ST. LOUIS — The iconic Saint Louis Science Center’s James S. McDonnell Planetarium will be illuminated in a symbolic red, white and blue for the Fourth of July Fair St. Louis festivities in Forest Park. The patriotic lighting is possible thanks to a sponsorship by the Electrical Connection to fund the state-of-the-art LED system that can illuminate the landmark building’s shell in multiple colors. The Electrical Connection is a partnership of the St. Louis Chapter, National Electrical Contractors Association and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local One. “The red, white and blue lighting of the James S. McDonnell Planetarium is especially symbolic given the commitment of Saint Louis Science Center and the Electrical Connection to advance STEM education in the U.S. and locally,” said Jim Curran, executive vice president, Electrical Connection. “During Fair St. Louis at Forest Park, we hope it will be reminder to thousands of the critical need in America to improve student performance in STEM subjects to build a stronger workforce for the future.” Further emphasizing the point, the Saint Louis Science Center will have extended hours until 11:00 p.m. during Fair St. Louis, July 3 — 5, 2014.

“The Electrical Connection’s on-going support of the Saint Louis Science Center advances our mission of science and technology education,” said Bert Vescolani, president and CEO, Saint Louis Science Center. “In addition to funding our new lighting systems, the Electrical Connection provides generous support of our STEM initiatives, robotics program, electric vehicle (EVIE), sustainable energy roof, energy safety and more.”

The commitment to the Saint Louis Science Center mission by the IBEW/NECA partnership reflects a common interest in ensuring the state of Missouri, and especially St. Louis, remains competitive as emerging technologies change the global marketplace. “For more than 70 years, we have invested in training — at no taxpayer expense — that has produced more highly skilled and safe electricians and communication technicians than any entity in Missouri,” said Frank Jacobs, business manager, IBEW Local One. “Our decades of experience in highly complex electrical installations is leveraged with a number of forward-thinking organizations who want to create greater economic opportunities locally and statewide.” “The partnership with the Saint Science Center is a natural fit,” added Douglas R. Martin, executive vice president of the St. Louis Chapter, NECA. “Our workforce and our contractors are at the forefront of technology that is changing our manufacturing and research facilities, how we produce and deliver energy, and the electronics that are staples of everyday life.” 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.