselves. The new copper panels are beautiful, an obvious reminder of our favorite metal. Large screens make reading easier, and a specially made emblem behind the podium makes for the perfect background for a photo op.

The upgraded look elevates and highlights our commitment to excellence, a space where politicians, developers and those we organize can see that we are THE power professionals. And thanks to all the union crafts who made our hall so beautifully and hopefully walked away with renewed pride in cross-trade solidarity.

Kevin Lux, P.S.

L.U. 50 (u), RICHMOND, VA — Jan. 14 started as just a regular day at work for Donald Flora and Leslie Conner. The two Virginia Natural Gas operations mechanics were performing routine maintenance on a commercial meter set in the Atlantic Shores retirement community in Virginia Beach when they heard someone screaming. They found an 83-year-old woman who had been walking her dog and was being attacked by a nutria, a large rodent.

Flora, a 30-year union member, and Conner, a 39-year union member, ran to her assistance, kicking the animal until it released the woman from its bite. They immediately called 911 and waited for paramedics to arrive, and the woman was soon transported to the hospital.

"This rodent was similar in size to a dog, looked like a beaver with a long, rat-like tail, and we hope to never see one again," said the mechanics, who were pleased that they were able to assist the woman. She is still recovering from the incident.

Local 50 represents hourly workers of Virginia Natural Gas, Dominion Energy, Monongahela Power and Craig-Botetourt Electric Cooperative and has members working in three states.

John Albert, B.M.

L.U. 68 (i), DENVER, CO — Greetings, brothers and sisters: As is typical, the work slowed down somewhat over the winter, but it stayed fairly steady. The work picture is expected to improve in the coming months, with a few new projects starting up.

The election season is in full gear with the caucuses and primaries coming up before the November election. There will be many opportunities to get involved and participate, such as phone banking, lit drops, postcards and door knocking. You should be able to find something that fits your schedule and personality. We can always use your help ensuring that candidates who champion labor will be elected.

By this time next year, Local 68 should be in the middle of our remodel. Expect change to be a constant for the next several months. Speaking of changes, for those who may not be aware, Business Manager Jeremy Ross has accepted a position with the International Office. Local 68 wishes Brother Ross all the best. We are sure he will do very well in his new role. Brother Zack Esquibel has been appointed to fulfill the remainder of the term as business manager. Local 68 offers Brother Esquibel all the support and assistance needed as we move forward.

We extend our deepest sympathy to the families of our recently deceased brothers and sisters: Claude F. Adams, Elwin J. Coulter, James Ferguson Jr., Robert A. Henry, Robert G. Holcomb, Ronald W. House, Phillip E. Johnston, Ronald O. Lufkin, Stanislau Mardian, Timothy D. Moser, Robert E. Nesland, Stephen R. Parsons, James M. Schlieker, John R. Sulkko, William H. Walters Jr. and Dennis R. Wamsley.

Morgan Buchanan, Pres.

L.U. 112 (c,i&st), KENNEWICK, WA — More than 170 members, associates and family members gathered Dec. 9 to celebrate Lori Johnson's 50 years of service to the IBEW. Lori was hired part time by Business Manager George Elgin in December 1973 to help with the labor-intensive process of dispatching, and within a few months, she was asked to join the staff full time. During her career, she has worked under five business managers and has helped tens of thousands of members with joining the union, receiving retirement benefits and everything in between.

When asked about her favorite part of the job, Sister Johnson reflected on the relationships she has built with members and their families. Her mother, Andy Leiby, was Local 112's office manager and worked there for 37 years, and her late husband, Steve Johnson, was a 40-year member of the local. In this day and age, you would be hard-pressed to find a member with 50 years of active service. We would like to extend our congratulations and show our appreciation for her longstanding and continued service to the IBEW.

Travis Swayze, B.M.

