---

IBEW/NECA Partnership Engages Labor in Advancing Economic Prosperity

ST. LOUIS — In conversations across the state of Missouri, labor is playing an active role in helping the state of Missouri’s economic development efforts through the Jefferson City, Mo.-based Hawthorn Foundation. That conversation was initiated by the Electrical Connection, which became the first organization with labor representation to join the 102-member Hawthorn Foundation in 2010. The Electrical Connection is a partnership of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local One and the St. Louis Chapter, National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA).

Three other labor organizations have followed the Electrical Connection’s lead and joined the nonprofit Hawthorn Foundation, which unites corporations, business leaders and now labor organizations to advance economic prosperity in the state. Founded 30 years ago by former Missouri Governor and Missouri Senator Christopher “Kit” Bond, the Hawthorn Foundation has partnered with Missouri governors, the Missouri Department of Economic Development, as well as a myriad of local and regional economic development organizations, to create and support cutting-edge initiatives that are focused on expanding economic opportunities in the state. In 2007, it created the Missouri Partnership to serve as the state’s lead business recruitment and marketing organization.

“We are delighted to have a seat at the table where business, labor and education come together to advance our common interest in attracting investment to the state of Missouri,” said Jim Curran, executive vice president of the Electrical Connection and Hawthorn Foundation board member.

Curran, who has an economic development background, brings the perspective of an organization committed to developing all forms of energy to power the future of Missouri. He currently serves as the District 5 Director of the Missouri Economic Development Council and is a board member and elected executive committee member of the Missouri Energy Initiative (MEI).

In addition to the Electrical Connection membership, other labor organizations with representation in the Hawthorn Foundation include IBEW Local 124 in Kansas City, Sheet Metal Workers Local 36 and Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 562 in St. Louis. More information on the Hawthorn Foundation can be found at www.hawthornfoundation.org.

Members of the Electrical Connection provide safe and reliable electrical construction, maintenance, repair and replacement services across eastern Missouri. More is online at www.electricalconnection.org.