The following article was published, in part, in the 2014 Business Journal Growth Report.
An improving local economy, strong demand for safe, high-quality electrical work and a positive outlook for new commercial projects have an association of Mahoning Valley union electrical contractors looking forward to a successful 2014.
The NECA-IBEW Electricians will seek to continue the positive momentum gained in 2013, sparked by a steady stream of major commercial building projects in the Valley, including new school construction in Austintown and Niles, the racino in Austintown, expansion of St. Elizabeth’s Boardman Campus and Salem Community Hospital, and the NiSource Hickory Bend cryogenic natural gas processing plant in New Middletown.
“As a whole, our member contractors had a solid 2013 and are bullish about 2014, and that in-turn fuels steady work among the electrician tradesmen,” said Tom Travers, Mahoning Valley NECA executive director.
In 2014, the large-scale construction projects at local hospitals and the racino will wrap up, but on their heels NECA-IBEW Electricians contractors are keeping their eyes on additional build-out of oil and gas midstream infrastructure, construction within the oil and gas industry supply chain and businesses that support the industry, and the progress of talks by Shell to build a massive ethane cracker facility in Western Pennsylvania.
“We believe we’re well-positioned to take on projects of any scope due to our available, highly trained workforce, strong track record of quality performance and cooperative labor-management relations,” said Jim Burgham, IBEW Local 64 business manager.
In 2013, NECA-IBEW Electricians continued to build upon its community relations focus, including donating funds and services for several local projects and causes.
As a group, the NECA-IBEW Electricians contributed $2,500 toward the construction of the Youngstown State University Veterans Resource Center, and supported high school sports fundraisers in Poland and Liberty. Individual member contractors and local unions participated in initiatives with the United Way’s Day of Caring, Akron Children’s Hospital, Relay for Life events in Liberty and Warren, and several high school and college scholarship funds.
“We embrace the opportunity to support community projects and causes that make our Valley a better place to live and work,” said Jack Morse, IBEW Local 573 business manager. “As our contractors and union locals experience success, they are humbled to be able to give back to our community.”