L.U. 15 (u), DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Our local proudly participated in the 2024 Labor Day Parade and picnic and car show in Rockford. President Chris Riser and Vice President Ben Busser enjoyed the day with brothers and sisters of Local 15 and their families. Many members enjoyed walking the route to pass out candy, and others drove their cars, which included rat rods, muscle cars, and vintage cars and trucks. Some members entered their cars in the car show later that day. After the parade, participants from many local unions enjoyed a picnic, activities for the kids and live music.

President Riser stated: "Thank you to all the members who came out to celebrate our labor movement and enjoy the day together, as a brotherhood. I hope our members in attendance enjoyed the day and look forward to having even more members come to the event next year. It is important for the strength of our local union that we find ways, like this Labor Day event, to come together and unite!"

John Richards, Bus. Rep.

L.U. 43 (em,i&rts), SYRACUSE, NY — We honored our local's recent retirees and those who have reached milestones for years of IBEW service during our monthly union meeting Sept. 3.

Local 43's recent retirees are William Alton, Michael Andrews, Todd Best, Steven Carlisle, Larry Coe, John English, Michael Graham, Daniel Hibbard, Gregory Kuhn, Mark Lumia, Joseph Magliocca, Edward Mattes, Michael Nolan, Kenneth Palmisano, Ronald Pennock, Stephen Reaume, Bradford Rombough, Gale Root, Stephen Russell, Zahid Seho, Eric Spies, Gordon Stark, John Touchette, David M. Welsh, Andrew White and Joseph Woods.

Members recognized for years of service included Lloyd Barnes and William Gramith Jr. (65 years); Patrick Ryan (60 years); Peter Baker, Richard Block, Robert Brainard, Dennis Breheny, Carlton Brothers, Harold Collins, Michael Collver, Jeremiah Comer, Bernardo Delia, Ronld Fratellone, Mark George, Thomas Huddleson, Thomas Kurak, Rodney Law, Keith MacGregor, Timothy McMahon, Richard Pelkey, Ronald Prebble, James Roll, Dennis Ryan, James Wiley and Richard Wilson (55 years); Frank Amie, Roger Bernhardt, James Bradshaw, Anthony Caputo, Lois Castaldo, Nicholas Cerrone, Charles Elve, Richard Geremski, John Glumpe, John Hunt, Timothy Johnson, William Johnson, Daniel Kelly, Gary Kogut, David Laribee, Donald Morgan, Lawrence Narolis, Nicholas Oppedisano, Joseph Ruggiano, John Salerno, William Shackleton, Edward Straub, Daniel Tice, William Tucker, Richard Waters and Frank Willemsen (50 years).

Congratulations to all our retirees and the first-year apprentice class, who were sworn in as new members!

Jeff Cassano, P.S.

L.U. 47 (lctt,mo,o,u&uow), DIAMOND BAR, CA — Greetings, brothers and sisters. Business Manager Colin Lavin presented Pat Padilla his IBEW retirement watch after 47 years of service. Congratulations, Brother Pat!

Here are Local 47's bargaining and event updates:

• Southern California Edison — There was an additional day of bargaining for the real time operator desk (RTO) on Oct. 4; we are very close to a stand-alone agreement. Bargaining continues for newly organized group of air operations (Air-Ops). For call center workers, also newly organized, bargaining began in November. Bargaining for construction field forces (CFF) has concluded with an agreement that creates a wage increase and brings the electricians to parity with the transmission substation electricians.
• City of Banning — Utility and general negotiations continue.
• City of Colton — Electric negotiations continue.
• City of Riverside — Wastewater negotiations continue.
• City of Riverside — Supervisory and utility negotiations continue.

Congratulations from Local 47 to the following retirees: Phillip Gallegos, James Hess, Sherrie Holmes and Dale R. Lilly.

