Local 16 Inside Wireman Graduates
L.U. 16 (i), EVANSVILLE, IN — Congratulations to the following graduates of the 2025 four-year inside wireman program: Brody Berry, Jared Blum, Kody Bonham, Joshua Brown, Colt Casanova, Joseph Church, Hayden Cloe, Collin Cross, Kyle Dallmier, Seth Davenport, Kennedy Devine, Louis Gee, Bradley Golec, Nathan Hunter, Gracie Kaufman, Jacob Kelly, Kelvin Kerchief, Justin Kleemann, Kolby Lary, Landen Leinenbach, Brett McManus, Alan Milnor, Dylan Mobley, Jacob Morris, Jacob Napier, Tyler Phelps, Terrance Powers, Dale Roos, Brandon Schutte, Caden Staley, Billy Stevens, Lance Stuckey, William Teague, Griffin Tuley, Corbin Weisensteiner and Chase Zimmerman.
This year’s John D. Brenner Memorial Award went to Gracie Kaufman, and the Outstanding Apprentice for 2025 is Joshua Brown. Recognition is also due Daniel Lacey and Dalton Lemond for completing the residential journeyman program.
In February, Local 16’s RENEW team won a respectable second-place finish in the annual Battle of the Beans. March featured the Mud-Bug Festival and the Easter egg hunt, which were resounding successes. A retired brother and his wife stuffed thousands of eggs for the event. Brother Kaden Doerner also delighted everyone there by wearing the Easter Bunny costume. Thanks to everyone who made these activities possible!
Donald P. Beavin, P.S.
Tradeswomen Training Others
L.U. 24 (es,i&spa), BALTIMORE, MD — Greetings from Charm City! The women of Local 24 showed up in full force this year during Women’s History Month, representing our union through volunteer work, mentorship, competition and community outreach across the region. Their efforts showed what it means to lead by example and open doors for the next generation of tradeswomen.
The month began with our Women’s Committee volunteering at the Druid Hill Ice Bowl, helping raise money and collect food for the Maryland Food Bank. At Howard Community College, Kristina Humm and first-year apprentice Sara Bowers introduced high school students to careers in the trades, while Rachel Amspacher represented Local 24 at Northeast High School’s Women’s Career Day.
Mentorship continued later in the month when Janasha Marshall coached a team at the CTC Student Builder Olympics, earning a second-place finish. Several members also represented Local 24 at the Maryland Tradeswomen’s Summit. To close out the month, first-year apprentice Kenyona Whitaker spoke at the Baltimore State of the City address, sharing her journey into the apprenticeship and the pride she has found in our union.
Women’s History Month is celebrated once a year, but the sisters of Local 24 continue to show up, step up and lead every day.
Live Better/Work Union.
Mike McHale, B.M.
Summertime in the City
L.U. 26 (ees,em,es,govt,i&mt), WASHINGTON, DC — Local 26 has been busy the last few months with conferences, seminars, graduation, rallies and events. The Spring Pension Seminar was held in April, and the Fall Pension Seminar is scheduled for October. The Financial Awareness Seminar was held in May, and another one is scheduled for November.
The 80th annual JATC graduation ceremony was held June 1. Congratulations to all the 2026 graduates, and keep up the good work!
The annual D.A.D.’s Day golf outing will be June 6, and this year we have more than 850 golfers participating in this worthy cause. Thank you to all of the volunteers, sponsors and golfers.
The family picnic will be in September at Kings Dominion. Stay tuned for additional details at ibewlocal26.org under the Events tab.
Best wishes to the following retirees: Chris Ashton, Christopher Bair, Stephan Blythe, Kevin Cassell, Damon Delaney, David Duma, Danny Ellis, Francis Fisher, William Flesher Jr., Leonard Granger, John Honigsberg, Douglas Leggat, David Maricle, Michel Money, Arnulfo Obando Sr., David Ransom, Keith Roger, George Rooker, Theresa Schultz and Randolph Wiggins Jr.
The following members have passed away since our last article: William Anderson, Roy Burgess, Martin Coen II, John Fancey, Bernard Hastings, John Landen, George Rigsbee, Fletcher Smith Jr., Keith Sutphin, Kenneth Thompson and Ivan Todorov.
