YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Projections for man-hours were on target for NECA-IBEW Electricians in 2024. Signatory electrical contractors and IBEW union locals are staying charged up with smaller commercial projects and steady residential work heading into 2025.

The Mahoning Valley National Electrical Contractors Association also welcomed Chris Sammarone as the new executive director in the second quarter of 2024.

“We are hopeful for what’s ahead,” says Sammarone. “There were no mega projects like Ultium but we have eyes on a $30 million warehouse project in Bazetta Township, as well as plans for property in Warren purchased by Kimberly-Clark.”

In addition, electrical contractors were tagged for work at the Mercy Health rehabilitation hospital on Belmont Avenue in Liberty. A behavioral health clinic is being built next to it.

“Health care facilities have been a bright spot for our contractors for the last few years – along with the small- to medium-sized projects we’ve had going on,” says Cody Hilliard, business manager, IBEW Local 64 in Youngstown.

Also in 2024, electricians started work at the Austintown Meijer store, which is expected to be completed by summer.

Other noteworthy projects were:

  • Cleveland Steel Container manufacturing plant in Warren.
  • Ebert Animal Hospital in Boardman.
  • EV chargers in downtown Youngstown.
  • United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley’s Volunteer Resource Center.
  • Wedgewood Plaza in Austintown.
  • YSU Planetarium renovations.

The impact of the electric vehicle industry will continue providing opportunities for electrical contractors with projects like charging station installations.

Meanwhile, electrical work is booming statewide.

“There are data centers and AI-driven facilities: the Intel plant in Columbus, and Cleveland has had some large projects – including the Sherwin-Williams headquarters downtown,” Sammarone says.

NECA-IBEW electricians make it a priority to give back to the community.

“Our contractors and union members support several causes throughout the Mahoning Valley. Sometimes that means donations and often giving our time to help the community,” says Todd Ambrose, business manager, IBEW Local 573 in Warren.

Pictured at top: IBEW members Jerry Kagy, Jeff Mendenhall and Marcus Durig from TSquared Electrical in Brookfield work on the renovation of an auto body shop in Struthers.