L.U. 8 (as,em,i,mar,mt,rts,s&spa), TOLEDO, OH — Hello, brothers and sisters. As usual, work in our area declined during the winter months. However, a few projects will be ramping up in the spring, which should decrease the numbers on our book. Monroe Power House, Davis Besse, and Fermi are all expected to be putting members to work.

The annual Local 8 Dinner Dance will be April 6. All members and their guests are encouraged to spend an enjoyable evening with fellow brothers and sisters.

It is with great sadness that I report the passing of retired Local 8 business agent Bill Benner. Bill passed away Saturday, Feb. 2, surrounded by his family. He will be deeply missed.

While we have a proactive staff at the union hall, they need our help. Please be aware of any and all construction work taking place in our jurisdiction. If you see construction or electrical work going on, please contact the union hall. A simple phone call could lead to more work opportunities for our contractors and members.

Remember to work safe.

Bryan Emerick, P.S.

L.U. 16 (i), EVANSVILLE, IN — IBEW Local 16 once again took the lead in serving the disabled of the tri-state by using its skills at the Ritzy's Fantasy of Lights. This premiere seasonal event will fund 3,280 rehabilitation therapy sessions for handicapped children and adults in the coming year. A total of 12,493 vehicles paid admission to drive the loop through the picturesque light show. That allowed Easter Seals to have its second best year ever ($157,466 for 2012), and brought the total raised to over $2.53 million since 1994. Thanks to all those who supported their union and the community by helping this worthy cause.

Contractors and union leadership have been meeting on a regular basis through the Labor-Management Cooperative Committee. Hopefully this will build a stronger relationship between the partners and allow IBEW-NECA to expand its message to a larger customer base.

Local 16's Political Action Committee gets together at 6 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. By holding a golf scramble, a corn hole tournament, and selling meals before regular union meetings, they have been able to raise funds for candidates who value working people. Come to the hall and help them help you.

Donald P. Beavin, P.S.

L.U. 22 (i,rts&spa), OMAHA, NE — Local 22 held a fundraiser in early January for the survivors and victims of the Sandy Hook, CT, shootings. A chili feed and shirt sale raised $4,000, which was deposited into the United Way account to be used by people of the town for their needs. Thanks go to Bob Sidzyik, Stan Elsasser, Gary Kelly, Tony Sidzyik, Greg Cismoski and Tim Heavey for their time and work. Tickets and shirts were sold at our Data Center project and everyone put in a solid effort.

Our residential agreement was opened for negotiations this past winter. Negotiations took place in January and an agreement was ratified and approved by our residential members. As always, there was some give and take, but our negotiating team did solid work and it is a good contract. At this writing, inside wireman negotiations were scheduled to start soon. Hopefully the economy will be strong enough to support raises.

We had a good turnout from our labor force in the November 2012 elections. As a result, labor-supported candidates gained or held on to seats in the Nebraska Legislature. This is helpful to us in the ever-so-important political arena.

Chris Bayer, P.S.

L.U. 24 (es,i&spa), BALTIMORE, MD — At this writing Local 24 and all other area Baltimore building trades are experiencing very high unemployment. The Great Recession has been as real here as anywhere else in the Brotherhood. Our inside construction contractors continue to bid in a very difficult environment. One bright spot has been the success of the Regional Market Recovery Program, which our nonunion competition has no answer for. Those contractors utilizing this agreement have been successful on those construction projects whose square footage is less than 200,000 square feet. We have granted all variances of this agreement requested by our employers to date.

The National Junior Olympics fencing competition was held at the Baltimore Convention Center Feb. 15-18. This is an event for high school and college athletes and is a recruiting event for the U.S. Olympic Development Program. Local 24 member Mike Oles has been very active in this association and requested Local 24 volunteers to help facilitate the event this year. I thank Bros. Richard Michael, Rick Wall, Russell Mills, Roland Broadfoot, Charles Uzzell, Brian Lash, Larry Broadwater and Sister Connie Williams for their help over the three-day event.

Roger M. Lash Jr., B.M.

L.U. 26 (ees,em,es,govt,i&mt), WASHINGTON, DC — It's finally springtime in Washington, D.C.! Preparations have begun for our golf outing, and our picnics are on the horizon as well! The golf outing will be Monday, June 3. Be sure to send in your registration form before May 13. The registration forms can be found in the quarterly magazine or online at www.ibewlocal26.org.

The Manassas, VA, picnic will be Saturday, June 8; and the Edgewater, MD, picnic will be Saturday, Aug. 3. Mark your calendars for these wonderful, fun-filled events!

With regret we report that several members passed away recently: Nicholas M. Holder, Bernard J. Casey, Jeffery W. Barham, David M. Leesnitzer, Michael D. Grady, Boris Petrow, Paul E. White, Robert L. Myers and William R. Cleland. Our condolences go out to their families.

Congratulations and best wishes to new retirees: John M. Brown, Russell A. Curry Sr., James J. Quinn, Michael B. Loan, Anthony B. Long, James D. Purdy, Thomas A. Seitz, William S. Trapp, Blandin Mozon, Roger White, Stephen C. Baker, Richard E. Daniels, Hudson L. Lancaster, Cary W. Lemons, Joseph H. Virtue, Harold A. Brooks, Daniel J. Bowman, John A. Daniels Jr., Earl Greenberg, Joseph A. Kellington, Lloyd L. Roberts, Stephen F. Rottmann, Morris Safa, Robert B. Smith, John Honigsberg, Fred Hudson Jr., Charles H. Veney and Anthony Zancan Jr.