Christopher M. Cash, B.M.
Chilia Charitable Trust Scholarship Award Recipients
L.U. 38 (i), CLEVELAND, OH — The Salvatore (Sam) J. Chilia Charitable Trust Annual Scholarship was established in appreciation for an incredible IBEW career. Brother Chilia held positions as Local 38’s business manager, on the International Executive Council, and as Fourth District international vice president and international secretary-treasurer before his retirement. The scholarship assists with costs of tuition, books and supplies for the Cleveland Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Center program.
In the mission statement for the trust scholarship, Brother Chilia noted:
“I have had the privilege of being a member of IBEW Local Union 38 since 1968. Throughout these years, I have personally experienced both prosperous and challenging times. Nevertheless, I have always been able to provide for my family, sustain a good living, feel the support of my brothers and sisters, and I now enjoy a comfortable retirement thanks to the IBEW collective bargaining agreements under which I worked.
For many years, I believed my success was due to luck, but I later realized that it was entirely due to my decision to join the IBEW at the age of 18. To capture and share more stories of how the IBEW has positively impacted our members’ lives, and to present these narratives to potential members, the directors of the Chilia Charitable Trust have agreed to sponsor an annual scholarship award for selected graduating apprentices from the CEJATC apprenticeship programs.”
The selection committee reviewed multiple submissions, and this year’s scholarship award recipients are Brandon Gibbons (inside branch) and Katelyn Gray (VDV branch). Congratulations!
To Sam Chilia, a grateful union thanks you.
Dan Gallagher, B.M./F.S.
Building Participation Through ARC
L.U. 46 (as,c,cs,em,es,et,i,mar,mo,mt,rtb,rts&st), SEATTLE, WA — Our local is launching a new program, the Apprentice Reimbursement Challenge, aimed at strengthening member engagement.
ARC is designed to encourage apprentices to take an active role in their union by connecting participation with reimbursement for books and tuition, a meaningful value up to $1,800.
To qualify, apprentices must:
- Remain in good standing.
- Meet apprenticeship requirements.
- Participate in union activities such as meetings, organizing efforts and approved events.
- Accumulate participation points throughout the year.
This program reflects a simple principle: The union is built through participation.
By reducing financial barriers while setting clear expectations for involvement, Local 46 is investing in the next generation of members, not just as workers but as active union participants.
As this program rolls out, it offers a model for strengthening engagement across the IBEW — starting early, building habits and reinforcing the responsibility we all share to support our union.
Seamus Anglin, P.S.
Local 66 Hosts Member Appreciation Event at Texans Victory
L.U. 66 (o,t&u), HOUSTON, TX — Members of our local gathered for a memorable day of camaraderie and fellowship during a member appreciation event at a Houston Texans game.
The outing was sponsored by Local 66 to give members and their families an opportunity to spend time together outside the workplace and strengthen the bonds that help make the union strong. Prior to kickoff, attendees enjoyed a lively tailgate prepared by Local 66 member Robert Simons and his wife, Brandy Rendon. The gathering was filled with great food, conversation and excitement as members prepared for the game.
The day became even more memorable when the hometown Texans secured a victory, giving attendees another reason to celebrate. Throughout the afternoon, members shared stories, laughter, and the kind of fellowship that reflects the strong sense of brotherhood and sisterhood in the IBEW.
During the event, representatives from the Houston Texans organization presented Business Manager Ed Allen with a custom Texans jersey featuring the number 66. The jersey will be professionally framed and proudly displayed at the union hall.
Events like this highlight the importance of unity, fellowship and the strong community that defines Local 66.
Kim Kaufmann, Comm. Dir.
Summer Happenings at Local 68
L.U. 68 (i), DENVER, CO — Hello, brothers and sisters. At the time of this writing, we are in negotiations and will hopefully come to an agreement soon. When this issue is printed, we should have a new agreement. I want to thank everyone who has worked diligently on the negotiating committee to represent our membership.
In February, we had our annual WBF bowling tournament. I was not in attendance because it was my birthday and I spent it with family, but I heard there were many who participated and fun was had by all.