We're sad to report the deaths of Fernie Carlos, Bryan Cotta, Diane Daleo, Kyle Duncan, James Garrett, Cameron Miles, Courtney Norwood, Jose Regalado, Miquel Reyes and Franklin Soto. 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 — Our local's linemen and line clearance tree trimmers traveled to support recovery efforts after hurricanes Milton and Helene. Some crews worked in Virginia, where line trucks could not be used. As a result, crews hiked up Virginia mountains to remove power poles by hand with a helicopter flying in replacement poles.

Other crews worked in Florida, West Virginia, Georgia and South Carolina. Our members carry a heavy burden when trying to restore power quickly, yet they continue to do so in a safe manner.

We had a fun family outing at the Peoria Chiefs game in September. The event was well attended, and we plan to organize another event next year. If you have any suggestions, please contact the hall.

Happy 2025! Line work looks promising this year, and line clearance tree trimming remains steady. We wish you a healthy and prosperous new year. Attend your union meetings.

Karlene Knisley, Bus. Rep.

L.U. 77 (lctt,mt,o,t&u), SEATTLE, WA — Our local celebrated its third annual chili cook-off in September at the Spokane hall, attracting a lively crowd of members, families and guests. This year's event featured a car show, adding excitement to the day.

Attendees enjoyed a perfect day filled with food, great music from the local union band Maggie and the Boys, and an impressive lineup of hot rods. The chili competition was fierce, with some of the best homemade recipes on display, but the real winners were attendees who sampled offerings from each team. By the end of the event, many participants left with fantastic raffle prizes, adding to the festive atmosphere.

"This event continues to grow each year, and we have some great ideas already in the works for the fourth annual," said Dave Garegnani, business representative and event organizer. "We love bringing our members and their families together at the hall for a day of solidarity."

The winners of this year's chili cook-off were:

• Patty Garegnani (first place)
• Randy and Lorie Coleman (second place)
• Shelby Prest (third place)
• The car show winners included:
• Best in Show: Chad O'Riley
• Most Unique Ride: Rick Ruffle

Overall, it was a fantastic event that highlighted the spirit of community and camaraderie within Local 77!

Dave Garegnani, Bus. Rep.

L.U. 99 (govt&i), PROVIDENCE, RI — Our local held its third annual trunk-or-treat Oct. 26, put together by Brother Jon Porreca with the help of other local volunteers and held at the union hall. Children and adults dressed up in Halloween costumes and showed off their spooky trunks while the kids trick-or-treated.

There were more than 100 attendees at the event, and many additional activities were offered. Movies played inside the hall, and pumpkin carving and painting was hosted outside, with other Halloween crafts available. Food, hot chocolate and a photo booth were provided on this eventful Saturday. Attendees called it a wholesome fun time.

Sidney Jablonski, P.S.

L.U. 103 (cs,i&ptc), BOSTON, MA — Our local proudly swore in 250 new apprentices and CWs on Oct. 17, marking a significant milestone for the union and the future of skilled labor. This ceremony brought together new members and their friends and family to celebrate a pivotal moment in their careers.

On Nov. 3, a beautiful fall day, 1,500 members of Local 103 and their families gathered at Gillette Stadium for an unforgettable experience. As the New England Patriots took on the Tennessee Titans, the energy in the air was palpable, filled with excitement. This gathering underscored the importance of family within the IBEW community.

With loved ones by their side, members were able to relax and connect with one another outside of their work environments. It was a perfect opportunity to strengthen bonds, share stories and enjoy the company of fellow union members.

James Fleming, R.S.

L.U. 131 (i,rtb,rts,se&spa), KALAMAZOO, MI — At the time of this writing, we are appreciating the warmer days of autumn with the work outlook steady in Kalamazoo. Several projects are keeping the book clear. Travelers are working in the jurisdiction. Palisades nuclear plant is still staffing up. Thank you, President Biden, for all the work you have created for IBEW members.