Charles E. Graham, B.M.

L.U. 34 (em,i,rts& spa), PEORIA, IL — Longtime Bus. Mgr. Michael T. Everett, a relentless advocate for labor, will retire his post effective June 2013. Since 1998, Mike's good judgment has led Local 34 through the minefield upon which organized labor is forced to operate. Additionally, Mike has led our regional Building Trades Council and Labor Council for years of unprecedented cooperation and effectiveness. He continues to lead the effort to renovate the historic Peoria Labor Temple. The labor movement in central Illinois owes much to him. But the labor movement is not done with him yet. Mike will remain active in Local 34 and central Illinois labor for years to come. Thank you, Bro. Everett!

Elections will be held in June for: business manager, president, vice president, recording secretary, treasurer, five Executive Board seats and three Exam Board seats. The exact Saturday will be determined by the election judges. There will be polling places in Peoria and Quincy. Take time to get to know the brothers and sisters running for office. For the most part these jobs can be thankless and are done as a service to the membership. Please support your candidates of choice with your very important vote.

Mark McArthy, Sec.-Treas.

L.U. 38 (i), CLEVELAND, OH — Work has remained steady with our bigger projects such as the Medical Mart/Convention Center, the East Bank Flats project, Thistledown Racino and Fairview Hospital still employing many members. The Eaton and Southerly jobs, which have also employed many of our members, are nearing completion and are slowing down — but they have been offset with hiring from several other contractors including Summit Electric at the new Giant Eagle store, Arrow Electric at the Hanna Apartment complex, and Walker Electric at GM. (See accompanying photo taken at Int'l. Airport project.)

Ullman Electric has the Target store's remodel. Members are reminded to patronize Target stores because they use union labor along with Giant Eagle and Heinen's grocery stores. Also remember that all Burlington Coat Factory projects in our area have been built with union labor.

Reminder: The Wiremen's Credit Union meeting/dinner dance will be April 20 and all members are encouraged to attend. Reservations are necessary and can be made by calling the credit union.

Dennis Meaney, B.M./F.S.

L.U. 42 (catv,em,govt,lctt&o), HARTFORD, CT — Local 42's work picture is still very slow for the distribution sector. Substation, transmission and railroad work are steady. The 2012 storm recovery efforts provided work, but we still are in need of steady work. We hope work picks back up in early spring. After a long hard battle, our brothers and sisters from Locals 420 and 457 settled contract negotiations with Connecticut Light & Power. At this writing, we are waiting for CL&P to release new work for this year.

Local 42 Membership Development representatives have been busy with "BA" contract negotiations with Lewis Tree Service Inc. They also filed a NLRB petition for election with Lucas Tree in an effort to secure a "BA" contract with that company.

The Occupational Safety & Health Education Department holds Safety Training classes most weekends. The NorthEastern Joint Apprenticeship &Training requires all apprentices to have a CIC Certification; this is a crane certification course. Apprentices need this in order to top out and become an official journeyman lineman. CIC Certification is recognized in some states although not all. States that recognize this certification include New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Connecticut (which accepts CIC for 5-ton crane operation and under). All Local 42 members can sign up for this course through N.E.A.T. For more information call the OSHE Dept. at 860-643-4048.

Local 42 events for 2013 include: the Apprentice Graduation/Dinner Dance — April 13; the Annual Motorcycle Run — May 18; a Dinner Cruise — June 15; and the Annual Family Picnic — Aug. 24.

Jacquelyn Moffitt, P.S.

L.U. 46 (as,c,cs,em,es,et,i,mar,mo,mt,rtb,rts&st), SEATTLE, WA — Local 46 has adopted an innovative organizing tool, using education as an outreach to unrepresented electricians. We began a continuing education program at our union hall more than three years ago by offering free classes for members and reduced-cost classes for unrepresented electricians. This allowed us to initiate contact with potential future members throughout our jurisdiction. These class opportunities result in earned trust of unrepresented workers through the demonstrated value that IBEW places on education and training as well as the formation of classroom relationships with fellow union electricians.

This outreach proved so successful that in spring 2012 we introduced an Associate Membership program to further expand our contact with unrepresented electricians. For $25 per year, associate members receive free CEU classes, a newsletter, and free legal representation if they have any wage or benefit issues with their employer. Currently Local 46 has approximately 200 associate members and the program continues to grow!

This Associate Member program, among other organizing activities, should place Local 46 in an excellent position to increase union density and market share. The work picture is forecast to continue improving through the rest of 2013 with more projects expected to start manning up in 2014.

Angela Marshall, Rep.

L.U. 48 (c,em,i,rtb,rts&st), PORTLAND, OR — Since being chartered on May 21, 1913, IBEW Local 48 has grown to more than 4,000 members within our jurisdiction of northwest Oregon and southwest Washington.

