Author Archives: necaibew







Warren JATC promotes apprenticeships at Eastwood Mall career fair


Busloads of juniors and seniors from Trumbull County high schools converged on the closed Sears store in the Eastwood Mall to learn about their various options after graduation. The event was organized by Junior Achievement and the Trumbull County Educational Service Center. Among the 80-plus exhibitors competing for students’ attention was a contingent from IBEW […]

Skilled Trades Expo highlights in-demand jobs with no college debt


“No college debt and a good-paying career.” That’s the message students from across the Mahoning Valley and Western Pennsylvania heard Thursday at the inaugural Skilled Trades Expo at the Canfield Fairgrounds. “The reality is we initially expected around 1,500 students, and we had close to 4,500 in attendance,” said Ed Emerick, training director, Youngstown Area […]

DIY electrical work may lead to dangerous outcomes


As a homeowner, DIY projects can add value to your residence while saving money at the same time. But for any electrical repairs or upgrades, it may be best to leave those to a highly trained union electrician or contractor. “It’s our position as an electrical contractor that a homeowner should call a union electrician […]

Wired into the community: Dickey Electric helps Dorothy Day House fulfill its charitable mission


Sitting with Sister Ann McManamon of the Dorothy Day House, you can hear the passion in her voice of continuing the vision of Dorothy Day, and how member contractor “Joe” Dickey Electric has been a crucial partner in that mission. Opened in November 2009, the Dorothy Day House of Hospitality offers hot meals, showers and […]

Thousands of students expected at inaugural Skilled Trades Expo


On Sept. 26, students from the Mahoning Valley and Western Pennsylvania will get a first-hand look at how their future could be shaped by the skilled trades. The inaugural Mahoning Valley Skilled Trades Expo will take place at the Canfield Fairgrounds and highlight the multitude of careers available in the construction trades. “The overall goal […]

CR Electric brightens Liberty stadium with LED installation


High school football gets underway in the Mahoning Valley this week, and member contractor CR Electric is helping shine a new light at Liberty High School’s Leopard Stadium. Undergoing renovations this year, Leopard Stadium features new field turf, along with upgraded 500-watt LED lighting fixtures. “This project was important to us because it’s so close […]

As the electrical industry evolves, so do our journeymen’s skillsets


Workmanship, safety and technical knowledge are the backbones of a successful electrician. And staying on top of the every-changing industry requires a commitment to continuing education. “We put on numerous courses throughout the years for journeyman electrician training,” said Bill Booth, president, IBEW Local 64. “A lot of times a customer will even request a […]

CR Electric lights the way to energy savings for local schools


Member contractor CR Electric is helping local school districts become cleaner and brighter thanks to newly installed LED lighting. “We have several local schools, such as Howland, Liberty, Campbell, Lordstown and McDonald switching to LEDs,” said Nikki Copenhaver, project coordinator at CR Electric. “Between all of our projects, we’ve installed thousands of lamps and fixtures.” […]

Tri-Area Electric meets YBI’s unique expansion challenges


For more than 25 years, Tri-Area Electric has been crucial to the growth of the Youngstown Business Incubator, starting with its first building that was once home to the former Reichart Furniture Company. The latest project in this long-standing partnership consisted of Tri-Area helping transform a former Youngstown Vindicator building into YBI’s new additive manufacturing […]

Faces of the Trade: Mark Phillips


In his new role as president/organizer at IBEW Local 573, Mark Phillips has a specific goal – educate others about the upside of joining a union. “I see in my age group and younger that unions are falling out,” he said. “I want to educate people about what our union offers, and the whole union […]