What lit up 2025: The top 10 stories for NECA-IBEW Electricians
Plugged into progress, NECA-IBEW Electricians delivered some real power across the Mahoning Valley in 2025.
From transforming spaces like a former department store into a grocery store, to rewiring a home into a wellness center for first responders, our electrical contractors and electricians made a bright impact. Their work brought new life to a downtown bank, a veterans service commission and upgrades to the Youngstown Business Incubator.
Cody Hilliard, IBEW Local 64 business manager, points to the momentum created in 2025.
“It was a strong year for Local 64. We saw new contractors expanding their footprint, residential work driving membership growth, and our longtime partners continuing to shape the valley through healthcare and commercial projects,” Hilliard said. “As we head into 2026, opportunity is on the horizon. With it comes new challenges, but no team is better equipped to meet them than the IBEW electricians and our trusted contractor partners.”
Work is also ramping up for IBEW Local 573, which is powered by some big projects.
“The final quarter of 2025 started booming, and that upward trend will remain going forward,” said Todd Ambrose, business manager, IBEW Local 573. “With the Amazon project wrapping up, Mercy Health’s ER in Champion, and solid crews at Kimberly-Clark and the Foxconn AI project, we anticipate a strong 2026 and beyond.”
Outside of the job sites, the Youngstown JATC welcomed a new training director, apprentices were spotlighted in the Faces of the Trade series, legacies were honored through national NECA recognition and scholarships, and Electric TV came to town to highlight electricians and electrical contractors serving the community beyond the industry.
Local 573 members also continued their holiday tradition of purchasing bikes to donate to Trumbull County Children Services.
Electrical impact: Top 10 stories of 2025
CR Electric blends history and safety for electrical upgrade in Youngstown
Dickey Electric draws national attention for connection to United Way
Peplow takes the helm as Youngstown JATC training director
Faces of the Trade: Young journeyman electrician’s career wired by words of wisdom
Boot and Tri-Area electricians double the power at MCCTC
CR Electric flips the switch for new Austintown Grocery Outlet
Local 573 memorial scholarship recipient reflects the values of late apprentice
Faces of the Trade: Hawkins writes his electrical career into existence
Local 573 answers the call for more pedal power, delivering bikes for kids
Faces of the Trade: Sometimes a “Plummer” makes a great electrician
NECA-IBEW Electricians, an association of IBEW Local 64 in Youngstown, IBEW Local 573 in Warren and signatory electrical contractors throughout the Mahoning Valley.