We invite you to our 100th Anniversary Gala, with keynote speaker Int. Pres. Edwin D. Hill, at the Portland Ballroom of the Oregon Convention Center for dinner, entertainment and dancing on Friday, May 17. We are honored to host this once-in-a-lifetime celebration and lead our amazing local into a future that is limitless. Visit www.IBEW48GALA.com for details. We hope you will join us in "Celebrating the Past and Empowering the Future."

Also this May, you and your family will be able to visit the Oregon Historical Society exhibit "100 Years of a Powerful Partnership," featuring IBEW Local 48 and Oregon-Columbia Chapter of NECA. The exhibit will be an excellent experience for your family. Visit www.OHS.org for details. Exhibit dates are May 13 – Aug. 5, 2013.

Robert Blair, P.S.

L.U. 68 (i), DENVER, CO — Brothers and sisters, I am sad to report that as of Feb. 22, Labor's Community Agency has closed. If you have been donating on a regular basis through your banking institution or through payroll deductions, please issue a "stop order."

Local union elections are just ahead! Please watch your mailbox for incoming mail from your local union. You should have recently received a copy of our new bylaws. If not, please contact the local union office to assure that we have your correct address on file. (See Article XV, Section 5, of the bylaws.) Also, note that there is a completely changed Article III, regarding officer elections. In accordance with that article, the officer elections will be accomplished by 100 percent mail-in balloting. Notifications and timeline information will be in your mailbox soon!

Please take time to read your ABCs: the agreement, the bylaws and the constitution!

We look forward to seeing you at your general membership meetings!

We extend deepest sympathy to the families of recently deceased members: William W. Carr Sr., Lanny J. McIntyre, Russell J. Cram, Dennis O. Selby, Franklin O. Weddig, James D. Pierce Sr., Richard L. Dahlberg, Ray A. Pacheco, Joseph A. Benenate Jr., Albert K. Farnham, L. Douglas Spitler, James O. Jeltema, Robert D. Choury, James D. Jeanelle, Harold S. Pranger, Robert E. Shelton, James E. Thompson, Hilmer "Gus" E. Swanstrom, James E. Massaro and Jacob M. McPhie.

Ed Knox, Pres.

L.U. 130 (i), NEW ORLEANS, LA — The business manager and officers of Local 130 thank all the brothers and sisters who helped make the 2013 Super Bowl and Mardi Gras a success. Thanks to all of those who worked at the Superdome, the streetcar line, the convention center and the casino, and those who did set work and all of the remodel work at the hotels — you made our city shine. When the lights went out in the Superdome, at no fault of ours, it was the IBEW that got the lights and equipment back on for one of the best games in Super Bowl history. Congratulations to Baltimore Local 24 and the Ravens on their championship.

Work has slowed some with the nuclear plant and Super Bowl work ending. At this writing, we are still waiting for word on the VA Hospital, which will be one of the largest construction projects ever in New Orleans. As many of you know, if you have had a VA facility in your jurisdiction, not many have gone our way. We have spent much time with our political allies and contractors, and will continue to try everything we can to make VA work a reality for our union brothers and sisters.

Chad Lauga, P.S.

L.U. 134 (catv,em,govt,i,mt,rtb,rts,spa&t), CHICAGO, IL — Our Training Center is updating its curriculum to meet our current and future needs. Nineteen new welding booths are being added to prepare our members for welding certification for refinery and photovoltaic array work — in particular, a 60-acre facility slated for O'Hare Field. Other classes include: training in wireless lighting controls; instruction in computerized building control systems for commercial work; and lighting, audio/visual and stage rigging certification for the exhibition industry at McCormick Place.

Additional plans include: a stand-alone building that will house the power for an outdoor 25 KW ground mounted photovoltaic welding lab, and store power from an on-site 80 foot 5 KW tilt-up wind turbine; a 15 KW roof mounted working photovoltaic lab; a 15 KW solar carport; a 100 foot cell phone tower for training and certification; plus an addition to our existing facility.

In other news — we ratified a first contract with Sears representing over 300 appliance technicians. [To read more online, see "Facing Opposition, Illinois Sears Techs Ratify First Contract," IBEW Web site www.ibew.org.] Congratulations to Bus. Reps. Rich Murphy and Organizer Abe Rodriguez for their efforts.

At press time, our 2nd Annual PAC Party was scheduled for March 16. And we look forward to our Helping Hand Fundraiser on April 28. [For more about the Helping Hand Fund, see "Who We Are — Fund Helps Struggling Chicago Members," The Electrical Worker, January 2013, pg. 19.]

Frank Cunningham, R.S.

L.U. 158 (i,it,mar,mt&spa), GREEN BAY, WI — Local 158, like many locals in the state, has been quiet in terms of the work picture. There should be some good news in turning that around.

At the time of this writing, a four-week outage at Point Beach Nuclear Plant was scheduled for mid-March. Also, there will be some work at: Schreibers headquarters downtown; the Lambeau Field expansion; Associated Bank's new headquarters; and at Bayship and Marinette Marine shipyards. Hopefully our contractors will be flush with work.

Once again during the recent holiday season our local members, staff, retirees, contractors and families were in the giving spirit. Many items were donated to two worthy causes, The Golden House and The Freedom House of Green Bay. These two nonprofits provide lodging, food and support to those who are less fortunate or have nowhere else to turn for help. The generosity of all those who gave was very much appreciated.

