Celebrating Local 16 Graduates
L.U. 16 (i), EVANSVILLE, IN — Congratulations to the following graduates of the 2025 five-year inside wireman program: Justin Adkins, Hunter Arney, Matthew Bailey, Kalan Bucherl, Keary Calvert, Brandon Cassin, Caleb Elaman, Colton Gamblin, Zachery Gamblin, Drake Hobbs, Slade Hoffman, Jeffrey Johnson, Karson Kinner, Kaden Kraus, Brent Leatherland, Austin McWhirter, Ethan Montgomery, Tyler Payne, Woody Phillips, Conner Pullum, Ethan Pyle, Garrett Rayhill, Mitchell Rolley, Eli Schnuck, John Schultz, Bram Stock, Trevor Thomas, Rylee Thompson and Bryan Will.
This year’s John D. Brenner Memorial Award went to Zachery Gamblin, and the Outstanding Apprentice for 2025 is Kaden Kraus. Recognition is also due Gabriel Gogel, Matthew Schwartz and Cole Persinger for completing the residential journeyman program.
Local 16’s retirees continue to be very active, with monthly breakfast meetings at the hall as well as lunches, card playing and various other occasions. These get-togethers provide an excellent opportunity for renewing old friendships and keeping up with happenings. For further information or a schedule of upcoming events, please contact the office or go to the Facebook page.
The IBEW was once again a proud sponsor of this year’s Red White & Brauen Music Festival.
Donald P. Beavin, P.S.
Punching Tickets to the Middle Class
L.U. 24 (es,i&spa), BALTIMORE, MD — Greetings from Charm City! Every summer, our local celebrates a new class of apprentices graduating to journeyman wiremen and installer techs. With that milestone comes a deep sense of pride, increased pay and greater responsibility. Anyone who has completed a registered apprenticeship understands the challenge of working full time while going to school. Long nights; tough AC theory tests; and the pressure of juggling school, work and life all demand grit and commitment.
We could not be prouder of this year’s graduating class. These members trained and worked through COVID-19, faced adversity and stayed the course. Our future remains bright, with our largest incoming class of more than 200 new apprentices.
An IBEW apprenticeship remains one of the few guaranteed paths to the middle class. We are proud to offer that opportunity to the most diverse group in our history. As we pass on knowledge and skills to those that come after us, we always remember that the apprentices of today are the leaders of tomorrow, and our tomorrow is strong!
Live Better/Work Union.
Mike McHale, B.M.
Local 26 Election Results
L.U. 26 (ees,em,es,govt,i&mt), WASHINGTON, DC — Our local welcomes newly elected Business Manager Christopher M. “Chris” Cash, who was sworn in July 11. Brother Cash was formerly the financial secretary and has been a member for more than 34 years.
Local 26 also welcomes newly elected Financial Secretary William T. Ng. Brother Ng was the treasurer and a business representative and has been a member for more than 13 years.
Full results from the Local 26 election are as follows: Business Manager Christopher M. Cash, President Thomas C. Myers, Vice President Richard D. Wilkinson, Financial Secretary William T. Ng, Recording Secretary Richard G. Murphy and Treasurer Mark F. Pontello.
Best wishes to the following retirees: Clifford Beasley, Thomas Best Jr., Stephen Bresnahan, Paul Britton, Kevin Capes, Timothy Collins, Randal Cox, Anthony Davis, Timothy Dobson, Daniel Dougherty, Donald Garner Jr., Leon Geibel Jr., Charles Greely, Mark Guidas, Gerald Hall, Kevin Hall, Roy Houston, John Jamison, David Johnson, Gregg Kaderabek, Joseph Kadjeski III, John King, Michael Kreuz, Paul Larsen, Gregory Little, Raul Loera, Wayne Miedzinski, John Morano, John Mudd, Vincent Newman, Valkan Nitchev, Andrew Nogle, John Painter, Steven Parr, Jeffrey Quandt, John Robert, William Robert, Anthony Russell, Ray Ryan, Marc Sherman, William Sommers, Robert Spurr, David Stokes Sr., Mark Surrena, Anthony Webb, Mark Wood and Anthony Yu.
The following members have passed away since our last article: Daniel Beiro, Philip Buhler III, James Coggins, William Durner, Wesley Easterlin, Frank Gordon, Eugene Hord, John Lasley, Carleton McCowin, Bernard Miller, John Morrison, David Porter, Timothy Rinehart, Mark Robba, John Schroeder and Donald Swanson Jr.
Christopher M. Cash, B.M.
