L.U. 16 (i), EVANSVILLE, IN — Congratulations to the graduates of the 2024 inside wireman program: Zachariah Adams, Sean Armstrong, Daric Bailey, Joshua Barnard, Tyler Blazier, Morgan Britton, Ryan Carithers, Anthony Cross, Jacob Dorris, Jacob Epperson, Michael Foster, Brandon Gentry, Alexander Gerling, Destin Gresham, Sam Griggs, Brian Haag, Jeremy Hall, Cole Harpenau, Copper Hobbs, Griffin Hodgson, Keith Holman, Victor Jackson, James Kaster, Joseph Kayser, John Kercher, Andrew Kirves, Edward Koch III, Shane Miles, Jonathan Parkerson, Dalton Peerman, Jeffery Perigo, Ernest Phillips, Maegan Powers, Benjamin Reising, Charles Reuter, Trevor Skaggs, Paul Sokolowich, Loden Spain, William Spradlin, Trey Staples, Isaiah Stockman, Michael Sutherby, Adam Sweeney, Cameron Utterback, Zachary Wargel, Tanner Weaver and Dakota Wheelock.

This year's Academic Award winner was Paul Sokolowich. The John D. Brenner Memorial Award went to Joshua Barnard. Best wishes to these journeymen as they begin this new phase of their career!

Kudos to Local 16's outstanding golf team for bringing home the first-place trophy in the IBEW Indiana State Golf Tournament.

Local 16 celebrated its 125th anniversary with a special party Sept. 14. Everyone enjoyed the music and refreshments, making this a perfect opportunity for reminiscing, renewing old friendships and building lasting memories.

Donald P. Beavin, P.S.

L.U. 24 (es,i&spa), BALTIMORE, MD — Greetings from Charm City. We'd like to congratulate all our apprentices, construction electricians and VDV technicians who topped out this year.

The graduation ceremony was held at the Baltimore Museum of Industry. With the Inner Harbor as the backdrop, 97 members received their certificates of completion. They were joined by family, friends and industry leaders to celebrate this milestone accomplishment. The graduates consist of 91 inside wiremen and six VDV technicians. Completing an electrical or VDV apprenticeship is no easy task, and we are grateful to have skilled brothers and sisters committed to our industry by building their careers. Once again, congratulations on a job well done.

In other news, we held our 24th annual family picnic in August at Conrad's Ruth Villa in Middle River, Md. More than 1,300 members, families and guests joined us on the beautiful lawn for a day of brotherhood. Thank you to all our volunteers who helped run this large event, and to our officers, agents and staff who worked hard to set up and sell tickets. It is always a pleasure to see our members, retirees and their families enjoying the day.

Live Better/Work Union!

Mike McHale, B.M.

L.U. 26 (ees,em,es,govt,i&mt), WASHINGTON, DC — Our two annual Virginia picnics and the Maryland picnic were held in June and August, the fishing trip and Poker Run were held in September, and we will host the pension seminar Oct. 5.

Local 26 will host holiday parties in Front Royal, Va. (Dec. 6); Roanoke, Va. (Dec. 7); and Greenbelt. Md. (Dec. 13). We hope that you have planned to take an evening out for some brotherhood/sisterhood and holiday cheer at one of these locations. For more information and to register for one of these events, please visit ibewlocal26.org.

Best wishes to the following retirees: Thomas Buhler, Christopher Burch, David Caporaletti, Gregory Carr, Peter Chiurco, Thomas Collins, Abdul Conteh, Gary Clum, Stephen DeYoung, Nathaniel Fannin, Michael Fricia, Eduardo Garcia, Lynnard Geddis, James Gleaton, Rudel Hart, Richard Houchen, Arnold Jenkins, Michael Kloby, Michael Miller, William Miskovic, David Norman, Steven Ogle, Eugene O'Sullivan, Joseph Stakem, Stuart Sullivan, Andrew Thompson, Stephen Townsend, Vincent Tyler, Krzysztof Wabik, John Whitmire, Alphonso William and Stephen Williams.

