Author Archives: necaibew







Foreman Development Series helps journeymen progress on career path


Foremen are vital in making sure a project is completed on time and within budget. And for those journeymen electricians aspiring to grow their careers, training is now available through the Youngstown Area Electrical JATC. Brian Crumbacher, labor coordinator at “Joe” Dickey Electric, recently started teaching a Foreman Development Series. “This has grown into 16 […]

Savage appointed to NECA National position


  After a successful career as the executive director of the Mahoning Valley NECA chapter, Jack Savage is moving up to the national level. Savage was recently recruited by NECA National to serve as a field representative for the Eastern region. “Field reps basically have a handful of chapters that they lend support to,” Savage […]

NECA-IBEW Electricians stay at forefront of technology


As 2019 progresses, the rapid growth of technology will play a huge role throughout the electrical industry. “The way projects are constructed and what’s in the projects changes daily and yearly,” said Jim Burgham, business manager, IBEW Local 64 in Youngstown. “Every time you see a new building go up, whether it’s a school or […]

NECA-IBEW Electricians enthusiastic about 2019 outlook


Optimism surrounding major local construction projects has local chapters of the National Electrical Contractors Association and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers excited for what’s to come in 2019. “Some of the things we’re looking forward to in 2019 are held over from 2018,” said Jim Burgham, business manager, IBEW Local 64. “We had some projects […]

Faces of the Trade: Curt Nickerson


This past December, Curt Nickerson, field superintendent at VEC, Inc., was honored as the company’s 2018 Foreman of the Year. It’s the second time he’s won the award throughout his 16-year career with the company. “Receiving the Foreman of the Year award is gratifying,” he said. “It shows that your peers respect you. I always […]

Carlson to become “Joe” Dickey Electric owner – Part 2: Carlson’s vision for Dickey’s future


This is Part 2 of a two-part series As he transitions to majority owner, Eric Carlson wants the community to know the foundation and core values of “Joe” Dickey Electric will remain the same. “My vision going forward isn’t any different than what Dave and Joe’s vision is,” he said. “I’ve been very fortunate to […]

Carlson to become “Joe” Dickey Electric owner – Part 1: How the electrical trade shaped Carlson’s life


This is part one of a two-part series. Eric Carlson’s path to a career in the electrical trade started with learning the basics from his father, Gary, who was an electrician for 42 years and retired from “Joe” Dickey Electric in 1999. “I grew up around the electrical industry,” Carlson said. “Even as a young […]

Electricians deliver holiday cheer to two families in-need


Two Mahoning Valley families in-need received a special surprise holiday gift from the electricians last week. The gift presentations were made on behalf of NECA-IBEW Electricians member contractors and IBEW Local 64 in Youngstown and Local 573 in Warren. The first stop was in Fowler Township in Trumbull County to surprise Roni Conner, a fire […]

Faces of the Trade: Ray Boila


The city of Struthers holds a special place in Ray Boila’s heart. It’s his hometown and where he lives with his wife, Jackie, and two sons. It’s also where he gives back to his community, both on the football field and baseball diamond. As a youth coach for the Struthers Little Hardhats, Boila helps instill […]

Faces of the Trade: Sara Hartman


Now in her second year, it’s full steam ahead for commercial electrician apprentice Sara Hartman. “I’ve been involved with quite a few projects in the last couple months, and I love what I’m doing every day.” Hartman’s interest in becoming an electrician first piqued thanks in large part to her family background in the electrical […]