Local 34 Heats Up
L.U. 34 (em,i,mt,rts&spa), PEORIA, IL — Summer heat brought a hot labor market. Work has been busy in Local 34, and summer projects have been underway at many schools, municipalities, universities and solar farms. We are proud of our market share, which is well over 90%, and continue to work hard to maintain it by filling demand for manpower. Hard work on behalf of our organizers ensures that we continue to provide a labor market contractors can depend on.
Local 34 leadership was elected and reorganized in our June 14 election. Tim Sprout has retained his position as business manager and Brian Bong as treasurer. Congratulations to newly elected President Zach Zimmerman, Vice President Tim Snyder and Recording Secretary Zach Helms. We thank all members who have served in a leadership role over the years and all members who participated in the election.
Local 34 raised money for the local Big Brothers Big Sisters organization at our annual Lee Hall memorial golf outing Aug. 9, and it was a great time. This was a sold-out event again, and attendees brought home some nice prizes.
Members turned out in good numbers for the annual trap shoot Sept. 13 and enjoyed the camaraderie with Local 34 brothers and sisters, along with retirees and a few travelers working in the local. As we enter into the holidays, we wish all our IBEW brothers and sisters a safe and happy holiday season.
Zach Helms, R.S.
Local 38 Officers Sworn in
L.U. 38 (i), CLEVELAND, OH — At the July union meeting, the elected officers of Local 38 took their obligation of office to serve for the next three years: Business Manager Dan Gallagher; President Mike Muzic; Vice President Jamie Davis; Recording Secretary Jay Onacila; Treasurer Brent Misenko; Examining Board members Michael Cesa, David Dushaw and David Watts; and Executive Board members Jarrod Amberik, Keith Carpenter, Jamie Mance, Jeff Nenadal and Steve Skantzos.
Dan Gallagher, B.M./F.S.
Pride With a Spark Ignites Labor Power at Seattle Parade
L.U. 46 (as,c,cs,em,es,et,i,mar,mo,mt,rtb,rts&st), SEATTLE, WA — At the Seattle Pride Parade in June, our local made its presence known louder than ever! Our Pride With a Spark Committee, made up entirely of volunteers, led the charge with a bold, beautiful float showcasing the creativity, solidarity and power of queer workers in the trades.
A float designed and built by members of Pride With a Spark included custom benches, hand-painted signage, rainbow lighting and a booming sound system that brought serious energy to the route. This wasn’t just a celebration — it was a declaration. We are here, we are proud, and we are building a labor movement that welcomes everyone.
Marchers included members from across Local 46: the Electrical Workers Minority Caucus; RENEW; the Women’s Committee; and staff, family and allies. We aim to uplift the voices of LGBTQIA+ electricians and trade workers who continue to shape our future, and we honor their leadership and presence.
Thank you to every volunteer who built, danced, marched, passed out stickers and supported us throughout Pride Weekend.
Pride With a Spark is more than a float; it’s a movement. Our message this year was clear: Pride is power. And when we organize together, we don’t just show up — we get louder.
Seamus Anglin, P.S.
Kansas City’s Ascent
L.U. 124 (ees,em,i,mar,rts,se,spa,t&ptc), KANSAS CITY, MO — Brothers and sisters, classes at the Kansas City JATC have begun! This year marks another record for the largest first-year class, with 180 apprentices. As members retire, the demand for electricians increases. And as the Kansas City region continues to grow, Local 124 is making sure it meets the area’s needs for the future.
Forecast studies project an 11% increase in employment for electricians in the next decade. This is due to factors such as the expansion of renewable energy and an increase in construction projects that require more electricians. Data centers and more advanced manufacturing have blossomed after policies enacted by the Biden administration.
The cherry on top is Kansas City’s growth compared to other regions around the country. Not only is KC having a population boom, but there is also a manufacturing revival. Kansas City has been outpacing the national trend in manufacturing and is projected to continue that growth.
An aging workforce compounds the need for more electricians. The last of the baby boomer generation are set to retire in the next few years. A study done by NECA found that 30% of electricians are near retirement. Local 124 is making sure it can staff projects of all sizes.
Wade Kiefer, Bus. Rep.
Local 134 Member Ray Svejnoha Celebrates Life as a Centenarian
L.U. 134 (catv,em,govt,i,mt,rtb,rts,spa&t), CHICAGO, IL — On July 31, Ray Svejnoha was the guest of honor at the senior center in Westchester, Ill., to celebrate his 100th birthday. Everyone knows him there because, up until recently, he was teaching the seniors’ swim aerobics class.
