As this year comes to a close, there are a handful of stories about our local electricians that still have us buzzing with excitement.
Ranging from a shift in union leadership in Mahoning County to women blazing their trail in the workforce, here is a look at the top five stories from 2021.
Youth movement at IBEW Local 64
Effective Jan. 1, a shift in leadership within IBEW Local 64 of Youngstown will happen.
Longtime business manager Jim Bugham is retiring as of Dec. 31. Scott Satterlee, president and membership development coordinator, will succeed Burgham.
Scott Satterlee, right, has been preparing Cody Hilliard for his upcoming new role as president and membership development coordinator with IBEW Local 64 in Youngstown.
Filling Satterlee’s position is Cody Hilliard, vice president. He was appointed to the position.
Read the story here.
Rallying around a fellow electrician
Liberty Electric owner Rod Cushman thought he had an impacted tooth when he went to the dentist in 2020.
After a battery of tests, he found out he had cancer.
Upon hearing the devastating news, the Youngstown and Warren LMCCs and Local 64 supported Cushman by raising money to help offset medical costs.
Sadly, Cushman passed away Dec. 5.
Liberty Electric co-owner Rod Cushman was supported by his union family during a cancer battle that lasted more than a year. He died Dec. 5.
He is survived by his wife, Theresa and their children: Jarod, Marissa, Rodney, Adam and Matthew. A son, Jacob, passed away in 2019.
Learn more about Cushman here.
Female electrician connects with her kids, customers
Becoming an electrician has allowed Jordan Palumbo of CR Electric to have a career she enjoys.
Not only does she love her schedule, but the residential electrician gets a level of fulfillment from interacting with customers, including young girls.
Palumbo can show girls they can be anything they want, even in an industry that is largely comprised of men.
Becoming an electrician has afforded Jordan Palumbo a steady schedule, which in turn allows her to be a hands-on mom to son Bodhi and daughter Ella. Fiancé John is also a tradesman, working in construction.
When she’s not working, Palumbo is with her kids, who she says she lives for.
Find out more about Palumbo’s inspiring journey here.
Santon Electric honors local MLB history
Ahead of the July 17 unveiling of the George Shuba-Jackie Robinson statue in Youngstown, Santon Electric and NECA-IBEW Electricians donated time and material to help make the project happen.
Owner Dan Santon became involved with the project as a way to unite the community.
The statue depicts George “Shotgun” Shuba, who grew up in Austintown, shaking hands with Jackie Robinson.
Both the Warren and Youngstown LMCCs contributed toward the funding of the electrical work performed at the Handshake for the Century site. From left to right, Mike Nemkovich (IBEW Local 573), Jim Burgham (IBEW Local 64), Dan Santon (Santon Electric), Tom Lipka (Mahoning Valley NECA), Scott Satterly (IBEW Local 64).
This is known as “The Handshake of the Century.”
Read more about Santon, as well as other contractors involved in the project, here.
Working through the pandemic
When ground broke for the expansive TJX warehouse in Lordstown, it was before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Navigating through changing guidelines and safety regulations, “Joe” Dickey Electric stayed vigilant with temperature checking, wearing masks and keeping social distance.
The warehouse spans more than 1 million square feet.
More than 5,000 light fixtures comprise part of the power grid inside the TJX Distribution Center in Lordstown, powered by member contractor “Joe” Dickey Electric.
At the height of construction, 75 union electricians including six foremen and one general foreman, were on site.
Find out more about the massive warehouse and electricians who helped build it here.