The following members have passed away since our last article: Calhoun Anderson, Ronald Auth, Matthew Brickhouse, Harry Clegg, Vincent Cutino, Roy Gilliss, Patrick Hall, Misael Martinez, Elwood Ness Jr., James Norris Sr., Enrico Pelausa, Steven Tolliver, Allen Weese and Robert Young Jr.

Joseph F. Dabbs, B.M.

L.U. 34 (em,i,mt,rts&spa), PEORIA, IL — Fall brings a promise of more good work. Contractors report plenty of work across classifications.

We are happy to announce Local 34 ratified a new three-year inside contract. Our negotiating team worked hard to get a contract that provides a great standard of living and improves jobsite conditions.

Our RENEW program held its first event, a charity bags tournament at the union hall June 29. This event successfully raised more than $1,100 for our local's sick and needy fund. Local 34 strives to serve not only its members but community members in need, too.

This year, the local once again hosted the Thomas Jefferson Foundation Scholarship banquet alongside fellow trades members to fund scholarships for students with special needs. Recent and upcoming events include our annual Lee Hall Memorial Golf Outing on Aug. 10, the 24th annual trap shoot Sept. 14 and Local 34's 125th anniversary celebration Oct. 11.

Congratulations to member Tim Madison for his successful completion of the four-year Instructor Group program at NTI in Ann Arbor, Mich., and to J.P. Flambeau, who attended NTI as new journeyman. Brother Flambeau was awarded this year's Outstanding Apprentice recognition at the JATC graduation.

Stay safe out there, brothers and sisters!

Zach Helms, V.P./P.S.

L.U. 38 (i), CLEVELAND, OH — On July 7, our local's members, families and friends gathered at Cedar Point amusement park in Sandusky, Ohio, for the union's annual picnic. More than 900 tickets were sold to enjoy a day of roller coasters, games, food and solidarity.

Records show that Local 38 has been having the annual picnic at Cedar Point dating to 1915 and possibly longer. Cedar Point opened in 1870 and is the second-oldest amusement park in the country. All new construction and maintenance at the park is done with the IBEW, and Local 129 represents the electrical workers on site.

The work outlook remains very strong, with several large projects underway and on the horizon. At the Cleveland Clinic Main Campus, the Cole Eye Institute, the Neurological Institute and new research buildings are underway. Work continues at both Sherwin-Williams sites, Cleveland Police headquarters, Progressive Field, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Case Western Reserve University, to name a few.

On the horizon are a new jail in Garfield Heights, the new Cavs' training facility, Bedrock's development on the Cuyahoga River, Blue Abyss' astronaut training facility in Brook Park and the conversion of the historic Rose Building downtown (formerly Medical Mutual headquarters).

Dan Gallagher, B.M./F.S.

L.U. 46 (as,c,cs,em,es,et,i,mar,mo,mt,rtb,rts&st), SEATTLE, WA — The Washington State Labor Council presented the 2024 Power to the People Award to our limited energy electricians for their successful 10-week strike that electrified Washington's labor movement. Sisters Trina Chapa and Megan Kirby were also presented with the Mother Jones Award for their service leadership during the limited energy strike. One day longer, one day stronger.

I am so proud of this unit's dedication, determination, fortitude and unity!

Thank you to the Local 46 Women's Committee, who brought tie-dye to our summer picnics. The Women's Committee set up tie-dye stations to raise funds to send delegates to conferences and trainings. I look forward to seeing you in your tie-dye on Tuesdays to show solidarity.

The crisp fall air feels full of possibilities. I hope this time is spent collaborating with one another, whether that be special meetings, strategic planning or reaching out to our sister locals. I believe we can make positive change together to make things better for everyone.

Solidarity forever!

Megan Kirby, P.S.

L.U. 104 (lctt,o,u&ptc), BOSTON, MA — Our local's members, contractors and Veterans Committee participated in an annual golf fundraiser sponsored by Central Maine Power.

This event took place June 13 at the Sunday River Golf Club in Newry, Maine. The proceeds go to the Travis Mills Foundation. In the three years since this annual fundraiser began, more than $500,000 has been raised.

