Author Archives: necaibew







electricians at Ultium

Business Journal Growth Report: Ultium Battery Plant Energizes NECA-IBEW


[As printed in the Business Journal Growth Report 2022 …] Heading into 2021, local electrical contractors and union electricians were hopeful the year would lead to steady, solid work. Driven by one particular project, the NECA-IBEW electricians experienced “the largest number of man-hours that anyone can remember,” says Tom Lipka, executive director, Mahoning Valley NECA […]

Phil Seidler stands in construction area of Heritage Manor in Youngstown.

CR Electric project manager strives for perfection on Heritage Manor expansion


Since May, construction on the Heritage Manor senior living center on Gypsy Lane in Youngstown has been ongoing. Handling the electrical work is the Girard-based CR Electric, Inc., with Phil Seidler serving as project manager. This is the first large-scale project that he’s managed. “I’ve leaned on the skills I’ve learned and applied my experience […]

A look back on the year’s biggest stories from NECA-IBEW


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 […]

Local electrical legend, CR Electric member, celebrates birthday and work anniversary between holidays


This week isn’t just the height of the holiday season. It’s Marc Rubin’s 78th birthday, but also his 50th anniversary of being in the electrical industry on Dec. 29. “It’s a joy to work with who I work with, and the customers are great to work with. We’ve established friends throughout the years,” Marc said. […]

electricians and PD staff

Electricians deliver gifts to Potential Development School for Autism


Development Director Crissi Jenkins said the NECA-IBEW Electricians gift card donation will make the holidays brighter for families-in-need who have children at Potential Development School for Students with Autism. A group of representatives from IBEW Local 64, IBEW Local 573 and Mahoning Valley NECA toured the Elementary/Middle School and presented $1,000 in grocery and gas […]

MG Electric helps Penguin City brew new life into old building


A part of history is being rebuilt, and MG Electric is helping to power the project. Toward the end of 2020, Penguin City Beer purchased the former Republic Warehouse at 460 E. Federal St. in Youngstown. Since the property was developed in the late 19th century, it has housed a stable, saloon, lumber yard and […]

Representatives from IBEW Local 64 present a check to the YWCA Mahoning Valley.

For IBEW Local 64, donation to YWCA is one way to give back to community


For IBEW Local 64, the holiday season is for the kids. To help an area nonprofit, the local union presented a monetary gift to YWCA Mahoning Valley for $400. “This is a great opportunity to take part in making sure they have a great Christmas,” said Jim Burgham, business manager of IBEW Local 64. For […]

Tom Lipka stands in office.

No bluffing. NECA’s Tom Lipka out-plays 90% of the WSOP field


Leveraging 20 years of experience as an attorney, Tom Lipka has developed a set of people-reading skills that have proved useful both inside and outside the office. The executive director of the Mahoning Valley NECA chapter practiced law before transitioning to the electrical industry in 2019. “The ability to maintain an emotionless appearance and to […]

Electrical apprentice shows high school students how to bend conduit.

Apprenticeship Week – Katie Gintert, a Local 573 electrical apprentice, wants to specialize in inside wiring after program


Katie Gintert is in her second year with IBEW Local 573 in Warren. She’s working to complete her inside wireman program. Gintert always liked to build things. She joined Habitat for Humanity in high school, and took wood shop classes. “I knew that I wanted to be hands-on, I knew I wanted construction after being […]

Jeremy Baltes installs electrical components.

Apprenticeship Week – Jeremy Baltes chooses electrical trade over college


An apprentice with “Joe” Dickey Electric in North Lima, Jeremy Baltes is in his second year of the commercial electrical program with IBEW Local 64 in Youngstown. At 19 years old, he is happy with the decision to pursue a career in the electrical industry, even though he was on the path to go to […]