L.U. 124 (ees,em,i,mar,rts,se,spa,t&ptc), KANSAS CITY, MO — Work in Kansas City is booming, with multiple projects ongoing. The Meta data center project is finishing the first two buildings with multiple contractors on site.

The Panasonic battery plant continues to man up, with many calls coming in every week. Meta's Building 3 is scheduled to begin in summer, around the time a second data center is also scheduled to begin. With that, Local 124 is bracing for three megaprojects to be all going at one time!

In February, the Jackson County Legislature approved a vote for constituents to continue the sales tax for the Chiefs and Royals. If passed April 2 (please vote in support of this), a new downtown Royals stadium will be built, along with upgrades to Arrowhead Stadium. Smaller projects would surround these jobs, as well.

Robin Carnahan, administrator of the U.S. General Services Administration, held a press event at the Charles Evans Whittaker U.S. Courthouse in Kansas City, Mo., to announce a $61 million investment in low-embodied carbon materials as part of President Joe Biden's Investing in America agenda.

Local 124 will definitely need the help of many of our traveling brothers and sisters to complete these projects.

Wade Kiefer, P.S.

L.U. 130 (i&ptc), NEW ORLEANS, LA — Another Mardi Gras has come and gone in New Orleans, and what a great time it was. The work situation in our area has been slow lately, but we are optimistic that it will pick up soon.

We are excited to announce that Local 130 has welcomed a new contractor, Pisciotta Bros. We are thrilled to have them on board and the chance to show them what we can do.

We want to thank the RENEW group for their volunteer work cleaning up the Oaks. They did a great job of removing debris and restoring power and showed the true spirit of solidarity and community service.

Butch Naquin, R.S.

L.U. 150 (es,i,rts&spa), WAUKEGAN, IL — I hope this report finds everyone well and busy! Continuing education classes are still available for current and retired members at our JATC. Visit lakecountyjatc.org and sign up for a class today.

As warmer months are approaching, I would like to encourage everyone to participate in Local 150's summer events to inspire solidarity among our sisters and brothers. This year, Local 150 will sponsor a Thursday concert series on July 25 at the Village of Antioch Bandshell, 900 Skidmore Drive, Antioch, Ill. Music starts at 7 p.m. We look forward to seeing you there in your Local 150 attire!

Other events you can attend this year include the Local 150 family picnic. We are excited to see what our fourth-year apprentices have planned for us. Also, the softball team will be looking for players for this year's tournament, and we wish them luck. Next, you can try for a hole-in-one at our annual golf outing. Think good weather and join us for the annual car show; bring your favorite ride to show off and enjoy the food. We will need volunteers to help out with these events, so please call the hall to sign up. We look forward to seeing all of you over the summer!

Last, for children of Local 150 active members, the $500 scholarship applications are due by May 31, and we wish those who are college-bound good luck in their studies.

Stay IBEW Strong!

Aaron M. Rendon, R.S.

L.U. 212 (i), CINCINNATI, OH — Happy 2024, brothers and sisters! Our Women's Committee hosted their annual chili cookoff as well as the euchre tournament. Brother Dave Waller took home the pot. Congratulations and thank you for coming, Dave! The cookoff has expanded, so thankfully our hall has enough receptacles! While our local is known for Skyline Chili, we promise that most of us from Cincinnati do not always use cinnamon in our everyday chili.

Women's Committee President Jayme Scott presented winners with personalized aprons and wooden spatulas for their efforts. President Phil Bovard and JATC Assistant Director Chris Fridel won first place in the mild and spicy categories, respectively. The Women's Committee thanks everyone for attending!

Courtney Groeschen, P.S.

L.U. 292 (em,govt,i,rtb,rts&spa), MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Our local will be negotiating contracts for the majority of our members this year, including the inside construction and maintenance agreement and the limited energy agreement. We expect work to pick up this summer and hope we will be in a strong position to negotiate a good contract.