This money is well spent by the Travis Mills Foundation to provide barrier-free outdoor experiences; emotional support; and a new heated, wheelchair-accessible indoor pool for veterans and their families.

This foundation was born from retired Army Staff Sargent Travis Mills' experience and challenges during his recovery and rehabilitation. He is one of only five quadruple amputees from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to survive.

Tim Burgess, A.B.M.

L.U. 130 (i&ptc), NEW ORLEANS, LA — In a significant development for our local, Paul Zulli has accepted the position of Fifth District international representative. Paul, who previously served as the business manager and financial secretary of Local 130, will represent the union at the district level. His extensive experience and commitment to the IBEW make him a great choice for this new role.

Paul's transition to the Fifth District position comes after a successful tenure as business manager. Under his leadership, Local 130 saw growth in membership, improved labor relations and increased engagement with the community. His dedication to advocating for workers' rights and ensuring fair working conditions has been widely recognized.

Rodney Wallis will step into the role of business manager and financial secretary of Local 130. Rodney brings a wealth of experience to the position, having served in various capacities within the local. His background includes work as an organizer, chairman of the Executive Board, political director, Apprenticeship Committee member, and Health and Welfare board member. Rodney is committed to maintaining the union's strong foundation and continuing its legacy of supporting electrical workers in the region.

Paul Zulli's leadership has been instrumental in our local's success. We are confident that Rodney Wallis will continue to uphold our values and serve our members with integrity.

Members of Local 130 can expect a seamless transition as Paul assumes his new responsibilities and Rodney takes the helm as business manager.

Butch Naquin, R.S.

L.U. 134 (catv,em,govt,i,mt,rtb,rts,spa&t), CHICAGO, IL — The Democratic National Convention rolled into Chicago Aug. 19 and put on one of the most highly attended, massively viewed and technically flawless conventions ever, showcasing Local 134's electrical work to tens of millions of Americans.

More than 70 Local 134 members were instrumental in the installation, preparation and execution of this global event. Working on an extremely tight timeline, they laid more than 400,000 feet of fiber and CAT 6 for DNC production, press pool and media, as well as 75,000 feet of temporary power for animated lighting installations, LED monitors and video display, which included IBEW logos projected throughout the enormous facility. Not only did our members raise production values to a new level for political conventions, but the event's producers also said they had never worked with a more professional workforce.

The success of the DNC would not have been possible without the talented electricians and contractors from Local 134, whose skills, dedication and hard work are unmatched.

Donald Finn, B.M./F.S.

L.U. 150 (es,i,rts&spa), WAUKEGAN, IL — The local congratulates the following 2024 graduates: Sarah Ahern (VDV) and Paul Campbell, Jacob Carus, Alex Chobanian, Hunter Falotico, Mark Favia, John Carlos Figueroa, Leonardo Figueroa, Ivan Garcia, Alan Miller, Jake Morgan, Sebastian Piorek, Matthew Renz, Dakota Sarabia, Randall Schmidt, Aaron Sims, Daniel Trychta and Mikolas Vogt (inside). Good luck in your future careers!

Local 150 thanks the VDV apprentices for their hard work updating the wireless mesh networking system at the union hall. We appreciate what you do for the local.

Solidarity and union participation were abundant at Local 150's summer events. Brotherhood and great weather made these experiences most enjoyable. Thank you to all the sisters and brothers who volunteered and participated to make this all possible.

Mark your calendars and be sure to attend our Christmas general meeting Dec. 4. We will be honoring our retirees and awarding pins to those with 50-plus years of service. Looking forward to seeing you all there.

Sisters and brothers, look out for one another and continue to guide our apprentices to become proud journeyman wiremen and technicians for Local 150 and the IBEW.

Aaron M. Rendon, R.S.

L.U. 164 (c,em,i,o&t), JERSEY CITY, NJ — On June 9, 23 of our local's members, including active journeymen, apprentices and retirees, came out for a day of fun to give back to our veterans. There was an 80,000-pound tank pull competition in Clifton for the Knights of Columbus and Catholic Charities to benefit veterans in need.