In July, there will be the annual Klays4Kids clay shoot, where we will have representation to help raise donations for Children’s Hospital Colorado. Another event this summer will be our annual picnic in August, and I look forward to seeing everyone there. There are plenty of solidarity T-shirts and remodel challenge coins left. If you have not gotten either or both, come on down to the hall, pick them up and help show solidarity.
The Veterans’ Committee is getting off to a good start, with meetings held every other month on the first Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at Local 68. A huge thank you to Victoria Leavy for volunteering to be the chair of this committee.
As always, we have plenty of committees that members can get involved with — just give me a shout to get information. I hope everyone has a great summer!
Debbie Tikka, Pres.
Celebrating 70 Years of Brotherhood
L.U. 104 (lctt,o,u&ptc), BOSTON, MA — We proudly recognize retiree Jack McDonough for receiving his 70-year service pin with the IBEW, presented to him by Business Manager Brian Murphy.
Jack represents the very best of our membership with his dedication, integrity and pride in the trade. A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Jack’s service to his country and to our union set the standard for what it means to lead. Since beginning his journey in 1956 and through his creation of McDonough Electric, he has stood as a model of IBEW excellence.
Through the years, Jack’s leadership and impeccable linework have built not only a legacy but a family tradition, with three generations running McDonough Electric. (See accompanying photo.) These three generations have carried forward the values that define the IBEW.
Jack, you have set the bar for all of us. Your commitment, craftsmanship and character embody everything right about this Brotherhood.
Congratulations, Brother McDonough, and thank you for 70 years of service and pride in Local 104.
Brian T. Murphy, B.M./F.S.
Local 120 Sparks Future Electricians Through Innovative Community Partnership
L.U. 120 (c,i&o), LONDON, ON — In February, our local used Skills Development Fund investments to deliver hands-on leadership training for 38 apprentices while providing meaningful trades exposure to 105 eighth-grade students from CSC Providence School Board.
This three-day pilot began with classroom instruction on the IBEW Code of Excellence, safety, youth communication and French vocabulary. At the close of Day 1, apprentices learned they would be paired one-on-one with students the next day with full responsibility for each student’s safety, learning and experience, which created powerful accountability and full engagement.
Apprentices also mentored students through practical activities including circuit wiring, conduit bending, VR electrical scenarios, Vortex simulator use and safe operation of heavy equipment (telehandler, scissor lift and boom lift), using $415,000 in provincial and federally funded infrastructure acquired between 2019 and 2024.
The results were exceptional, with 100% of the 38 apprentices completing the three-day program (classroom preparation through two days of active, high-responsibility mentorship). More than half of the apprentice group participated as first-time mentors and gained real leadership experience. Students (46% female, 60% visible minority) achieved zero safety incidents and reported life-changing insights. The $35,000 program cost aligned with provincial goals in skilled trades recruitment, equity, Francophone inclusion, leadership development, safety culture and infrastructure return on investment.
CSC Providence praised the partnership for its professional delivery and impact. This successful pilot demonstrates the value of strategic community collaboration and existing training infrastructure.
Brennan Hepburn, P.S.
Kansas City Port Authority Victory
L.U. 124 (ees,em,i,mar,rts,se,spa,t&ptc), KANSAS CITY, MO — Brothers and sisters, after a months-long fight with the Kansas City Port Authority, we secured prevailing wage requirements. For decades, the KC Port Authority remained the only port authority in Missouri to opt out of prevailing wage requirements, even as many of our region’s largest projects moved through the port over the last 10 years.
On March 23, that changed. With the help of the mayor, the KC Port Board of Commissioners passed a resolution enacting a prevailing wage. This victory did not come easily.
While the Greater KC Building Trades led the charge, Local 124 provided the muscle. For weeks, our members stood at banners, made countless phone calls and showed up in force to public meetings. This consistent pressure from union tradesmen ensured that this resolution crossed the finish line.
I want to sincerely thank everyone involved. But we aren’t stopping here. The Greater KC Building Trades is pushing for additional requirements to benefit the entire local workforce, both union and nonunion. With the support of our elected officials in Kansas City, labor is fighting to mandate U.S. Department of Labor apprenticeship standards on taxpayer-funded projects. This will close the door on unscrupulous subcontractors who come to our city and undercut area standards.
Again, thank you to the membership development team and every member who gave their time to support this effort. Kansas City is a better place because of your dedication.