Donald C. Allen, B.M.

L.U. 160 (lctt,o&u), MINNEAPOLIS, MN — The 2012 federal and state elections are finally behind us. Minnesota and the DFL (Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party) faired very well. The Minnesota state House, state Senate and governor's office are now in DFL control. There were also two ballot amendments that were defeated in Minnesota. Hopefully the Legislature can now get to the business of creating jobs and improving our health-care system. Any talk about Minnesota "right to work" will be off the table for at least two more years. There is also talk among state legislators to amend the state's constitution to require a "super majority" before making future constitutional amendments.

Local 160 has a great deal of work now and for the foreseeable future. Transmission system and infrastructure upgrades are focused all over Minnesota. Central corridor light rail between Minneapolis and St. Paul is also well under way with other light rail projects coming in the next few years.

In 2012, Bro. Lynnie Martin retired as one of Local 160's outside representatives. Lynnie has been an outside representative for nearly 33 years. Thank you, Bro. Martin, for your many years of dedicated service to Local 160 and the IBEW.

Local 160 welcomes Bro. Jon Michels as the newest outside representative. We wish Jon good luck in his new role.

Remember to keep safety an integral part of any work you do on and off the job.

James P. Brereton, P.S.

L.U. 222 (o), ORLANDO, FL — Local 222 and the state of Florida enjoyed an extremely mild winter. The good work picture and the nice weather have given us the opportunity to work some travelers and for that we are thankful. The work outlook for the rest of the year looks good. I am sure that when the weather breaks up North, some of the traveling brothers will head home, but we hope to have plenty of local folks to handle the work load.

Local 222 is proud to be sponsoring the first annual Labor Day Bike Ride this year, a two-day ride that will cover quite a bit of the state and various union halls. It is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 31 and Sunday, Sept. 1. There will be an end-of-ride get-together and celebration both days. If you are interested in riding or just celebrating the brotherhood, contact Willy Dezayas at 305-219-8234.

We have had two new additions to the Local 222 family: babies Raygen Mae Phillips, born Jan. 30 to James Cody Phillips and wife Brandi, and Colton David Harrell, born Jan. 17 to John Harrell and wife Jaclyn. Congratulations to both families.

William "Bill" Hitt, Pres.

L.U. 234 (i&mt), CASTROVILLE, CA — On March 1, Local 234 — which covers Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey County in California — celebrated its 43rd anniversary. Happy 43rd, Local 234 members! Local 234 was chartered on March 1, 1970.

At our January general membership meeting, Local 234 was fortunate and honored to have Ninth District Int. Vice Pres. Michael S. Mowrey in attendance. Vice Pres. Mowrey shared some of his insight under "Good of the Union." The Inside Agreement also had a wage allocation that evening and the membership voted to put $0.30 to wages and $0.45 to pension. All in all, it was an impressive start to the New Year.

Andy Hartmann, B.M.

L.U. 236 (catv,ees,govt,i,mo,rtb&t), ALBANY, NY — Thank you to all of our members who helped out with the 2012 Children's Christmas Party. This event grows every year, and on this day we had more than 80 children spend the afternoon with us and enjoy a visit from Santa. This has been a great way to bring our members and their families together for the day to celebrate the holiday season, and we look forward to its continued success.

Employment was rather slow through the winter — but with the announcement of several large projects being planned in our jurisdiction, we hope spring and summer will bring us full employment. Many of our journeymen took advantage of this slow time by attending some of our continuing training courses that were held at the JATC. This winter our JATC offered the Advanced Lighting Controls Course, Teledata Training and OSHA 30 Safety Training. As safety is such an important part of our industry, it was great to see so many of our members take the time to attend the OSHA 30 class. Keep up the good work and we hope everyone enjoys a safe summer.

Michael Torres, P.S.

L.U. 280 (c,ees,em,es,i,mo,mt,rts&st), SALEM, OR — The future work picture for our local and for Oregon looks very good. Large projects in Local 48 (Portland, OR), Local 112 (Kennewick, WA) and Local 280 should put local members and many traveling members to work this summer. Also, we cannot forget the smaller work and projects that need to be manned with quality IBEW electricians.

Organizers Bill Kisselburgh and Nate Albertson along with Bus. Mgr. Tim Frew are constantly working with our NECA contractors to compete and capture this important market share. Networking with general contractors, political leaders and grassroots members of the community has paid off with Local 280 prevailing in union percentage throughout our jurisdiction.

As we have taken this work away from the nonunion, we have also taken some of the top nonunion electricians and proved to them that the IBEW is the right choice. With our "Member-to-Member" and other education programs, we have welcomed these fine brothers/sisters and they have rewarded us with trying to organize the open shops in our area.

Remember to attend your union meetings, as discussions for our next contract and bylaws will be the focus by Pres. John Close. Your input is necessary and important for our future.

Work safe and have a great spring!

Jerry Fletcher, P.S.

L.U. 292 (em,govt,i,rtb,rts&spa), MINNEAPOLIS, MN — On Jan. 23, Local 292 members voted on and passed changes to our Inside Agreement. The ratified agreement is effective through April 30, 2015, and includes back wages to Jan. 1, 2013.