The team, led by Local 164's Veterans Committee and its chair, Brother Richard Paredes, came to win and put in a spectacular effort pulling the tank by hand with a rope. They didn't emerge victorious, but they had a great time and gave back to a great cause.

Business Manager Dan Gumble, President Tom Sullivan, officers and staff thank our members who came out for this great cause.

Warren M. Becker, P.S.

L.U. 236 (catv,ees,govt,i,mo,rtb&t), ALBANY, NY — Congratulations to all our newly elected officers this year, and thank you for serving your local and the IBEW. Members who want to be involved and care for the betterment of the organization are critical to its success.

Local 236's first elected business manager, Timothy Paley, now retired, is evidence of this lifelong passion for the IBEW and its brotherhood. In the picture below, he can be seen visiting Anchorage, Alaska, Local 1547 and meeting with Assistant Business Manager Sven Westergard.

While the work picture for the first half of 2024 has been slower than desired, the future still looks promising for upcoming large-scale projects including the Wadsworth Center laboratories, the Albany NanoTech Complex and GlobalFoundries, to name a few.

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

Mike Martell, A.B.M.

L.U. 258 (ees,em,lctt,o&u), VANCOUVER, BC — Our local recently hosted a utility arborist summit. We invited our signatory utility arborist contractors, along with the apprenticeship training provider. Additionally, we leveraged our relationship with electric utility BC Hydro and invited its vegetation management and contractor procurement teams to attend. Having a large utility participate resulted in four non-signatory utility arborist companies attending the event.

The summit had a strong focus on improving the industry and was well-received by all participants. Discussions revolved around safety standards, attraction/retention issues, contract procurement and apprenticeship management. The chair of our Joint Line Apprenticeship Training Association gave a presentation to explain the concept of a joint apprenticeship committee and to demonstrate the success we have had using that model in the power line industry.

Reflecting on the history of Local 258, Business Manager Cody Gatzke stated: "Utility arborists were the first group outside of BC Hydro that Local 258 organized, back in 1984. This milestone happened four years prior to us obtaining outside line jurisdiction in 1988. While most of our membership works for BC Hydro and our line contractors, hosting this summit reaffirms our long-standing commitment to supporting and advancing the line clearance tree trimming sector."

Emily Organ, P.S.

L.U. 288 (i,rts,spa,u&ptc), WATERLOO, IA — Brother Ritchie Kurtenbach retired from his position as organizer/assistant business manager at the end of July. Ritchie had served in the role for 22 years after serving as business manager for two terms. He has been pivotal in organizing many new members into the IBEW, offering opportunities for electrical workers to improve their lives through union labor — labor that guarantees good wages, real benefits and dignity.

Ritchie has always been very active in the community. He has been a part of the Iowa Irish Fest since its inception, growing it into one of the largest Irish festivals in the Midwest. Local 288 members donate their time and expertise to meet the electrical needs of the festival.

When asked, Ritchie said setting up Local 288's Lost Brother Fund was his proudest accomplishment. The fund is an optional program that provides the families of members who have passed with a cash donation.

In his retirement, Ritchie plans to continue his longtime advocacy for organized labor and the rights of working people in his community.

Congratulations, Brother Kurtenbach! May you have a long and healthy retirement.

Ethan Seidenkranz, P.S.

L.U. 300 (govt,i,u,mo&lctt), MONTPELIER, VT — Congratulations to Gabe Miller for being the Northeast Public Power Association's Apprentice of the Year for the first-year class. Gabe and his co-workers at Ludlow Electric Department recently organized and will have their first-ever IBEW agreement in place by end of 2024. Congratulations to Gabe and Ryan Wardell (third-year apprentice) for their hard work and dedication to learning the trade. Congratulations to the other new members for their desire to make a difference and become IBEW utility workers.

A shout-out goes to members at Hardwick Electric Department for their perseverance and commitment to the town they service. The members recently secured a successor agreement during a difficult transition period. This new agreement is a step in the right direction for the employees and future management. I wish the members the best with their pursuit of leadership that is mindful of the residents and employees' needs.

The holiday season is upon us, and we are hopeful that the flood waters have receded so that we may enjoy our time with friends and family.

