Tag Archives: electrical contractor







Faces of the Trade: Sometimes a “Plummer” makes a great electrician


The original blueprint for Tom Plummer’s life didn’t include being an electrician, but at the end of the day, he knew he wanted more than a desk job.   Originally from Clarion, Pa., Plummer spent four years at Penn State Dubois, where he pitched for the baseball team and earned a degree in Human Development […]

Birtalan adds “penguin power” to career in electrical industry


What felt like a setback early in Alex Birtalan’s career ended up wiring him for growth within the electrical industry. He started as an electrician apprentice with “Joe” Dickey Electric in 2019. Three months in, he found out he was color blind, which then made it unsafe for him to be in the field. After […]

Dickey Electric gives a “blue glow” to downtown Youngstown bank


A new light has been cast on the Chase Bank in downtown Youngstown – due in part to work by “Joe” Dickey Electric. The branch moved to the ground floor of the DoubleTree by Hilton at the corner of Market and E. Federal St. and opened in March. The bank’s old home was across the […]

Students competition in the regional SkillsUSA competition at IBEW Local 64 and Youngstown Area Electrical JATC in Boardman.

Skills competition amps up students aiming for electrical trade


The IBEW Local 64 hall in Boardman became a hub of determination as it hosted the electrical trade’s construction wiring portion of the Northeast Regional SkillsUSA Competition. This was Local 64’s second year hosting the event, which moves to a new location every two years. Growing interest in electrical trades Ten students from career and […]

Dimming holiday electrical hazards: 7 tips for a bright season


“Rigging up the lights” may be one of the pains of decorating for the season, but proper setups can prevent holiday electrical hazards and even save lives. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), December is the peak month for house fires caused by electrical malfunctions. Matt Lucy, the residential superintendent at Becdel Controls, […]

Dan Santon, owner of Santon Electric in Boardman, stands with his WYTV Hometown Hero plaque at his memorial outside the company for military members, health care workers, police and fire departments.

Honoring “Hometown Hero” Dan Santon for dedication to Boo Squad


There’s a special place in Dan Santon’s heart for young people who give back to the community. And one Mahoning Valley organization doing just that is giving back to Santon in the form of gratitude for his support. The founder of Boo Squad, Heather Hrina Medvec, nominated Santon for the WYTV Hometown Hero award. He […]

Nick Clemmer, project manager at Liberty Electric, outside Cleveland Steel Container building in Warren.

Liberty Electric energizes new manufacturing facility in Warren


A high level of expertise and history of quality work is helping Liberty Electric maneuver its latest project at Cleveland Steel Container in Warren. Electricians recently finished the underground infrastructure, but they will be on the job for at least another nine months, according to Nick Clemmer, project manager for Liberty Electric. “It’s all about […]

Mike Engle, project manager at University Electric, and Ivan Lindberg, apprentice-to-be.

University Electric bakes new energy into Insomnia Cookies on YSU campus


A key ingredient in the recipe for an Insomnia Cookies coming to YSU campus is University Electric. The bakery plans to open sometime in fall 2024 at the corner of North Hazel Street and Lincoln Avenue. After spending just over a month on the project, electricians wrapped up their work in early October. Starting from […]

University Electric crew working on wiring for EV chargers that will go in the parking lot on Fifth Avenue and Martin Luther King Boulevard in Youngstown.

Full power: University Electric setting up chargers for EV drivers in Youngstown


Charging stations will soon be available for EV drivers in two parking lots in downtown Youngstown. University Electric is the contractor hooking up the service and installing them. The existing Kress lot, next to West Federal Street, will eventually have two stations capable of charging four vehicles at a time. “We have not started there […]

New leader for Mahoning Valley NECA: Attorney Chris Sammarone takes reins


A practicing attorney for 25 years, Chris Sammarone is the new executive director for the Mahoning Valley NECA chapter. He officially took the helm on May 1. He fills the seat left by Tom Lipka, who held the position since 2019. Lipka was recently promoted to a field representative position for NECA’s Eastern Region. Coincidentally, […]