The Electrical Connection IBEW/NECA partnership is helping Ameren Missouri build its first-ever “neighborhood solar” facility. Located at Habitat for Humanity headquarters and ReStore at 3830 S Grand Blvd, NECA contractor Aschinger Electric is teaming with IBEW to build solar panel canopies in the organization's parking lot.  The array will provide power to Ameren customers in nearby communities.  Dubbed the South St. Louis Renewable Energy Center, it will begin producing energy this August. Ameren is working on other partnerships with owners of large open areas ideally suited for solar power generation. 

The project, which Aschinger partnered with Azimuth Energy, is also a model for inclusive workforce development – helping broaden skills by utilizing a diverse workforce.  Aschinger and IBEW Local 1 teamed with Habitat to select and hire an electrical pre-apprentice from a pool of applicants provided by Habitat.  One of them was the son of a Habitat homebuyer. He joined the IBEW pre-apprenticeship program and is working for Aschinger on site as a part of the electrical crew. "Developing a diverse, inclusive workforce is part of our DNA," noted Emily Martin, president and CEO at Aschinger Electric. "The experiences on a job site can't be recreated in the classroom or a virtual environment, and is a fundamental part of our apprenticeship program. It’s exciting to provide this career opportunity in the growing green energy industry.”

While we all celebrated Mother’s Day, our moms-to-be and their families got an extra gift. The IBEW-NECA family established a maternity benefit for active participants of the Health & Welfare Fund. Starting May 3, 2021, the pregnancy-related benefit will provide $800 a week for up to 13 weeks before the due date and up to 13 weeks after delivery or pregnancy loss.

TSI-Global will continue a 29-year tradition of supporting Shriners Hospital for Children – St. Louis with the return of its annual TSI golf tournament fundraiser on Sept 16. 2021. Despite the challenges of the pandemic last year TSI President Robert Bray still presented a check for $7,500 to Shriners Hospital last month.  To participate or support this year’s fundraiser visit www.tsi-global.com.