I would like to thank all the members who participated in their negotiations throughout the year and look forward to 2025.

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

L.U. 332 (c,ees,i&st), SAN JOSE, CA — Our local's members take pride that we helped build Silicon Valley. Our work can be seen in tech campuses, hospitals, schools and government buildings. Because of our world-class training and craftsmanship, the contractors who are signatory to our master agreement respect our members. That is why we were able to negotiate a record wage increase this year, even in a down market.

The increase for our inside wireman contract is the highest in the history of the West Coast, a $19.42 raise over three years. The journeyman wage will be $87.17, with the rest going into health and welfare, retirement, and our training program. Our residential members also won record wage increases.

As with many areas across the nation, much construction was put on hold during the pandemic, projects were delayed and many professionals never returned to their offices. This caused a work slowdown. However, things are picking up, with more projects getting the green light and calls coming into dispatch. So now our members will not only have record high wages, but we will have the hours, too. Come work with us in Silicon Valley!

Beth Trimarco, Comm. Dir.

L.U. 364 (catv,ees,em,es,i,mt,rts&spa), ROCKFORD, IL — After more than 30 years of waiting, Rockford finally has our casino. The new Hard Rock Casino opened Aug. 29, and the party continued into Labor Day Weekend to much fanfare. Three acts performed — Joan Jett, Brad Paisley and Akon — and what a show it was. The casino is now the crown jewel of the city.

This project was aggressive from Day 1, and Local 364 came through with all deadlines met. Many thanks to all our members who worked on this project for keeping the gold standard that we have come to expect from Local 364 projects.

Our Facebook DeKalb Data Center project is going strong, with more than 400 members on the project at press time, and it will continue through 2025.

In Belvidere, Project Yukon has taken shape with approximately 80 wiremen on site. This project has a few years to go before completion, another large project under construction in our local.

Many thanks to all our traveling brothers and sisters who are helping us with the work. We couldn't have come this far and done so much without you.

On Aug. 24, Local 364 held its 21st annual golf playday at Silver Ridge Golf Course in beautiful Oregon, Ill. More than 150 golfers attended, a fantastic success with camaraderie and good cheer. The proceeds went to the Local 364 Scholarship Fund, which are drawn from a raffle bin at our September union meeting for our members with children attending college.

Brad F. Williams, P.S.

L.U. 424 (as,ees,em,es,i,mo,o,ptc,rtb,rts,spa&u), EDMONTON, AB — Hello, brothers and sisters! The annual Cha Cha Memorial Golf Tournament was a fantastic success this year, raising more than $20,000 for charity. On July 29, Business Manager Michael A. Reinhart presented checks of $7,500 to the Prostate Cancer Centre and $13,500 to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

As of this writing, there are still two events scheduled before the end of the year. The Labour Day rematch is Sept. 7, and the family fun day will be Nov. 24. Tickets can be purchased by contacting the main office at 780-462-5076.

Scott Crichton, P.S.

L.U. 728 (em,i,rts&spa), FT. LAUDERDALE, FL — Congratulations to the newly minted journeymen of our local! May your dedication and expertise illuminate a promising future with the IBEW and in the electrical industry. Special shout-outs to the two top apprentices of 2024: Jered Tansky (Fisk Electric) and Nayara Monteiro (Miller Electric).

Effie Cruz, P.S.

L.U. 760 (i,lctt,o,rts,spa&u), KNOXVILLE, TN — Earlier this year, Brother Richard Hatten went on a climbing trip to Ecuador, where he trekked up Chimborazo, a stratovolcano where the elevation is 20,549 feet. He was able to make this trip with the help of Local 760's Contractor Specialty Service Group.

The success rate to make the climb is less than 50%, which makes his climb a huge achievement. One year before he made this trip, Brother Hatten climbed Huayna Potosi, a mountain in Bolivia.

No matter what mountain he climbs, Brother Hatten always represents Local 760 and the IBEW on his hiking gear, giving recognition to the IBEW around the world. Brother Hatten looks forward to his next adventure.

Glenn S. Clevenger II, R.S.