Washington, D.C. – IBEW Local 96 Business Manager Thomas Maloney and Business Agent David Martinelli proudly represented the Worcester electrical union at the annual IBEW Construction and Maintenance Conference in Washington D.C., April 11 – 13, 2018. Maloney and Martinelli met with Massachusetts legislators, discussing issues important to the electrical construction industry in Central Massachusetts.

The theme of the conference, “Evolve, Expand and Energize” was introduced in the General Session, as Lonnie Stephenson, President of IBEW International, presented a powerful message of building a stronger union, through the proactive outreach and organizing efforts, so that “every worker doing quality electrical work has a place in the IBEW.” He also spoke of the necessity of outreach to our nation’s young people, when they are in junior high school, so they understand there is an outstanding career path for them as electricians.

The conference’s special guest speaker was retired Naval Special Warfare Development Group Team Leader Robert O’Neill, one of the most highly decorated combat veterans of our time. O’Neill, who led the Naval Seal Team 6 mission in the Osama bin Laden raid, spoke of his experience and the importance of brotherhood and teamwork in his service and to success in all endeavors. “Even on the bin Laden raid,” he said, “everyone talks of Seal Team 6. No one talks about the pilots, the aircrew, the intelligence analysts who were all so integral to the success of the effort.” The overriding message, which was so appropriate to IBEW leadership, electricians and contractors alike, was “Everyone’s part of the team. Believe in yourself, believe in your team.”

The conference also showcased innovative electrical products and technologies that are powering the electrical industry.