Work is picking up in our jurisdiction, but we still have more than 400 on our out-of-work book. Thank you to the locals that are providing employment for our traveling brothers and sisters.

The IBEW Local 292 History Committee was recently established, and Union History Movie Nights are at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month in our new Guy Alexander Conference Room.

Elections for mayors and city council members will be held in November this year; this includes the city of Minneapolis, where all city council members and the office of mayor are up for election.

Precinct caucuses will be held in Minneapolis on Tuesday, April 16. This step is a critical part of the political process. Delegates elected out of the precinct caucuses will advance to the ward and citywide conventions. Please attend your precinct caucus to do your part to endorse candidates who best represent working men and women and their families. Go to www.ibew292.org/political for more information.

Carl Madsen, P.S.

L.U. 300 (govt,i,mt&u), MONTPELIER, VT — In January, 300 IBEW members voted to ratify a single unified agreement with Green Mountain Power and Central Vermont Public Service. The complete process was 10 months in the making. Congratulations go out to members of the committee who sacrificed their time and energy to negotiate a respectable agreement between the IBEW members and the company. The unification of the agreement is just one step toward creating a unified work force. We must understand that we will always be faced with obstacles in the road that must be overcome, and then overcome them. We must always adjust our sights on trying to make the workplace safer.

The Affordable Care Act continues to present uncertainties when it comes to negotiating our collective bargaining agreements with members and employers. The unknowns of where our state and federal government bodies are heading is both frustrating and irresponsible behavior. We will continue to argue our point with politicians and legal advisors to ensure union members are taken care of.

Never be afraid of sharing your knowledge with the person beside you — you never know what they could accomplish with a little educational wealth. I wish all members of the IBEW a safe and prosperous 2013 season. Keep the faith.

Jeffrey C. Wimette, B.M./F.S.

L.U. 302 (i,rts&spa), MARTINEZ, CA — Dec. 1 last year marked the 53rd annual Christmas Dinner and Dance. Fine food, fellowship and entertainment were shared by all in attendance.

December 8 was Santa Day and the union hall was supercharged by kids visiting Santa, getting tattoos, making keepsakes to take home, taking care of 144 dozen cookies and making room for more cookies by playing in the bounce house.

Applications for the Inside Apprenticeship were taken in January, with 360 applicants. Of those, 160 of the applicants came on the last day of applications!

Work in the Bay Area as a whole is getting back on track and we are expecting our fair share this summer.

Our Training Center continues to offer classes to increase our members' knowledge and continue to provide a well-trained work force. Along with the typical Code Review and OSHA Safety classes is an Electrical Vehicle Residential Charging Station Installation class. This illustrates our commitment to our industry and the future as well.

Our Annual Local 302 Picnic will be July 13, so mark your calendars now. It may seem a long way off but will be here before you know it. See you there!

Bob Lilly, P.S.

L.U. 306 (i), AKRON, OH — Local 306 thanks retiring Sister Cyndy Colley for her many years of service as Examining Board member and chair of our Social Committee. Everyone has always appreciated Cyndy's enthusiasm and thoughtful planning of social events for our members and their families. Best wishes to her in the years to come. On a related note Bro. Bob Latham was appointed chair of the Social Committee and Bro. Steve Peterman was appointed to the Examining Board. Congratulations and good luck to Bob and Steve.

In 2012 organized labor made the difference in the national elections. But in Ohio, where President Obama carried the state by approximately 3 percentage points, Republicans expanded their majorities over Democrats in the state Legislature. Republicans now have a 23-10 majority in the state Senate and a supermajority of 60-39 in the state House. A party with a supermajority can put measures on the ballot, such as "right-to-work" legislation, without the need of collecting hundreds of thousands of signatures. We should all keep a close watch for any upcoming anti-worker legislation and be prepared to fight once again for our right to exist.

With sadness we report the loss of retired Bro. John "Shorty" Webb and Bro. Mark Terranova. We send our condolences to their families.

Thomas Wright, P.S.

L.U. 340 (i,rts&spa), SACRAMENTO, CA — Four Local 340 EWMC members were honored when they received a standing ovation at the Electrical Workers Minority Caucus held in January in Houston, TX. When presented with the charter for the newly established EWMC Capitol Sierra Chapter, more than 350 members stood and cheered. This wonderful, emotional display of brotherhood and unity was very humbling to our members.

Establishing this charter was a labor of love for our members. Every time they attend the caucus, they come away newly charged with ideas on how to grow the chapter and emphasize the importance of IBEW members volunteering in the communities where they live. While in Houston, our EWMC members volunteered at a baseball park that has a reputation of not turning any child away, regardless of whether their family can afford the fees.

I am sorry to again report that work in Local 340's jurisdiction is very slow as of this early February writing. I am very grateful to other locals for putting our members to work.

The following members have passed away: Bro. Roger M. Carroll, Bro. Harry I. Wikston and former Local 340 presidents Bro. Winfred "Lee" Bunch and Bro. Clint Walker. All were good electricians and proud union members. Rest in peace, my brothers, and thank you for your dedicated service to IBEW Local 340.

A.C. Steelman, B.M.

