Author Archives: necaibew







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 […]

Erin Pope hangs conduit tools on a rack.

Apprenticeship Week – Erin Pope transitions from vet tech to electrical apprentice


Erin Pope is going after her dreams. The first-year apprentice with IBEW Local 573 in Warren switched careers and is happier with how her future is shaping. Pope was a veterinary technician for three years prior to her apprenticeship. She went to college and earned a degree, but after giving her career her all, it […]

Nico Diiani in his service truck.

Apprenticeship Week – Nico Diianni sets sights on surveying, estimating


For the seventh year, National Apprenticeship Week will be observed as a way to recognize and celebrate apprentices and the organizations that offer these unique opportunities to their future workforces. Each day this week, we will introduce a local electrical apprentice, sharing why they chose to pursue a career in the building trades. There are […]

Michon Peterson talks to middle school students about joining trades.

Apprenticeship Week – Michon Peterson, Local 573 apprentice plans to travel while working


Michon Peterson is going places. He is nearing the end of his apprenticeship, and he plans to use his skillset to explore. The fourth-year apprentice with IBEW Local 573 in Warren wants to go out to the western United States. “I can work anywhere. I figured I might as well do that before I start […]

Youth movement coming to IBEW Local 64 administration


A new era is about to begin within IBEW Local 64. Vice president Cody Hilliard will become president and membership development coordinator, effective Jan. 1, 2022. Hilliard was appointed to the position, which is being vacated by Scott Satterlee, who is preparing to take over as business manager after Jim Burgham’s retirement following an appointment. […]

High school students learn to bend conduit.

Skilled Trades Expo wrap-up: Students already reaching out after attending event


This year’s Mahoning Valley Skilled Trades Expo in Canfield has already proven to be a success for the local electrical training centers. The September event at the Canfield Fairgrounds drew about 4,000 students from schools in Trumbull, Mahoning, Columbiana and surrounding counties, along with another 100 adults, said Scott Satterlee, membership development coordinator for IBEW […]

Sparking an interest in electrical industry careers at the 2021 Skilled Trades Expo


Beating the heat one day and braving brisk temperatures the next, thousands of students from local high schools attended the Mahoning Valley Skilled Trades Expo in Canfield. Held at the Canfield Fairgrounds Sept. 22-23, the expo was an opportunity for middle school and high school students to start the conversation about joining a trade after […]