Ray was organized into the IBEW in 1946, shortly after returning from overseas at the end of World War II, where he had served as a member of the Fourth Air Force service area command of the U.S. Army Air Forces.
Ray humbly refers to his time in the service as learning to be a man. Ray grew up near Cicero, where his electrical career started. Ray worked on many of the high-rise buildings and landmarks along Michigan Avenue throughout his career, including the Playboy Club. Ray enjoyed learning all aspects of the electrical industry, from working in the steel mills to the science labs at Argonne National Laboratory.
When it comes to retirement, Ray says talking to people and having conversations and interactions every day is the best medicine for staying healthy. When asked for any advice he would give a younger apprentice just starting in the industry, Ray said: “Do not stay with one contractor too long. Experience every part of the industry. The more qualifications you have, the more you will be needed in the field. Never stop learning, and make yourself versatile.”
Ray says it has been a good life. Just work hard and raise your family. After you retire, make sure you keep dancing and keep talking to each other. Good advice from a man who has served our country and Local 134 with honor and dignity.
Donald Finn, B.M./F.S.
Congratulations to Local 150’s Graduating Apprentices
L.U. 150 (es,i,rts&spa), WAUKEGAN, IL — Union solidarity is the backbone of a strong union. When members stand united, they amplify their voices and increase their bargaining power. Solidarity ensures fair wages, safe working conditions and strong benefits by showing employers that workers are organized and committed. It also builds a sense of community, where members support one another on and off the job. A divided union is a weak union; solidarity is what transforms individuals into a powerful force. By standing together, we protect our rights, grow our influence, and secure a better future for all members, their families, and the generations that follow.
We want to recognize three especially important people who help make Local 150 stronger: JoAnne Concidine (benefits liaison), Laurie Brean (office manager) and Amy Loizzo (assistant office manager). We are grateful for your dedication, hard work, and the many ways you support our members and keep Local 150 running smoothly! Thank you, ladies, for everything you do!
Thank you to all who chaired, planned and volunteered for Local 150’s summer activities! With your participation, we will continue to enjoy successful events and solidarity. Thanks again!
Mark your calendars and be sure to attend our Christmas general meeting Dec. 3. We will be honoring our retirees and awarding pins to those with 50-plus years of service. We look forward to seeing all of you there.
Sisters and brothers, take care of each other and be safe!
Aaron M. Rendon, R.S./P.S.
Congratulations, Local 302 President Cheyenne Gomez
L.U. 302 (i,rts&spa), MARTINEZ, CA — On July 23, Business Manager Tom Hansen retired after 35 years of service to our local and more than 15 years on staff. Our local has sworn in its first-ever woman president, Cheyenne Gomez. Cheyenne is a very active member of our local and we know she will continue with her dedication to Local 302 and its members. Congratulations to Cheyenne and our new officers for their time and commitment to our future.
Julian Vinatieri, B.M./F.S.
Committee Action on the Rise
L.U. 340 (i,rts&spa), SACRAMENTO, CA — Some of our local committees have gone through leadership changes. We are pleased to announce that Local 340 committees have ramped up their events, bringing together more of our members both new and old.
VOLT went through changes in its committee makeup, as well as its name. VOLT, known as Volunteer Outreach Leadership Team, has been at the forefront of bringing members together to assist with political issues and community projects. In August, they held their first ever Speak to Win event in partnership with other skilled trades on how to craft a testimony that defends our work and strengthens our voice.
The Electrical Workers Minority Caucus Committee, which traditionally held an annual rib cook-off, took a break for a bit before bringing back this amazing, family-friendly event. The committee recently held elections. Congratulations to President Troy Takara, Vice President Geary Silva, Treasurer Justin Hill and Recording Secretary Vanesa Ruiz.
Our long-standing RENEW Committee has continued with events for billiards and cornhole. Committee members always assist with our annual picnic, and this year they really stepped up and were eager to help.
The Women’s Committee continues to engage in the community with its participation in the Pride Parade, its Mario Kart tournament and monthly meetings.
We are excited for the rising committees and all they contribute to our local.
Robert Ward, B.M./F.S.
Local 540 Journeymen Class of 2025
L.U. 540 (i), CANTON, OH — Congratulations to the newly minted journeymen of our local!
The change of classification on your dues ticket signifies that it is now on your shoulders to carry on the tradition of excellence and brotherhood that the IBEW represents. Good luck, and we’ll see you on the next one.
