Author Archives: necaibew







NECA-IBEW Electricians help kick off Scrappers’ season


It was all smiles for Bonnie Esposito on Friday night. Esposito, office manager for Mahoning Valley NECA, took the mound and threw out a ceremonial first pitch during the Mahoning Valley Scrappers’ opening night festivities. “I’ve never done anything like this before, but it was an awesome experience,” Esposito said. Esposito was selected to throw […]

Father, son bond amplified by electrical trade


The bond between a father and son is unique. For Rich Oblinsky and his son, Richie, their story revolves around the electrical trade. Twenty-nine years ago, Rich got into the electrical field on the residential side after an electrical technology class sparked his interest. In 1994, he applied and was accepted into the apprenticeship at […]

CR Electric gives back to Liberty-McDonald Relay for Life


Giving back to the community is a cornerstone philosophy for Girard-based CR Electric. For the last 18 years, they’ve lent a helping hand with the electrical services for Relay for Life events. On Thursday, members of the CR Electric team were at Woodland Park in McDonald donating their time to help set up generators for […]

Faces of the Trade: Dave McGoogan


For Dave McGoogan, his path to becoming an electrician started with a simple idea – helping his family. As one of eight siblings, money was tight growing up. He recalls overhearing his parents discussing the need for electrical repairs around their house. “I had brothers that did flooring and were carpenters,” McGoogan said. “I can […]

Faces of the Trade: Jared Miller


  “Discipline and being punctual.” These positive traits were gained by Jared Miller during his military service, and he feels they translate seamlessly to future success in the electrical field. After serving in the U.S. Army, including nine months in Kandahar, Afghanistan with the 2nd Infantry Division, Miller came home and joined the National Guard. […]

Faces of the Trade: Tina Long-Baldwin


As she gets ready to top out, fifth-year apprentice Tina Long-Baldwin feels rejuvenated in finding the electrical industry as her second career. “I was laid off from my first career in the printing industry,” she said. “My husband saw a commercial on tv about the JATC. I got my transcripts and went for the test […]

Three Tough Mothers: Kayla Chipps


This is part three of a three-part series Part 1: Jordan Palumbo Part 2: Renee Meadows Second-year commercial electrician apprentice Kayla Chipps truly believes she has found her niche in the electrical field. “It helped grow this hunger inside of me to want to do better.” Chipps, of Austintown, was previously working in the medical […]

IBEW Local 573 helps power Warren Relay for Life


Courthouse Square in Warren was bustling with activity this week as local union electricians continued a long-standing community service initiative. Tradesman from IBEW Local 573 were on hand Monday setting up electrical service for team tents at this weekend’s Warren Relay for Life, a tradition that has been carried on for more than 20 years. […]

Three Tough Mothers: Renee Meadows


This is part two of a three-part series. After her life changed five years ago, Renee Meadows of Champion was looking for a new path to travel next. “I was a stay at home mom and had to reintegrate myself into the workforce. I had a family member who was an electrician out of [IBEW […]

Three Tough Mothers: Jordan Palumbo


This is part one of a three-part series. As she gets ready to wrap up her third year in the residential electrician program, Jordan Palumbo takes an immense amount of pride in how far she’s come. “Day one, I didn’t even know how to cut in an outlet,” Palumbo said. “Now, I am wiring houses […]