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MEI Sets Energy Policy for the State of Missouri

ST. LOUIS — The organization that sets energy policy for the state of Missouri has drawn from the ranks of construction labor-management for one of its top board leadership positions. The Missouri Energy Initiative (MEI) has elected Jim Curran as vice chair. Curran is executive vice president of the Electrical Connection, a labor-management partnership of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local One and the St. Louis Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) In addition to representing the Electrical Connection, Curran also represents Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 36 and Plumbers’ and Pipefitters’ Local 562 on the MEI board.

“We’re delighted that Jim will be serving MEI as vice chair,” said Josh Campbell, MEI executive director. “Jim’s service as a member of the board and executive committee has brought a valuable perspective from an industry that has served Missouri’s evolving energy needs for more than 100 years.” Frank Caro of the Polsinelli law firm serves as MEI board chair.

“We are the oldest electrical union in the nation, founded in 1891,” said Frank Jacobs, business manager for IBEW Local One. “MEI has been invaluable in helping us develop job opportunities for our highly skilled workforce and build Missouri’s energy future.” IBEW represents more than 4,800 skilled electricians and communication technicians.

“MEI pulls together thought leadership in the energy industry from throughout the state,” said Doug Martin, executive vice president, St. Louis Chapter, NECA. “It takes a smart collaborative approach to guiding energy policy in the state.” St. Louis Chapter, NECA represents more than 100 electrical contractors. Collectively, the IBEW/NECA partnership has delivered more electrical and communication installations than any entity in Missouri. It powers those projects with traditional and renewable forms of energy, including solar, wind, geothermal and smart building technologies that conserve energy.

The IBEW/NECA partnership operates the St. Louis Electrical Industry Training Center at 2300 Hampton Ave., which since the 1940s has trained more than 10,000 electricians to serve Missouri’s energy needs.

In addition to serving the Electrical Connection and MEI, Curran’s board service also includes The Hawthorn Foundation, Univerdant Sustainability Network, LLC, the Missouri Small Modular Reactor (SMRs) Readiness Committee and the St. Louis Regional Chamber Energy and Environmental Committee. He also serves on the advisory board of I-44 High Tech and the incubator advisory board of The Economic Development Center of St. Charles County

With membership comprised of more than 25 public and private sector entities, the Missouri Energy Initiative (MEI) is a nonprofit association that provides innovative, reliable, clean and sustainable energy information and solutions for Missouri and the world. For more information, visit www.moenergy.org.

Members of the Electrical Connection provide safe and reliable electrical construction, maintenance, repair and replacement services across Missouri, the nation and the world. For more information, visit www.electricalconnection.org.