Bo Moreno, B.M.
Local 130 Hosts Fifth District Progress Meeting
L.U. 130 (i&ptc), NEW ORLEANS, LA — At the time of this writing, work is slow in the area, but we have some large projects that are out for bid including Charity Hospital, the Convention Center hotel and the new Port of New Orleans.
Local 130 was honored to host the Fifth District Progress Meeting, held Feb. 23-27. Thanks to all the locals who attended, and we hope everyone had a great time visiting New Orleans!
I would like to thank the members of Local 130’s EWMC, RENEW, Women’s and Veterans committees: Your willingness to step forward in service inspires others to get involved and make a difference. Your commitment to serving our communities and advocating for meaningful progress does not go unnoticed.
Congratulations to Patricia “Patti” Neal on her retirement! She ran Local 130’s health and welfare office for the past 30 years. Her dedication to the membership will be sorely missed.
Butch Naquin, R.S.
New Residential Tower Enters Chicago Skyline
L.U. 134 (catv,em,govt,i,mt,rtb,rts,spa&t), CHICAGO, IL — The Chicago skyline will undergo a transformation this summer as the new residential tower at 400 N. Lake Shore Drive nears completion. This project, which replaced the abandoned Chicago Spire site, started in November 2023 and is expected to be completed during the summer 2027. Gurtz Electric and its associated subcontractors have employed more than 50 Local 134 electricians on this project since it broke ground. Josh Janeczko, general foreman for Gurtz Electric, estimates that by completion, the electricians will have logged more than 150,000 labor hours on this project.
The building’s prime location, where the river meets the lake, is considered the last major undeveloped waterfront parcel in the city and is the tallest building under construction in Chicago.
The building is 72 stories high and includes 635 apartments. Each of the 635 apartments is equipped with all electric appliances. Local 134 looks forward to a Phase 2 building near this site, beginning after the first tower is completed.
Donald Finn, B.M./F.S.
Welcoming New Apprentices and Honoring Class of 2026
L.U. 150 (es,i,rts&spa), WAUKEGAN, IL — June marks a pivotal season for our apprentices as they advance through important milestones in our union. This year, we proudly welcome VDV and inside apprentices into Local 150. Their journey begins June 1, and it is our shared responsibility to guide, mentor and support them as they develop into skilled, engaged union sisters and brothers.
We would like to recognize and congratulate our graduating apprenticeship class of 2026! The VDV graduates are Kevin Dominguez, William Hayek, Nicholas Murphy and Misael Perez. Inside graduates are Kelsey Bergloff, Sam Blankenship, Jeremy Doll, Patrick Early, Dillon Falotico, Richard Gaylor III, Mohammed Hady, Adam Jagielo, Dillon Lech, Adam Rickert, Jack Robbins, Christian Soto and Ed Zegers. Their dedication and perseverance reflect the strength and future of our union. We wish them a safe and prosperous future with the IBEW and Local 150!
Save the following dates: Aug. 8 is the family picnic, Aug. 15 is the golf outing, Sept. 7 is the Labor Day Parade, and Dec. 2 is our Christmas meeting. Call the hall (847-680-1504) to volunteer or participate. We look forward to seeing you all there!
Sisters and brothers, be safe and look out for one another!
Aaron M. Rendon, P.S./R.S.
From Apprentices to Journeymen: Graduation Is Here
L.U. 234 (i&mt), CASTROVILLE, CA — Big congratulations are in order! We are proud to announce that five of our dedicated apprentices have officially completed their inside journeyman wireman apprenticeship and obtained their state certification. Please join Local 234 in celebrating: Joaquin Argueta, Cristian Gonzalez, Miguel Mexicano, Antonio “Silver” Navarrete and Andrew Vasconcellos.
These men have put in the hours and learned the trade, and they are ready to lead as our next cohort of electricians. A huge shout out to fifth-year instructor David Martinez, whose instruction has been vital in shaping this group into the skilled, knowledgeable journeymen they are today.
We’ll be naming our outstanding apprentice at our graduation ceremony.
Andy Hartmann, Pres.