Local 540’s new journeymen are Andrew Haines, Mitch Macri, Adam McCann, Alexander Orenuga, Jacob Roberts, Logan Schafer, Robert Storesina, Parker Utley and Noah Werstler (fifth year, inside); Damon Beitzel, Dominic Bisesi, Ben Cunningham, Curt Cush, Nicholas Froman, Luke Leslie, Chase Meyer, Jake Schutt, Jared Schutt, Luke Teller and Colton Vanvhoorhis (fourth year, inside); Matthew Markoski (residential); and Kyle Cattarin (teledata).
Logan Hammer, P.S.
Local 700 Honors Members for IBEW Service
L.U. 700 (em,i,o,spa&ptc), FT. SMITH, AR — On behalf of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, we would like to recognize and thank our local’s Service Award winners for their dedicated service and unwavering commitment to our union. Your hard work, loyalty and craftsmanship have not only helped build stronger communities but also set an example for those who will follow in your footsteps.
The Service Award represents more than just years of membership — it symbolizes your contributions to the IBEW’s mission of solidarity, excellence and brotherhood. We are proud to honor you and grateful to have you as part of the IBEW family.
Awarded members are Burl Carter, Joe L. Floyd, George Jones and Martin E. Strunk (50 years); John S. Baker, George M. Bonds, Roger A. Coble, Bernard R. Hiatt and James W. Wright (55 years); Allin C. Vincent and Mickey H. Zolliecoffer (60 years); and Lloyd Estill (70 years).
Congratulations, and thank you for your service!
Eugene Wilson, B.M./F.S.
Local 702 RENEW Committee is Official
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. Our local’s RENEW Committee received its official Certificate of Recognition on April 28. The committee continues to meet regularly, engage with new members and serve in the community.
It has been a busy summer with negotiations. In June, our members at CenterPoint Energy ratified a four-year agreement that includes post-retirement health care provided through the Family Medical Care Plan.
The members at Southwestern Electric Cooperative ratified a five-year agreement that includes a 4% wage increase each year, on-call pay increase, added vacation time, improved meal allowance and post-retirement healthcare across the board.
At Clay Electric Cooperative, members secured a four-year agreement with wage increases of 5%, 4%, 4% and 3.75%. The contract also includes payment of 100% of LINECO premiums.
Jamie Hatfield, A.B.M.
Happy 100th Anniversary, Local 728
L.U. 728 (em,i,rts&spa), FT. LAUDERDALE, FL — A century of brotherhood, grit and getting it done.
Lighting the way since 1925.
To every hand that’s helped build this legacy, thank you.
To the history we honor, the energy we bring, and to our union:
Still charged. Still rising.
Cheers to another 100 years!
Effie Cruz, P.S.
Local 1340 Celebrates Graduates and Service
L.U. 1340 (i&o), NEWPORT NEWS, VA — Our local and the Hampton Roads Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee held their joint awards banquet and graduation at the Virginia Air & Space Science Center in Hampton on July 18. The following apprentices were presented with completion certificates: Joseph Andrews, Steven Bomar, Brandon Boulais, Lamarr Burnett, Colten Elldrey, Jonathan Foss, Jonathan Gray, Amber Hildebrand, Andrew Holloway, Shawnique Jenkins, Brennan Masterson, Andrew McCarthy, Quiriat Mendoza Lopez, Justin Miller, Zachary Mohajerin, Kelly Parker, Jesse Stepp and Bobby Wood.
Top grade awards went to Amber Smith-Mood (first year), James Hagin (second year), Nicholas Bowman (third year) and Lamarr Burnett (fourth year).
Service pins were presented to members with 10 to 65 years of service. One family enjoyed a rewarding moment as three generations of the Bryan family, Michael (65 years), nephew Paul Sr. (50 years) and his son Paul Jr. (20 years) all received pins at the event. The following members were presented with 50-year pins: Anthony Canfield, Frank Lombardo and William Wilson. Fifty-five-year pins went to James Castonguay, Terry Castonguay and Larry Day; sixty-year pins to Charles Lehtio, John McNair, James Walker and Merton Walton; and sixty-five-year pins went to Robert Scarborough and Hiter Tomlin.
A special thanks to the sponsors, including the Hampton Roads Local Labor Management Cooperation Committee, Southern Benefit Administrators Inc., Locke Supply Co., W.R. O’Neal Electric Inc., GGR Construction, Gexpro, Milwaukee Tool and Southwire.
We regret to report the passing of Steven S. Young on May 1.
Jim Avery, P.S.
