The year was 1986. Jim Beil was working as estimator and purchasing agent at AF Beil Electric Inc., which his uncle owned. Edward Slattery was chief estimator at Warden Electric. Both men, in their early 50’s, too young to retire, were leaving their positions for different reasons. They had known each other for years and…
A local economic recovery, growth in energy retrofitting jobs, as well as new companies moving into the area are referenced in a Business Journal article as driving forces keeping local electrical contractors busy. NECA-IBEW Electricians member contractors Joe Dickey Electric, Santon Electric and Bruce & Merrilees were all mentioned in the article about projects they’re…
In the eyes of Dan Santon, nothing happens by chance. “This wouldn’t have happened if all the pieces of the puzzle weren’t in place,” Santon said, referring to Santon Electric, the business he has owned for about four decades. Santon Electric is a member contractor of NECA-IBEW Electricians, an association of Mahoning Valley signatory electrical…
Representatives from NECA-IBEW Electricians presented a $5,000 check to the Youngstown State University Foundation to help establish a fund earmarked for the unique needs of veteran students. The newly established “Veterans Center Endowment Fund,” largely spearheaded by Youngstown attorney Carl Nunziato, is administered by the YSU Foundation and is accepting contributions from the community. “The…
Joe Dickey and his young family had just gathered around the table for Thanksgiving dinner one day early in the company’s history when a customer called the house in a panic. “He says ‘Joe, I’m in a heck of a shape,” Joe recalled. “My oven just quit and my wife can’t finish the turkey. I…
His first year in business was just him and one apprentice, and Joe Dickey recalls making about $30,000 in revenue. Today, 60 years later, the company employs around 100 on a regular basis and upwards of 350 during bigger projects. The size and scope of the electrical projects has grown dramatically, as well. While Dickey…
It was 1957 and Dwight Eisenhower was President, the Frisbee first hit toy store shelves, American Bandstand debuted on national television and Joe Dickey, Jr., didn’t want to go into business for himself. That’s right. The reluctant entrepreneur was in Citizens Bank in Columbiana one day as a 27 year-old with three young kids and…
VEC, Inc. owner Rex Ferry was among a contingent of construction industry representatives to testify at a U.S. House hearing this week about how executive actions to facilitate infrastructure projects has already led to job growth. Ferry spoke on behalf of the National Electrical Contractors Association at a hearing titled “Modernizing Energy and Electricity Delivery…
Applications are being taken now through May 1 for the Mahoning Valley LMCC Scholarship through the Youngstown State University Foundation. Eligible applicants include journeymen electricians with IBEW Local 64 and employees of signatory electrical contractors in the Mahoning Valley. Students pursuing undergraduate degrees at YSU in electrical engineering, electrical engineering technology, civil and construction engineering…
Now entering 114 and 90 years, respectively, local chapters of the National Electrical Contractors Association and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers have left a lasting legacy as residential, commercial and industrial electricians who have helped shape the landscape of the Mahoning Valley. NECA-IBEW Electricians is an association of IBEW Local 64 (Youngstown), IBEW Local 573…