L.U. 420 (u), WATERBURY, CT — Utility workers from Waterbury, CT, Local 420 and Meriden, CT, Local 457 will pair up and face off at the upcoming 7th Annual Golf Tournament sponsored by their two locals to benefit the Connecticut Children's Medical Center.

Over the last six tournaments, the three co-chairs — Bros. Al McConnell and Mario Bacchiocchi of Local 420 and Bro. Mike Granger of Local 457 — have helped raise over $85,000 for this noble cause.

This year's tournament is scheduled for July 12 and we expect that it will put the total donations well over $100,000.

Joseph Malcarne, R.S.

L.U. 494 (em,i,mt,rts,spa&t), MILWAUKEE, WI — The "RENEW" Committee brightened the 2012 holiday season with their first organized event open to all members and their families. The committee arranged for Santa to visit Local 494 on Saturday, Dec. 8 last year. Families entered the building to the sounds of bells, whistles and the chugging of Thomas the Tank Engine, James the Train, and a classic model railroad display presented by the Milwaukee Lionel Railroad Club. The tracks were set up so that members' children and grandchildren controlled the train sets with oversight by members of the club. A professional photographer was on hand and Santa posed for instant pictures that were presented to the parents, while gift bags were given to the children. Coffee, juice and cookies were served for all visitors. The Local 494 RENEW Committee looks forward to hosting this event again for the 2013 holiday season.

Our RENEW committee was formed in 2012. It is made up of a group of our young members who are interested in taking our local forward and hope to get other young members and their families involved in union activities. Congratulations, RENEW Committee, on your first event being such a success!

John W. Bzdawka, B.M./F.S.

L.U. 520 (i&spa), AUSTIN, TX — 2013 will be the "year of community" at Local 520.

Using Object #11 of the IBEW Constitution as our guide, we will bring to our membership's attention the responsibility we have to each other as well as to our families and our communities. We hope to see a stronger and more interactive local union at the end of 2013. Our new logo also reflects this as well, with the image of a guitar accenting the logo.

Lane Price, Pres.

L.U. 530 (i,o&rtb), SARNIA, ONTARIO, CANADA — With still little construction work happening and little on the horizon, Local 530 would like to thank several locals for employing our members during these rough times, including: Regina, SK, Local 2038; Sudbury, ON, Local 1687; and Kingston, ON, Local 115.

Al Byers, P.S.

L.U. 540 (i), CANTON, OH — Congratulations from Local 540 officers and members to each of our retired brothers and sisters. Thank you all for helping make Local 540 the great brotherhood it is.

Local 540's most recent retirees are: Dale Miller, Brad Petricola, Jeffery Williams, Mark Kindel, Gary Sieber, Don Colaner, Thomas Thompson, Kenneth Sander, John Zucal, James J. Smith, George Trumpeter, Jack Schneider, Joseph Martin, Matthew Stephens, Jeffrey Miller, David LeBeau and Rodney West. Enjoy your retirement and thank you!

Brothers and sisters, please remember our brave military personnel and local members who are fighting and working for our freedom throughout the world — especially the families of our military personnel who gave the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our enduring freedom.

Jerry Bennett, P.S.

L.U. 558 (catv,em,i,mt,o,rtb,rts,spa&u), SHEFFIELD, AL — Work in our jurisdiction is picking up as of this writing. Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant has manned up for the spring outage that started March 1. The expansion at Toyota Motor Manufacturing of North Alabama in Huntsville has been a slow go due to inclement weather. The manning up for this project has been pushed out to sometime around mid-May or later.

Local 558 hosted an Advanced Stewards Training Seminar on Jan. 29 for Tennessee Valley Authority stewards. Stewards from Locals 558, 765 and 852 were in attendance.

We extend our gratitude to Int. Rep. Carmella Cruse from the IBEW Education Department and 10th District Int. Rep. Keith Craig for their expertise and commitment in educating IBEW's job stewards and union representatives.

In other news, the 4th Annual Local 558 Spring Picnic is scheduled for May 4 at Spring Park in Tuscumbia, AL. All members and their families are welcome. We look forward to seeing everyone come out for a day of brotherhood and family fun.

Mac Sloan, Mbr. Dev.

L.U. 596 (i,o&u), CLARKSBURG, WV — A journey of compassion and volunteerism began for nearly 50 members of Local 596 in June 2012. When they heard about the Chestnut Mountain Ranch home for troubled youth, their hearts were stirred to help however they could.

After speaking with CMR Executive Dir. Steve Finn, Local 596 members decided to volunteer their professional talents as IBEW trained journeymen and assist with the electrical installation for the first boy's home at the ranch.

From June 2012 to Jan. 2013, our union members volunteered hundreds of hours, including innumerable Saturdays, to complete the project on time. Volunteers displayed highest quality craftsmanship, kindness and courtesy. This effort reflects the IBEW's ideals and hopefully has touched the lives of young people at the ranch, some of whom may one day choose the IBEW as a career.

Through this volunteer project, we have shown our communities that we not only live and work here, but that we also invest by volunteering our time and resources to make our communities a better, safer place to live.

Our deepest thanks to members who donated so much to those who needed to see that someone cares about them. A special thanks to member Randy Stiles, who opened our eyes to the need, and to Pres. Rick Marsh, who helped get workers together for this outreach. If you are interested in this outreach, please visit Web site www.ChestnutMountainRanch.org.

