Author Archives: necaibew







NECA-IBEW Electricians sponsor YSU athletics


NECA-IBEW Electricians reached an agreement to become an official sponsor of Youngstown State University athletics, a move that affirms the positive relationship the association of area union electrical contractors and IBEW electricians has with the university. Included in the two-year sponsorship is signage at YSU football games, a tailgate package, full-page program ads for football and […]

NECA-IBEW highlights recent electrical construction projects in new ad campaign


The NECA-IBEW Electricians launched a new full-page ad in the Business Journal that features recent high-profile commercial construction projects in the Mahoning Valley. Under the headline “Part of the fabric of our community,” the new campaign points out the local contributions in skilled labor and charitable service performed by NECA-IBEW Electricians’ member contractors and IBEW […]

Mahoning Valley NECA foreman training session draws nearly 30 attendees


The electrical industry is Jay B. Jones’ blood, you can say. And the guest trainer shared his unique background and keen insight on successfully leading construction teams during a day-long foreman’s training session conducted by the Mahoning Valley NECA chapter. Jones is the National NECA Field Rep for the Eastern region of the United States. […]

5 reasons why Labor Day still matters


By Bill Booth Want some evidence that labor unions have had a material impact on the way American workers are treated in the workplace? While less than 12 percent of the American workforce is currently represented by a union, roughly three-fourths of us will enjoy Labor Day off with pay. You’re welcome. You see, many […]

VEC, Inc. to realign and combine companies


Girard, Ohio – VEC, Inc. will realign its companies, Valley Electrical Consolidated Inc. and Evets Electric (dba Evets Oil & Gas Construction Services) under one name, effective January 1, 2016. The decision is part of a plan to position the contractor as a total solutions provider to current and potential clients across the country. VEC […]

Contractor Spotlight — Boot Electric has “boots” on the ground in Mahoning Valley


While the company may be new, Boot Electric is not new at providing quality electrical contracting services. With more than 19 years of experience in the IBEW, Boot Electric, a family-owned and operated company, has extensive experience in residential, commercial and industrial electrical contracting. “We chose the name Boot Electric because every morning, you put […]

Contractor Spotlight — Grunau Company goes lean and saves customers some “green”


In 1920, Paul J. Grunau established Grunau Company, Inc. located in Milwaukee, Wisc. Originally a plumbing contractor, by 1923 Grunau had also added HVAC services to the company’s capabilities. Soon after, Grunau brought its mechanical expertise to the area of fire protection and sheet metal services. After 40 successful years in Milwaukee, Grunau Company expanded […]

Electricians add spark to building trades bike run


NECA-IBEW Electricians supported the annual Building Trades Bike Run benefiting the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley’s AFL-CIO Community Services this past weekend. IBEW Local 573 President/Organizer Mike Nemkovich rode among the 100 or so participants, and the Youngstown and Warren LMCCs contributed raffle basket prize items. The ride originated at the Operating […]

Youngstown IBEW business manager rides for cystic fibrosis


Our Jim Burgham, business manager for IBEW Local 64 in Youngstown, was among 270 riders in the IBEW Cystic Fibrosis Motorcycle Ride last weekend that started and ended at the Canaan Valley Resort in Davis, W. Va. The annual ride brought awareness to cystic fibrosis, and half of the registration fees were donated to the […]

Community spirit lives on in memory of IBEW Local 573 brother


Volunteers from IBEW Local 573 in Warren carried on a recent tradition started by a now-deceased member of their union by hanging flower baskets throughout Warren’s Courthouse Square, amphitheater and surrounding roads in downtown Warren. More than 20 IBEW members and their families donated their time and labor to assist the Trumbull 100, of which […]