There are plenty of ways to participate with Local 131. Step up and join RENEW, the Veterans or Women's committees, or the EWMC. We need you to participate to make the local stronger. I would like to start a retirees' group. We all need help as we get older, and who better to help than your brothers and sisters?

The retirees' Christmas luncheon was Dec. 11. Fifty retirees attended. Stories were told, and the tales just keep on getting bigger.

I hope everyone had a joyful holiday season!

The Local 131 apprentice party is scheduled for 131 day (Jan. 31) at 5 p.m. Stop in and introduce yourself. We all remember starting out!

Morris A. Applebey, B.M./F.S.

L.U. 237 (i), NIAGARA FALLS, NY — Greetings and happy New Year, brothers and sisters.

Local 237 would like to welcome NewSource Electric, a recently organized local contractor, to the IBEW.

Work in our jurisdiction is strong and should remain so throughout the winter. The large five-story Amazon fulfillment center has broken ground and will need additional manpower. Somerset Data is looking to continue with a fifth building for bitcoin mining, as well as an AI expansion. Albion Correctional Facility has lighting and camera projects that are ongoing. Several solar fields are also expected. Please call the hall for additional information.

The annual Local 237 disc golf tournament was held Sept. 21 at Wilson-Tuscarora State Park. Congratulations to brothers Andy Janese and Dan Fiorentine for placing first. Our family Christmas party was held Dec. 14 at the hall, and we would like to thank all those involved for making this event a reality for members and their families.

Our dinner dance will be held sometime in February, so please look out for an announcement to purchase tickets. We look forward to seeing you all there.

Remember to make your conditions not only for yourself, but for your brothers and sisters as well.

Have a safe and prosperous new year!

Brandon Lum, P.S.

L.U. 245 (govt,lctt,o,rtb&u), TOLEDO, OH — I can't believe it's that time of year to look back at 2024 and start preparing for what the new year has to offer. I hope everyone was able to spend time with their families during the holiday season.

Andrew White, one of our Local 245 members from the city of Rossford Fire and Rescue, spent time at Lake Township Safety City, a community event. Students learned about when it is appropriate to call 911; what to do if there is a fire; and when to get low and stop, drop and roll.

As of this writing, Local 245 is in negotiations with Vistra Corp. at the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station, and at the Bayshore power plant, Rossford Fire and Rescue, and RKR Traffic Control. Outside construction work is steady and increasing rapidly.

Special thanks to all who assisted with hurricane and storm restoration. Your efforts and safe work practices are greatly appreciated!

We're looking forward to another Local 245 Toledo Walleye hockey night in February.

Brian Gendaszek, P.S.

L.U. 313 (i&spa), WILMINGTON, DE — Greetings from our local, powering Delaware and Cecil County, Md.

Our local and the Delaware Building Trades organized a Labor Day Parade on King Street in Wilmington. Hundreds of union members, apprentices, families and friends came to the event. It was a great to see everyone there because the past few years have seen the parade affected by the pandemic. We appreciate everyone who came to the event, and we hope for more like it in the future.

Local 313 would like to congratulate those who finished their apprenticeships this year. Good luck to the new journeymen!

A special shoutout to our RENEW program for hosting the annual ugly Christmas sweater party in December, with all proceeds going to Nemours Children's Hospital. They also joined WSTW's radio broadcast for the radiothon/backpack challenge at the Food Bank of Delaware and participated in the fourth annual Bump, Set, Light Volleyball Tournament hosted by SL24: UnLocke the Light Foundation, which educates, assists and supports those battling depression and suicidal ideation.

David Rholetter, P.S.

L.U. 343 (i,spa&st), LE SUEUR, MN — Older news deserves credit, too. Last year was not the first time Local 343 was represented at a Democratic National Convention. Some 30-odd years ago, now retired Mike Mansfield was the first member to attend a DNC as a delegate. It was the 1990s, the Clinton years. Union activism and political involvement go hand in hand.

