Author Archives: necaibew







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 […]

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 […]