Joe Yeager, P.S.

L.U. 654 (i), CHESTER, PA — The work picture remains optimistic for 2013 with both commercial and industrial projects planned. As the energy industry continues to change in our area, we see both oil and natural gas distribution terminals becoming prevalent. IBEW Local 654 continues to bring community awareness to destruction of wages and standards through bannering and pickets on various projects when necessary. We are committed to political action with our elected county and state officials through meetings, Election Day support, and education.

Our membership continues to benefit from participation in the IBEW 654 Wellness Program. The program serves to promote a healthier membership and save our costs with the health-care provider. Wishing all of our brothers and sisters a happy and healthy 2013!

James Thompson, P.S./R.S.

L.U. 666 (i,mt&o), RICHMOND, VA — As of press time, work has started on the new Washington Redskins practice facility. One of our local contractors was awarded the job.

Members of the COPE committee lobbied the General Assembly for bills favorable to working families and unions. There has been some action from the assembly in our favor in the days since.

Congratulations to our recent retirees: Jerry W. McGuinn, Herman S. Booth III, Horace N. Tower, W. Barry Clark, Roger l. Gill, Richard W. Stopf, William Frank Gifford, Paul B. Dunlavey, Robert L. Gary and Clyde M. Roberts Jr.

Charles Skelly, P.S.

L.U. 684 (c,i,rts&st), MODESTO, CA — In the last year, Local 684 has seen a large increase in work available to our members. Several large projects were manned and completed, and we hope to have more on the horizon.

Our annual picnic in May 2012 went off without a hitch, although many members were unable to attend, as we had three contractors working overtime shifts at the local Gallo Livingston crusher expansion project. However, we were able to bring food from the picnic out to the working crews so they could enjoy it even though they were working.

We have a new organizer on board — welcome to Bobby Stutzman in that role. We have seen and expect to continue to see great things from him.

Local 684 member Antonio Samaniego recently competed in and won the Western States Electrical Contest in Mount Vernon, WA. This makes our fourth winner in the last seven years. Congratulations, Antonio!

We have negotiations and elections coming up this spring and we hope for smooth sailing in both areas.

I hope this year proves to be as work laden as last, and that all members are healthy and happy.

Jeromy Myers, Pres.

L.U. 692 (i,mt&spa), BAY CITY, MI — We congratulate the following apprentice graduates who recently graduated from our apprenticeship program: David Emeott, Carl Overly, Donald Horner Jr., Gabriel Gransden, Derek Ingle, Matthew Ewald, Michael Haskin, Christopher Burgett and Adrian Kennard. They were recognized at our December 2012 meeting.

Our union hall has COPE stickers available to those who contribute to the Local 692 COPE Fund. COPE, our political action fund, is very important for our survival in the political arena. IBEW COPE supports local, state and federal candidates who support our causes and philosophies. If you do not donate to this worthy cause, please seriously consider it.

Our sympathy goes out to the families of the following members who recently passed away: Bro. Joseph Protasiewicz, who was an active member; and retired Bros. Leo V. Bauer, Michael J. Nuttall and Joseph Bower.

With the December 2012 passage of so-called "right-to-work" legislation by a lame duck session of the state legislature, it is especially critical that all members and their families get involved in our union.

Tammy Gottleber, R.S./P.S.

L.U. 702 (as,c,catv,cs,em,es,et,govt,i,it,lctt,mo,mt,o,p,pet,ptc,rtb,rts,se,
spa,st,t,u,uow&ws), WEST FRANKFORT, IL — We currently have 138 on Book I for journeyman wiremen. Please check our Web site for all the latest information we have regarding job opportunities for our members traveling into other locals for work.

As of this writing, negotiations continue for our members with Consolidated Communications. We had several members disciplined in the unfair labor strike with Consolidated. The NLRB agent came in January and began taking statements from our members. We look forward to the board's decision and are confident we will reach a tentative agreement with Consolidated. We thank all of our members who contributed to our struggling brothers and sisters at Consolidated Communications during the strike.

Although the 2012 elections are behind us and labor's efforts were successful, we want to continue to be involved in all elections at every level.

Marsha Steele, P.S.

L.U. 776 (i,o,rts&spa), CHARLESTON, SC — Congratulations to our newest apprenticeship graduates on their five years of hard work and successful completion of the apprenticeship program.

Our annual Food & Toy Drive was a huge success again last year. The Florence Crittenton Home and My Sisters House are both very appreciative of the donations our members provide. Thank you, Local 776 members, for your generosity.

Chuck Moore, B.M.

L.U. 968 (catv,i,mt,o,rts,spa&t), PARKERSBURG, WV — IBEW Local 968 held its annual picnic Oct. 6, 2012. We served approximately 110 members and family at the West Virginia Interstate Fairgrounds in Mineral Wells, WV. Children enjoyed the inflatable obstacle course, and some of the adults had fun racing each other. The local Boy Scout troop conducted games for the children while the adults played bingo.

Receiving IBEW Service Awards were: Robert "Bob" Parker, a 70-year member who formerly served 22 years as an I.O. rep for the IBEW; Joseph "Joe" Farra, a 65-year member; and Donald "Don" Marks, a 60-year member.

