Well over 100 local union electricians and electrical contractors took advantage of an opportunity to see and handle the latest hand tools and equipment from 24 national vendors at a trade show hosted by Graybar, NECA-IBEW Electricians, and the Youngstown and Warren Area Electrical JATCs.
The free event was held at the Operating Engineers Local 66 hall in Boardman.
More than 100 IBEW union electricians and signatory contractors attended a trade show exhibiting the latest efficiency and safety tools and equipment from 24 national vendors. The show was sponsored and organized by Graybar, NECA-IBEW Electricians and the Youngstown and Warren Electrical JATCs.
“The vendors were all thrilled with the turnout, and they hit the ball out of the park with all the giveaways and door prizes they brought,” said Ed Emerick, training director at the YJATC. “It went off without a hitch, and was the best planned and attended event that I can remember being part of.”
Graybar Branch Manager Mark Rog played a large role in bringing in the vendor companies, each of them showcasing the latest in time-saving and safety technology and features.
“It’s exciting to see a lot of young faces in here, and open their eyes to some new tools they’ll be using in the field,” Rog said. “It’s an innovative time in our industry right now, namely with LED lighting, safety products and power distribution, and our vendors are showcasing a lot of their newest products right here.”
One vendor in particular welcomed the opportunity to get in front of so many electricians and contractors in one venue.
“We make industrial identification and labeling products for many of the applications these electricians will come in contact with in their jobs, so shows like this are a great way to make them aware of what we have to offer, answer their questions and help them find solutions to their labeling needs,” said Kim Trevis, senior territory manager of Milwaukee-based Brady Worldwide.
Exhibiting at the show were Graybar, 3M, B-Line, Brady, Burndy, Bussmann, Cerro Wire, Crouse-Hinds, Edwards Signaling and Security Systems, Erico, Federal Signal, Fluke, GE, Greenlee, Heritage Plastics, Hoffman, Hubbell, Ideal, Klein Tools, Milwaukee, Republic Conduit, Salisbury, Square D, Southwire, and Thomas & Betts.