In more recent times (February 2024), apprentice Ray Wicks attended the Mankato Young Workers Town Hall, the purpose of which was to discuss topics that are important to workers ages 18-35. Those issues included representation on the job, individual accountability and personal integrity, concerns and traits of the Brotherhood. Ray was then invited to attend the September 2024 AFL-CIO Constitutional Convention in Duluth as a young worker representative.

Brother Ray may be a young worker, but his IBEW family tree has deep roots. His father, Mike Wicks, is a former JATC instructor. His grandfather is retired member Mike Bambrick Sr., and his great-grandfather is retired member and past apprenticeship instructor Ray Goodew. Family and brotherhood go hand in hand. It will be what you make of it.

Do your part, buy Made in USA.

Tom Small, P.S.

L.U. 357 (c,i,mt&se), LAS VEGAS, NV — Our local was buzzing with activity this past fall, hosting a series of engaging, informative and fun-filled events. Our annual picnic, held in October, had 100-degrees-plus temperatures, adding to the fun! The picnic is our best-attended event of the year, with more than 200 volunteers contributing to its success. Local 357 committees raise funds during this event through raffles and merchandise sales.

Our Women's Committee also held a special, no-cost raffle for all apprentices who attended the picnic, giving away several gift certificates and a book reimbursement.

We hosted our Health and Welfare Pension Allocation and Benefits Fair the following weekend. While our members voted on important allocation decisions, families were treated to good food, activities and, most important, vital information about the benefits they receive through our providers.

To round out fall activities, we had our annual Gary Pitts Golf Tournament and kids' Halloween party. The golf tournament raises money for the IBEW's Health and Welfare Fund. The Halloween party allows our families to get together and enjoy the holiday in a fun, safe and sane way.

Julie-Ann Peeples, P.S.

L.U. 481 (ees,em,i,mt,rts,s&spa), INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Brothers and sisters, our local had a very busy end of the year. Our retirees and members installed the stringers in preparation for another successful Circle of Lights Celebration on Monument Circle. It has been 62 years since the stringers first went up, and Local 481 members have been involved from the beginning. It is a holiday tradition that we and the Indianapolis community look forward to every year. Thank you to all our volunteers!

Holiday celebrations continued as we held our annual holiday luncheon for our retirees and our holiday dinner for the membership at our December union meeting, where we distributed years-of-service awards to attendees celebrating milestones. Congratulations to all recipients.

In the fourth quarter, more than 100 new members were sworn in to the ranks of Local 481. To the new members, welcome! Please continue your involvement. The IBEW is only as strong as its members who participate. Help to tell our story and work to become the future leaders of our industry.

We hope all IBEW locals had a great 2024, and we wish you an even better 2025! Happy New Year!

Blake Andrews, Treas.

L.U. 483 (catv,lctt,o&u), TACOMA, WA — Three generations of IBEW business managers attended this year's annual picnic. Their combined time as business managers spans more than 27 years. In the accompanying photo, on the left is retired Ninth District Construction Representative Rick Hite, who was business manager from 1997 to 2005; in the middle is retired Business Manager Alice Phillips, who served from 2005 to 2023; and on the right is current Business Manager Byron Allen, who was appointed in 2023. A great time was had by many Local 483 members and their families at the picnic, and we presented service awards to active and retired members for up to 60 years of service.

Local 483 has participated in our local P.Ink event for three years. Every October, tattoo studios around the country close their doors for a day to create free healing experiences for those who have had mastectomies and seek closure through coverage of their scars with beautiful artwork.

Local 483 Sister Rebecca Erber is the Pacific Northwest organizer for P.Ink. With the help of many of our members, we were able to collect donations and gifts that provided the recipients and artists with wonderful gift bags tailored to this event. This year, our own administrative assistant Kyra Williams designed an amazing Local 483 P.Ink T-shirt that we gifted to each of the participants and artists.

Byron Allen, B.M./F.S.

