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L.U. 683 (em&i), COLUMBUS, OHThe 2003 Chuck Bland Memorial Fish Fry was a success. There were many raffles and shirt sales for the sports teams. The perch were exceptionally good this year and thanks goes to Bro. Tim Odea and his wife Patty for a fine job. This members-only event has been in existence since 1959.

Because of the economy and industry leaving our jurisdiction, work remains slow. Thanks to the locals that have been able to help our traveling sisters and brothers get work.

At the June meeting, 27 new apprentices were sworn in. They are Sean Campbell, Howard Grimmett, Randy Meyers, Derek Shaffer, Dustin Bobo, Brian Crompton, Richard Gaither, Jeremy Grooms, Mark Henderson, Stephen Honzo, Amy Kirby, Igor Kochergin, Matthew Louanglath, Jamie Martin, Kenneth Murnane, John Murphy II, Joseph Quayle, Josh Saling, Kevin Seitz, George Shaw, Alexander Smirnoff, Michael Snavely, Joseph Stahl, Tracy Starcher, Derek Swingle, Barry West, Jr, and Jerry Yates. Welcome to the IBEW!

Mario Ciardelli, Pres.

Hearts and Minds

L.U. 721 (u), CHATTANOOGA, TNThe officers and members of our local wish to commend our brothers and sisters at the Sequoyah Nuclear Plant Electric Shop who were mindful of the special needs of Sister Beth Scarbroughs daughter, Emory. Steward John Anderson and Brother Scott Greeson organized an effort under the leave donation program for Sister Scarbrough. The donated leave she receives can be used in the care of Emory, who has been critically ill since birth. Taking the course a step further, members of the Electric Shop took up donations totaling $6,600 to help Sister Scarbrough with medical expenses. These heartfelt acts are one reason our union exists today. Union of Hearts and Mindsneed I say more?

Many thanks also to Pres. Tommy Floyd for his effort. As you are aware, he works 12-hour shifts but still finds time to take care of business. Please take time to personally thank him for his effort. See you at the next union meeting and pray for Sister Scarbrough and Emory.

Curt Ditzer, V.P.

Marilyn Carr Retires

Local 773 Asst. Bus. Mgr. John McInnis, Pres. Ed McDowell, Marilyn Carr, and Bus. Mgr. Sol Furer.

L.U. 773 (as,em,i,mo&o), WINDSOR, ON, CANADAAfter 36 years of service to Local 773, local secretary Marilyn Carr has retired, and its not surprising she was showered with gifts and beautiful flowers. When the local officers presented her with a computer system on behalf of the entire local union, she spoke of many dear friends and a good life with the IBEW. Debra Allen will take up her duties.

With the on-again, off-again status of the overhaul of the recently closed Daimler Chrysler Plant 6, it is hard to determine what the work picture will be in the near future. We have full employment now; Brighton Beach Power is in full swing.

With sadness I report the passing of Bro. Grant Mifflin at the age of 52. A skilled tradesmen and a past officer of the Chatham Unit, brother Mifflin will be greatly missed.

See you at the next union meeting.

David Spencer, P.S.

Credit Union Dedicated

Local 915s new Powernet Credit Union.

L.U. 915 (i&mt), TAMPA, FLOur new credit union building was dedicated July 18, 2003. Located on 1.7 acres adjoining Lcoal 915 property, the beautiful building was built with 100 percent union labor and provides drive-thru service that wasnt possible previously as well as much needed privacy for the loan officers to better service customers.

Other new services include 30-year fixed mortgages and "Money Concept Services" for investors. With branch offices in Jacksonville and Plant City, along with the main office in Tampa, the credit union employs 21 people. With 5,000 union family members, and assets currently at $55 million, both are growing at a phenomenal rate!

Pioneer members from 1961 include Percy Banks, Wendell Blair, Chuck Brantmyer, Jerry Cain, Fran Diaz, Al Kaiser, Richard Moon, Arne Pearson, Cliff Smith, and Roy Stone. Bro. Arne Pearson became our first treasurer, and in 1969, John Gernhardt became our first full-time manager.

By 1971, the credit union was able to help finance our apprenticeship building and a 1974 "bond issue" by the credit union helped finance the building we use today. In 1977 Tim McMurry became manager and in 1994 the name of Electricians L.U. 915 Credit Union was changed to Powernet Credit Union. Since then other IBEW locals and other building trades unions have joined Powernet to make it what it is today.

Bob Kaiser, P.S.

Heroic Members

L.U. 953 (catv,em,lcct,o,spa&u), EAU CLAIRE, WILocal 953 recognizes the valiant rescue of two fishermen by members Steve Thompson, Dan Anderson, Tom Baumgartner, Ryan Rykal, Jim Feuerhelm and Pat Randall.

On May 13, 2003, a driver making a delivery to the Dairyland Power Cooperative Flambeau Hydro Plant noticed something floating in the tail water and alerted the staff of the Flambeau plant. They heard a scream for help and went to the rescue. Both fisherman were taken to the local hospital, where they were treated and released in good condition. Except for the fast action taken by the members listed, the two fishermen would not have survived.

At the time of this writing, the Outside Line Agreement, jointly negotiated between contractors and Locals 953 and 2150, is out for the membership to vote on. This fall, Local 953 has approximately 15 cooperative and municipal contracts to negotiate.

Our hearts and prayers are with all of the fine service men and women fighting for our country, and we wish them all a safe and quick trip home.

Dave Loechler, B.M.

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