Also receiving IBEW Service Awards at last year's Local 968 Christmas luncheon for retirees were: Gerald Holbert and Jim Wigal, who received 50-year awards; and Don Coutu, who received his 65-year award. The local union delivered 116 holiday baskets and turkeys to the retirees and widows.

With regret we announce the passing of our retired Bros. Ralph DeLong, Wilmer "Curly" Duerr, Joseph R. Farra and Sonny Gorrell; and active member Keith Joachim.

Lynford C. Lovell, B.M.

L.U. 1066 (u), DAYTONA BEACH, FL — The union brothers and sisters showed their generosity and contributed money and time to help underprivileged children in Volusia and Flagler counties. During the Christmas break in 2011 and 2012, they made lunch and dinners for kids who are on lunch programs. Without this action some of those children would have gone to bed hungry.

The local, under the coordination of Bro. Lester Lyles, donated to a "No Warrior Left Behind" special event — the 1st annual American Vets trash fishing tournament on Lake Okeechobee.

Crystal Simmons, daughter of Local 1066 member Steven Simmons, won our annual scholarship contest.

Also in 2012 we bid a happy retirement to Bros. Brian Bohan, Gerry Tumblin, Bob Turner, Jim Tinsley and Tony Everett. We extend a special thanks to retirement investment planner Rick Tonkilson, who helps us with donations for our food drives and scholarship fund.

As president/business manager, I thank all the members of the local for working safely.

Mario Menir, B.M./Pres.

L.U. 1116 (em,lctt&u), TUCSON, AZ — After the negotiation of six labor agreements in 2012, it saddens the local to focus on withdrawal letters the union has received in recent months. In a so-called "right-to-work" state, unions have to keep a high focus on: organizing, representation, educating new hires and, yes, the withdrawal of members. We've all heard the excuses, such as — "I don't like who the IBEW supported politically…"; or "I didn't get the wage increase I deserve..."; or "the union is not doing enough for me…"; or "I can't afford the dues," etc.

Our union leadership has fought hard to represent every member, but not every issue will be settled in our favor. So, for every complaint the "quitter" has, there is a positive counter — our union workers enjoy better wages, working conditions, paid holidays, vacations and benefits provided through the collective bargaining agreement. As members of IBEW Local 1116, we will continue to support what we have built over the last 75 years of existence! Support your union!

Someday the person who left the union will need help, and we all know where he will turn. Keep on organizing; it's the right thing to do!

R. Cavaletto, P.S.

L.U. 1194 (u), SANDUSKY, OH — IBEW Local 1194 Bro. John "Ed" Zelenak, shown in the accompanying photo with his son David Zelenak, received his 55-year award on Jan. 23. Ed started with Ohio Edison in the Service Dept. in 1956 and retired in 1993 as a substation electrician leader. Congratulations, Ed!

Congratulations are also in order for six revenue collectors from our Lake Erie and Bay areas, who voted to become union members in July 2012. IBEW Local 1194 was successful in negotiating a first contract for these new members effective Jan. 1 2013.

As one of the new collectors stated, "This has been a long time coming." Our thanks go to organizer Lynda Wenzel and Fourth District Int. Rep. Ted D. Robison for helping make this possible.

Dave Childers, B.M.

L.U. 1212 (rtb), NEW YORK, NY — At the Super Bowl XLVII, hundreds of IBEW technicians worked at the event in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans.

Shown in the accompanying photo are two veteran cameramen, Neil McCaffery and Sal Augugliaro, at work on the outside set during rehearsals. The professionalism of our members produced an excellent show for CBS-TV.

Michael Fosso, Pres.

L.U. 1316 (i&o), MACON, GA — On Jan. 8, IBEW Local 1316 held its retiree breakfast and membership pin ceremony. We are very proud of our membership's contributions to the mid-Georgia area and the leadership they have provided to their brothers and sisters during their long careers.

Harry Murray, Pres.

L.U. 1466 (u), COLUMBUS, OH — On Friday, Jan. 4, Local 1466 held an officers training class, conducted by Int. Reps. Lawrence F. "Larry" Neidig III and Clarence J. "C.J." King from the IBEW Education Dept. This class provides useful information to elected officers. Attendees said the training was solid and a lot of good information was discussed.

On Saturday, Jan. 5, Int. Reps. Neidig and King conducted our annual union stewards training. Ninth District Int. Rep. Charles W. "Chuck" Tippie also assisted with the class. We were glad to see both shop stewards and members who just want to be more involved at the class.

The officers can't always be in every location we serve, so it's important to educate and mobilize all members. Our union can only be strong if we maintain an active membership, so we appreciate everyone who attended. We also thank Larry, C.J. and Chuck for their effort. We certainly are grateful!

As of press time, our local has entered into wage negotiations with American Electric Power (AEP). Please try to attend your monthly union meetings to stay up to date on negotiations.

Finally, for those members who use Facebook, our local has established a Facebook page to help keep the membership informed and involved. It is a private page that can only be viewed by members and can be found by searching for "IBEW Local Union 1466." Hope to see you there!

Always be safe and keep looking out for each other!

James Jette, P.S.