L.U. 569 (i,mar,mt,rts&spa), SAN DIEGO, CA — Our local's groups did great work in their events last October. RENEW's Haunt the Hall Halloween event was a great success, and the kids enjoyed a haunted maze, mummify-your-mommy race, cookie decorating, costumes and lots of candy. Our women's group went on their first three-day camping retreat to enjoy the great outdoors, games, food, relaxing campfires and s'mores.

At the time of this writing, we are looking forward to our holiday parties in San Diego and Imperial counties. We are very grateful to all our members who volunteer to help make our events successful.

Lynn Minor, Bus. Rep.

L.U. 601 (i&rtb), CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, IL — Our local once again made a strong presence in the Champaign AFL-CIO 2024 Labor Day Parade. Sporting red shirts with the message "Working Hands Keep America Strong," Local 601 was one of the many unions to show that Champaign is a union-strong city and will continue to be for years to come.

As an indication of Local 601's influence in its community, Business Manager Jarrett Clem was chosen by the Champaign AFL-CIO's Central Labor Council to be the grand marshal of the 2024 Labor Day Parade. We thank our membership and their families for coming out on that beautiful day to represent Local 601, and we look forward to seeing them again next year!

After a few years of slow times, Local 601 is back in full swing with a few open calls. As of this writing, there are 29 on Book 1 and 16 on Book 2. If you want to be on our out-of-work list, we are accepting notifications from your home locals.

Elections will be over by the time this article comes out, so here's a preemptive congratulations to all of the labor-friendly candidates who were elected! May our union be forever strong.

Luther Baker, P.S.

L.U. 617 (c,i,mo&st), SAN MATEO, CA — Happy New Year! I would like to thank the membership, officers, staff and their families for volunteering, attending, participating and getting involved in Local 617 events. Reflecting on 2024, we are grateful for the festivities and celebrations that strengthened solidarity and emphasized the power of community and brotherhood/sisterhood.

Our year of events included the service pin awards banquet, offshore fishing charter, holiday craft fair, clay shooting, Journeyman Motorcycle Club rides, benefits fair, Veterans Committee and EWMC days of service, 50th annual Local 617 summer picnic, Halloween haunted hall, Harvest Fall Festival, ALS Walk & Ride, union nights at various sporting events, Local 617 Retirees' Club luncheon, and the children's holiday party and train display.

We are honored and proud to have received our local charter from the International Office for our Veterans Committee. Thank you to our committee officers and the work they put in year-round to remember, honor and teach.

A huge congratulations to Local 617 Membership Development Representative Francisco Castano, who was presented with the Above and Beyond Award at the IBEW Ninth District Progress Meeting. The award recognizes Brother Castano's commitment to organizing and furthering the purposes for which the IBEW was instituted. Local 617 received the Henry Miller Award for its ongoing commitment to the IBEW's organizing principles, upon which it was founded.

Local 617 is looking forward to the new year and new goals.

Scott Wein, B.M./F.S.

L.U. 697 (c,es,i,mt&se), GARY AND HAMMOND, IN — The Sisters of 697 Women's Committee had a busy 2024. We started off the year with collecting canned goods for a local food drive, with big bins in our union hall's lobby for convenience dropping off items, even if the giver is not a member.

We hosted our annual bowling and bonding night in March, where we were able to relight our momentum after the holidays and cold weather. Some of our sisters attended a STEM event at Williams Elementary School to introduce themselves and explain to future generations what being an electrician is all about and the benefits that come with being in a union.

As in previous years, we volunteered to help set up and tear down Local 697's picnic and sell 50/50 raffle tickets during our time there to help raise money to donate to those in need. We also collected books, toys and necessities for the kids at the Marram Health Center in June and July.

Two of our sisters were recognized this year for their outstanding dedication to their union. Kim Soto received a $1,000 prize from Union Plus during its Labor Day sweepstakes, and Sabrina Cordero received a $500 gift card and plaque for winning the Tradeswomen Heroes Award from the North American Building Trades Unions.

