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Exciting work prospects headlined the May 14-16 Ninth District Progress meeting hosted by Anchorage, Alaskas Local 1547. Ninth District Progress MeetingJuly 27, 2001 Anchorage, Alaska Alaska Governor Tony Knowles signaled his strong support for an 800-mile natural gas pipeline through the state to supply the power-hungry lower 48 states. A project labor agreement for the $10 billion project would make it the largest privately funded PLA ever. The project, to be funded by Exxon, Phillips and BP, is the subject of debate between two plansone that would be built across the state of Alaska and one that would not. Though the route of the gas line remains in question, Gov. Knowles told the 300 members at the progress meeting that the in-state route would provide the most jobs for members. The Governor also spoke in favor of a petition effort to place that issue on the ballot this year to allow Alaska residents to decide whether to increase the states minimum hourly wage from $5.65 to $7.15. Ninth District International Vice President Michael Mowrey said both announcements prompted extended applause from delegates. International officers Edwin D. Hill and Jerry OConnor attended the conference, each of whom spoke about the continued growth and leadership necessary to the future success of the IBEW. Mowrey reported lively discussions at the workshops led by international representatives. A daylong seminar by author Harry Chambers on leadership, team coaching and building and organizational development was popular with delegates. Chambers is the author and co-author of several books, including Effective Communication Skills for Scientific and Technical Professionals. During the progress meeting, the members found out firsthand the reason Alaska is called the land of the midnight sunsunlight at 11 p.m.
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