Local 340 Scholarship Winners
L.U. 340 (i,rts&spa), SACRAMENTO, CA — Each year we hold a scholarship contest for sons, daughters, grandchildren and legal dependents of our local’s members. Those who apply for this scholarship must be a senior in high school graduating at the end of the spring semester with the intent of attending a college, university or trade school in the U.S.
Applicants must submit letters of recommendation and an essay on why unions are good for America. This year our winners were Holly Bain and Elizabeth Campiz. We would like to take a moment to commend these ladies for their academic achievements, letters of recommendations and essay submissions. Both came highly recommended with exceptional praise from their advisers.
These young women showed a dedication to their schoolwork with high GPAs and commitment to their community, and we have high hopes for their futures. Congratulations, and we wish you both well in this next chapter of your lives.
Robert Ward, B.M./F.S.
Local 364 Cruises Along in 2026
L.U. 364 (catv,ees,em,es,i,mt,rts&spa), ROCKFORD, IL — In April, we completed another successful outage at the Byron Nuclear Facility, and many thanks go out to all our traveling brothers and sisters who did the work and took on the extra duties as stewards on this project.
Looking to the fall, Byron has another outage that will be hiring in late summer. If anyone is interested, please check with the hall to get the details on when the hiring should begin.
Project Yukon is moving along with more than 200 wiremen and techs total, and this project has an anticipated completion date in the fourth quarter of 2027. As of this writing, we are expecting more hiring to be done due to hiring delays at the beginning of the project.
Our inside and VDV classifications had their topping-out cookout at our May union meeting. A great time was had by all, and we are very proud of these young journeymen and journeywomen upon completing their apprenticeship.
There are several fun and exciting local events we will be reporting on in the next issue, so stay tuned.
Brad Williams, P.S.
New Agreement Reached with ECAA
L.U. 424 (as,ees,em,es,i,mo,o,ptc,rtb,rts,spa&u), EDMONTON, AB — Hello, brothers and sisters. We are pleased to inform you that the tentative collective bargaining agreement between our local and the Electrical Contractors Association of Alberta has been successfully ratified by the membership.
The new agreement will be in effect from March 29, 2026, through April 30, 2029. This agreement reflects the outcome of extensive negotiations and provides stability for both our members and the industry. It includes updates to wages, benefits and working conditions that support the ongoing strength and sustainability of our trade.
Scott Crichton, P.S.
Fast and Furious Fraternity
L.U. 540 (i), CANTON, OH — On Feb. 21, our local put on a race night for our members and their guests at the local go-kart track. Our champions of the evening were Mitch Neisel in first, Jarrett Reardon in second and Alex Olesen in third place.
The sounds of squealing tires, lighthearted taunts and laughs were underscored by the low hum of bonds being strengthened. There’s something powerful that gathering members for an activity outside of work and monthly meetings provides. It offers the opportunity for us to see each other at our most relaxed, meet one another’s families and get to know each other on a more personal level.
Our union is stronger when we know each other as more than electricians. We are men, women, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, people with interests and stories, and some of us are pretty stiff competition on the track.
Congratulations to the winners, thank you to all who came, see you at the next one!
Logan Hammer, P.S.
Local 702 RENEW Committee Growing Strong
L.U. 702 (as,c,catv,cs,em,es,et,govt,i,it,lctt,mo,mt,o,p,pet,ptc,rtb,rts,se,spa,st,t,u,uow&ws), WEST FRANKFORT, IL — Greetings, brothers and sisters. The RENEW committee hosted the annual breakfast for the retirees March 7. There was a great turnout, and everyone enjoyed the delicious food prepared and served by the RENEW members.
We had plenty of door prizes, including St. Louis Cardinals tickets won by Jo Ellen Perkins and Keith Neal. Fifty-dollar gift cards to Cracker Barrel were won by Michael Bowling, Rick Bickens and Lester Wolske. Fifty-dollar gift cards to Roadhouse were won by Ron Waldron, Gary Murphy and Brent Taylor. Steve Ackerman, David Butler, Kevin Burris and Donnie Hayes won IBEW umbrellas. We are looking forward to next year!
In February, the RENEW committee entered a team in the Douglas K. Deaton Memorial Foundation Polar Plunge. This was an awesome event to raise money for local families battling cancer. Thank you to the RENEW committee members for all their involvement in the local and our communities.
Jamie Hatfield, A.B.M.
