Author Archives: necaibew







Chuck Wright, journeyman electrician with MG Electric, checks one of the three charging stations at WRTA in Youngstown.

MG Electric adds power source to WRTA


One location in Youngstown is a bit closer to the future as it embraces the term “Voltage Valley” with help from a member electrical contractor. MG Electric installed three charging stations in Youngstown for electric vehicles, or EVs, at WRTA’s administration location on Mahoning Avenue. There are three, dual-port chargers that will “charge any type […]

Electricians install pipe underground.

Local electrician follows in father’s “Boot” steps


Braeden Allen is not only earning money while he learns, but he’s doing it all while working alongside people he’s known forever. His father is Ryan Allen, job superintendent for Boot Electric. A construction wireman, the junior Allen has been learning the ropes “while friends have been at class in college,” not applying lessons to […]

Nikki Copenhaver and Sheila Danko stand in warehouse.

Team of mothers help CR Electric keep moving


There’s a group of superheroes working at CR Electric. Leading the company is office manager-estimator-project manager Nikki Copenhaver, with administrative assistant Sheila Danko, both in the office. Out in the field are electricians Jordan Palumbo and Danielle Cree, both also mothers. Besides the uniqueness of being women in the electrical industry, they have something in […]

Satterlee represents IBEW Local 64 at 25 Under 35 awards dinner


At just 30 years old, Scott Satterlee is being recognized for his role with IBEW Local 64. The electrical worker union’s business manager, along with colleagues and friends, attended the Mahoning Valley Young Professionals 25 Under 35 awards dinner at Stambaugh Auditorium in Youngstown as a nominee; the only building trades representative being honored. He’s […]

Scott Satterlee and Cody Hilliard stand together.

IBEW Local 64’s Satterlee nominated for 25 Under 35 award


Just into his 30s, Scott Satterlee is already making a name for himself. It was recently announced that the IBEW Local 64 (Youngstown) business manager has been nominated for the Mahoning Valley Young Professionals 25 Under 35 award. “It was unexpected, but I’m grateful to be nominated,” Satterlee said. He was nominated by Matt Wilson, […]

Tri-Area Electric truck is outside the Ohio One Building in Youngstown.

Tri-Area Electric settles into new North Jackson home


The last couple of years have been quite the journey for Tri-Area Electric. Formerly located on Wayne Avenue in Youngstown, the company officially calls Rosemont Drive in North Jackson home now. “It was the right time, at the right place with some hard work,” said Bill Leone, founder and president of the company. He started […]

The Berni family stands for a picture.

Gulu “work family” supports journeyman battling cancer


Nick Berni is valued by everyone, whether it’s his customers, coworkers, his employers at Gulu Electric, or family. “He’ll take care of everything,” said Kathy Gulu. “He’ll take on more responsibility.” Berni started his journey with Gulu Electric as an apprentice. When he topped out, he was a residential journeyman, Gulu said. He’s the employee […]

Union-led electrical apprenticeships give four-year degrees a run for the money


At a significantly lower cost and more time focused on developing a specific set of skills, local electrical apprenticeship leaders are explaining why skilled trades careers are the way to go. A national study analyzed 10 years of data and found that graduates of union apprenticeship programs can earn just about as much as a […]

Application period opens for LMCC Scholarship at Youngstown State


Now through May 1, applications are being accepted for the Mahoning Valley LMCC Scholarship through The Youngstown State University Foundation. Eligibility requirements include: Must be at least a sophomore A minimum 2.5 GPA Full- or part-time student A joint labor-management committee consisting of IBEW Local 64 of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley Chapter of the […]

Electricians discuss a task at TJX.

Making the leap to the union side provides new IBEW Local 573 members job security, work closer to home


Last year, two local journeymen electricians made a decision they both agree has been a great move. John Martinelli and Mike Keleman, both represented by IBEW Local 573 in Warren, joined the union in June 2021. They’ve been part of a 12-person team working at the TJX warehouse in Lordstown, most recently working on installing […]