We attended a semi-pro baseball game (the RailCats) near our hall, thanks to our local's sponsorship of the team. This game was great opportunity for a night out for our local.

In September, members also attended the IBEW Women's Conference in New Orleans. Our local took six sisters, and we had a blast bonding and meeting new sisters from all around the world.

Local 697 hosted its annual Halloween at the Hall event, which consist of a trunk-or-treat for members and their families.

We would like to thank our local for its continued support, and we wish everyone a Happy Holidays!

Phil Hernandez, B.M.

L.U. 915 (i&mt), TAMPA, FL — Business Manager Randall King is pleased to report that our local survived hurricanes Helene and Milton largely unscathed. The union hall did suffer some minor damage that is being rapidly repaired. We were proud to see our brothers and sisters helping to restore power across Tampa Bay, as well as in Sarasota and Bradenton. Restoration work continues, and we urge any Local 915 member to contact the hall if they have suffered property damage or loss.

Local 915's delegation to the 2024 IBEW Women's Conference and the North American Building Trades Unions' Tradeswomen Build Nations in New Orleans comprised Sisters Tabitha Hunter, Jolene Brzezinski, Nicole Kocher, Christy Handley and Theresa King. They were joined by Business Manager Randall King as they paraded through downtown New Orleans.

At the September general membership meeting, we held our annual Labor Day cookout. Many brothers and sisters came home from the road to catch up with old friends. President Jonathan Fielder swore in 42 new members and presented Business Manager King with the Organizing Impact Award. This annual award is given to one business manager per district, and Brother King was recognized for his organizing efforts across the IBEW's Fifth District.

Brian Nathan, A.B.M.

L.U. 1347 (ees,em,u&ptc), CINCINNATI, OH — The 2024 International Lineman's Rodeo proved to be a challenging event for our local members Cody Nixon and Richard Hill. After completing back-to-back storm recovery efforts from two hurricanes, they drove to Kansas City to represent us in the competition. Their commitment exemplifies the dedication we all share in our profession to keeping the lights on.

This year was one of pride and hard work for our local, with safety as our top priority. The opportunity to engage with other locals further strengthened our brotherhood. Thank you to the entire team for your unwavering dedication.

Andrew Kirk, B.M./F.S.

L.U. 1579 (i&o), AUGUSTA, GA — Brothers and sisters, I hope the new year has rung itself in and that everyone is well. Things in Augusta are pretty much status quo, and it tends to be a little slow toward the beginning of the first quarter everywhere. With that said, we are hoping for another great year here at Local 1579.

The work picture is stable in the area. The data center will be picking up soon, as well as the Savannah River Plutonium Processing Facility project at the Savannah River site. Our in-town shops are holding their own, and the prime contractors at SRS should be adding manpower with more projects arising onsite. Business Manager J.R. Richardson is constantly meeting with contractors and facilities to ensure that our presence is known.

"The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written. We can help write that story by setting goals," wrote Melody Beattie. Let's achieve these goals together.

Mike Greene, Pres.

L.U. 1701 (catv,ees,i,o&u), OWENSBORO, KY — Our local is blessed with progressive activities. At the time of this writing, Business Agent Ryan Hayden is in negotiations with the county power company to organize its line crews. We wish continued success to Ryan and organizer Andy Daniels.

The monthly union meeting was a packed house of journeymen and apprentices. Local 1701 President Tim Therber began the meeting with the pledge of allegiance. Retirees in attendance displayed their new retiree membership cards. Three new members took their oath of membership. Apprenticeship classes are full and have begun with Jason Sharp, apprenticeship director.

Our members have high employment at this time, with both local and out-of-town contractors having work in our jurisdiction. The local fall picnic was held at the union hall. Executive board member Scott Pagent brought his special blend of burgoo, along with other cooks' variations on grilled chicken, burgers and dogs. Music and games were enjoyed by all.

Rick Thurman, P.S.