Author Archives: necaibew







NECA-IBEW awards two scholarships to children of Local 64 members


Two applicants for the Youngstown LMCC’s sponsored scholarship went home winners this academic year. It’s the first time in the short history of the organization’s funding of a Youngstown State University $1,000 scholarship that it was awarded to more than one student. “There were two candidates whose applications rose to the top and the committee […]

Jan Brown and Dan Santon

AMVETS National Commander recognizes Santon Electric, IBEW Local 64


It was an honor and pleasant surprise for NECA-IBEW Electricians member contractor Santon Electric when AMVETS National Commander Jan Brown visited the IBEW Local 64 union hall to make a special presentation. Brown, the first female National Commander and a Mahoning Valley resident, was touched by the generosity of Santon Electric and the IBEW-represented electricians […]

Brian Crumbacher

Canfield Fairgrounds event center project of special significance to Dickey Electric


To say “Joe” Dickey Electric has a special connection to the Canfield Fairgrounds would be an understatement. It only made sense for the North Lima-based electrical contractor to be charged with the electrical infrastructure at the newly constructed Canfield Fair Event Center. It’s a massive 35,000 square-foot facility that will expand to nearly double that […]

sign installation work

KV Electric stays grounded in residential work during pandemic


KV Electric, NECA-IBEW Electricians’ latest signatory contractor, has pivoted its business to capitalize on COVID-inspired homeowner trends. “More and more people are canceling vacations, staying home and spending money on home improvement projects; many of which require electrical upgrades,” said Ken Vigorito, owner of KV Electric. Vigorito referenced swimming pools, hot tubs and home generators […]

No shocker. Electricians make great dads.


Residential journeyman electrician Jim Johnstone is both proud and appreciative of the career he’s built in the electrical trade. But he gets even more satisfaction from another role he plays in life. “Being a dad is the best job I ever had,” he said, with Father’s Day quickly approaching. Johnstone works for “Joe” Dickey Electric […]

James Lanterman from Tri Area Electric

Big box grocery chain Meijer presents a big opportunity for Tri-Area Electric


Travelers on Rt. 224 in Boardman near Tippecanoe have undoubtedly noticed the change in landscape where the new Meijer store is being built. Meijer is a big-box retailer and grocery chain based in Michigan with more than 240 stores, mostly in the Midwest. This week, NECA-IBEW Electricians member contractor Tri-Area Electric started on its role […]

Electrician ships off to Dubai for Navy Reserves deployment


It won’t be easy emotionally for IBEW Local 64 electrician Ross Applegate to leave for Dubai on a deployment with the Navy Reserves. But his family – and his job at Gulu Electric – will be there for him when he returns. “My son was born while I was on my last deployment, so he […]

Applicants sought for YSU scholarship


Applications are being accepted now through May 1 for the Mahoning Valley LMCC Scholarship through the Youngstown State University Foundation. Eligible applicants include IBEW Local 64 members and employees of signatory electrical contractors in the Mahoning Valley, and their families. Preference is given to applicants pursuing degrees related to the electrical industry. “I was a […]

Jim Beil Leaves Lasting Legacy


Husband. Father. Friend. Volunteer. Business Owner. Electrician. These are just some titles C. James Beil went by. On January 8, 2020, C. James Beil, 85, peacefully passed away, but his legacy lives on through his family. Jim was the owner of University Electric, past governor and president of the Penn Ohio chapter of National Electrician […]

Southern Park Mall’s future looks bright with the help of Santon Electric


The Southern Park Mall has been attracting shoppers to Boardman for almost 50 years. Santon Electric has worked with the Southern Park Mall since the 80s, only a few years after it opened. And the Boardman-based electrical contractor has been heavily involved in the newest major renovation project there, which is taking shape both outside […]