Now is the time to come together and turn out to show solidarity for a strong contract. To stay informed on the progress of negotiations, download the Local 292 app. Search "IBEW292" at the App Store or Google Play or go to ibew292.org/resources.

2024 is an important election year. We are hoping to maintain a labor-friendly majority in the Minnesota House and gain a labor-friendly majority in the U.S. House. Most important is reelecting Joe Biden as president. Biden is the most pro-labor president we have ever seen and a close friend of the IBEW. Please consider getting involved this year to help share our collective pro-labor voice and help us elect pro-labor candidates. You can find out more political information, including how to register to vote, at ibew292.org/political.

The Sherco Solar project, a 710-megawatt utility-scale solar project, is expected to ramp up again soon. With that, along with the prospect of a couple of data centers and a strong bonding bill passed last year by the Minnesota Legislature, we hope to see a much improved work picture this spring and summer.

Andy Snope, Bus. Rep.

L.U. 340 (i,rts&spa), SACRAMENTO, CA — Our local is continuing to see growth and opportunities. We have been fortunate to have a strong work outlook in the coming year. Our Membership Development team gained extra helping hands who have assisted us with our need for additional electricians. The job calls have been consistent, and we are hopeful to gain more manpower in the coming months for the projects we foresee this year.

I like to bring us back to our roots every now and then, remembering where we came from and not forgetting that we had trying times before yet have been successful in keeping our local strong throughout. It is through connections, work relationships and adapting to the ever-changing workforce that we are able to remain in the top tier in our district. May we all continue to see a better year each year.

Bob Ward, B.M.

L.U. 364 (catv,ees,em,es,i,mt,rts&spa), ROCKFORD, IL — We thought 2023 was busy, but 2024 is shaping up to be another banner year for our local.

As we move into spring, Local 364 has several large-scale projects underway or about to start.

The Facebook project continues to set the bar for construction, with all work being done on time or ahead of time.

The Hard Rock Casino opens in late summer or early fall, and this project has continued to bring in more work to the Rockford area in and around the casino.

The new Walmart cold-storage facility, directly across from the Stellantis car assembly plant in Belvidere, has taken shape. This project is 1.3 million square feet and has come together fairly quickly.

And last, we have the Stellantis project, which was shuttered in 2023, but thanks to President Joe Biden and UAW President Shawn Fain, has new life. We are very excited to see work there again at the new EV plant. As of this writing, there are still several details to work out, but all of this work is off and running for Local 364.

Brad Williams, P.S.

L.U. 424 (as,cs,c,es,I,it,mt,mo,o,pet,se,&u), EDMONTON, AB — Our local has successfully ratified the collective agreement with Impactica Printing. It is a four-year agreement with increases of 3%, 2.5%, 2.5% and 1%, and it was ratified with 100% of the members voting in favor.

On Jan. 25, Members of Parliament Alexandre Boulerice, Matthew Green and Alistair MacGregor visited Local 424 and the Electrical Industry Training Centres of Alberta. We discussed fair wage policies and the Union Training and Innovation Program.

Scott Crichton, P.S.

L.U. 426 (i,lctt,o,spa,t&u), SIOUX FALLS, SD — In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week, our local hosted an engaging tabling event at the union hall on Nov. 17. We explored local apprenticeship programs that showcased the diverse opportunities available in the area. The event was enhanced by the presence of South Dakota Rep. Linda Duba, who shared her intent to pass legislation to bring more education about our local electrical apprenticeship program to our state's high school students.

Shane Larson, Mem. Dev.

L.U. 440 (i,rts&spa), RIVERSIDE, CA — Members ended 2023 on a productive note and attended our local's first boxing/health club event. Long ago, Local 440 understood that not every member is able to attend monthly meetings as frequently as the labor movement would hope. So we created the motto and culture that if our members are unable to attend the meetings, we will bring the meetings to them.

