Both local chapters of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) have a storied history in the Mahoning Valley, each setting the standard for safety, quality workmanship and community service. As the voice of the electrical construction industry, NECA was first started in 1901 by a group of electrical…
Homeowners and rental property owners in the Mahoning Valley are flipping the switch on traditional thinking and migrating to high-efficiency lighting, backup power and smart technology in their homes. And NECA-IBEW Electricians member contractors are ready to meet the demand. “Everything has pretty much moved to LED,” said Nick Berni, project manager at Gulu Electric….
What once was the former Wean United site in downtown Youngstown has been revived as the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre, with member contractor Tri-Area Electric at the heart of the project. “Last summer, this area was just an open field essentially full of rubble and dirt,” said Michael Johnston, project manager for Tri-Area Electric. “Now, this…
Coming from a long line of family military service, including his grandfather and brother, Mike Rowbotham knew at a young age what branch of the military he wanted to serve in. “When I was in second grade, I told my mom I wanted to join the Marines,” he said. After enlisting in July 2012, Rowbotham…
Safety – both for employees and customers – is at the forefront of each electrical project our member contractors take on. “Safety is a state of mind,” said Eric Davis, training director for the Warren Electrical JATC. “You have to want to work safe. Sometimes that means you have to take your time and think…
Donating their time and expertise, IBEW Local 573 continued a long-standing community service project this week for the Warren Relay for Life. Members, apprentices and retirees spent part of their Monday morning setting up electrical service for team tents on Courthouse Square. “This event has been near and dear to our hearts for a long…
It requires a high level of strategy to defeat an opponent in chess. And that’s exactly what retired journeyman electrician Brian Luoma loves about the game. “To me, it’s like a lot of miniature little puzzles,” Luoma said. “In chess, I like to see and figure out what you’re doing and answer to it. It’s…
As green energy continues to evolve, NECA-IBEW Electricians member contractors are preparing for renewable energy sources to be used more in construction projects. “Green energy has its niche market,” said Steve Fife, journeyman electrician at “Joe” Dickey Electric and fifth-year apprentice instructor. “There’s a lot of people interested in it. Not only does it help…
After practicing law for 24 years, Tom Lipka has ventured into a new role leading the charge as executive director of the Mahoning Valley NECA chapter. “My first few months have been extremely hectic,” he said. “It’s on-the-job training and there’s so much to this industry. Since I’m coming in from outside, there’s a lot…
For Justin Davner, an interest in the electrical trade started thanks to his stepfather, Paul, who was a union carpenter. “I started working with him around the house,” he said. “Then he started pushing me towards the electrical field.” While in high school, Davner focused in on his career choice by taking classes at the…