To date, we have created and maintained the Local 440 softball team as well as golf, gun, mountain bike, poker, flag football, off-road, prayer request, car/truck/motorcycle, dominoes and chess clubs. We also have our internationally recognized and chartered RENEW chapter and Veterans Committee, all of which we use to promote and grow our Local 440 mentor program.

If you're reading this and want information on participating, please feel free to reach out to me at bernie@ibew440.org, and I will put you in touch with the chairman of the club you're interested in. All clubs have annual events, with the possibility of extras throughout the year. We hope to see you at one of them!

From apathy to activism — through brotherhood we will change our jurisdiction!

Bernie Balland, P.S.

L.U. 654 (i), CHESTER, PA — Our local started the new year off with a special guest: Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson, a two-time first-team and second-team All-Pro, five-time Pro Bowler, and Super Bowl LII champion. We were honored to have him in attendance and grateful for the opportunity to hear him speak about his journey.

Lane discussed the important topic of mental health awareness, a subject for which he has advocated throughout his professional career. He spoke about how he became aware of and addressed his issues starting from his college days all the way up to this season. Lane offered pointers for stress management and insight about the signs of depression and how to reach out for help.

It was a great conversation about the mental challenges and hurdles we all face no matter where we are in life. Some members asked questions, and Lane even signed a few autographs. This was a great way to reflect upon the importance of helping others and the role of brotherhood in doing so.

Christopher Schieler, 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 outside construction branch is feeling the impact of the Illinois Commerce Commission's ruling against Ameren Illinois, and we have seen significant layoffs. We continue to work to reverse this devastating ruling. However, the work outlook for 2024 is not promising.

The inside branch is extremely busy trying to man solar work. We continue to fill calls and expect this to continue throughout the year. It is projected that 2 gigawatts of solar work is scheduled to start in our jurisdiction either toward the end of 2024 or the beginning of 2025.

Jamie Hatfield, A.B.M.

L.U. 728 (em,i,rts&spa), FT. LAUDERDALE, FL — Congratulations on achieving the esteemed title of union journeyman wireman to the class of December 2023! The collective dedication and hard work has paved the way for remarkable success, illuminating new paths for others to follow. Your unified perseverance holds the promise of shaping a brighter future for our industry and union. Well done to each one of you, and may your journey ahead be filled with continued success and brilliance.

Effie Cruz, Bus. Rep.

L.U. 1042 (u), SANFORD, FL — Our local would like to recognize Brother James F. Wilkening for his 50 years of faithful service. Brother Wilkening was presented with a certificate from the IBEW recognizing his commitment to the union for all these years. We are very grateful for your service.

Ellen Stephenson, P.S.

L.U. 1340 (i&o), NEWPORT NEWS, VA — Virginia legislators began their 2024 session in January, and our local members are in engaged in Richmond representing our members and labor. Representatives of Local 1340 attended a series of meetings to discuss important issues facing our industry and working families.

On Jan. 27, Business Manager Jeff Rowe, President Aaron Woodard, and Political Committee members Jesse Robertson and Jim Avery participated in the winter meeting of the Virginia State Building and Construction Trades Council, presided over by President Jason Parker, also a member of Local 1340.

The following day, the team met with other IBEW representatives at the Virginia Association of the IBEW meeting, where Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney discussed ways to work together on upcoming local and state projects. Later that day, they joined other union representatives from across the state to kick off the Virginia AFL-CIO Legislative Conference. The body received updates on proposed legislation being considered in this year's general assembly session and information on specific bills to address with their legislators.

On Jan. 29, approximately 160 union brothers and sisters converged on the General Assembly building to lobby our elected state officials on issues such expanded bargaining rights, increasing the minimum wage, apprenticeship utilization requirements and many other topics. The legislative session ended March 9.

Renovations at the union hall were expected to be completed by mid-March.

We regret to report the passing of retired members Glenn Hollifield (Dec. 5, 2023) and James "Cookie" Alligood (Dec. 31, 2023).

Jim Avery, P.S.