News
Get insights into the collaborative efforts between the Oregon-Columbia Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 48.
Contact
Email – info@necaibew48.com
NECA – orecolneca.org | info@orecolneca.org
IBEW 48 – ibew48.com | info@necaibew48.com
Training Center – nietc.org
About
For over a century, NECA/IBEW Local 48’s electricians have helped build Oregon and SW Washington. NECA and IBEW Local 48 have partnered in labor-management relations to lead the region’s electrical industry, working on such high-profile projects as the Rose Garden Arena (now the Moda Center), Portland International Airport, Tilikum Crossing and MAX Light Rail stations.
Our contractors are located in: Astoria, Banks, Battleground, Beaverton, Clackamas, Estacada, Fairview, Forest Grove, Garibaldi, Gresham, Happy Valley, Hillsboro, Hood River, Longview, Manning, Milwaukie, Molalla, Mulino, North Plains, Oregon City, Portland, Salem, Sandy, Scappoose, The Dalles, Tigard, Troutdale, Tualatin, Vancouver, Vernonia, Warrenton, and Yamhill.
JH Kelly Delivers Electrical Solutions for Columbia Memorial Hospital Expansion
NewsColumbia Memorial Hospital (CMH) in Astoria, Oregon, is undergoing a major expansion to meet the growing healthcare needs of the community. The ambitious project includes a four-story, 182,000 SF addition to the existing hospital, which will feature an expanded emergency department, state-of-the-art operating rooms, larger patient rooms, and additional space for mechanical equipment. The project […]
How EC Electric Helped Bring the PAE Living Building to Life
NewsIn 2024, Portland’s PAE Living Building earned one of the world’s most prestigious sustainability certifications, awarded by the Portland-based International Living Future Institute. With fewer than 40 certified Living Buildings worldwide, this achievement is especially notable—making it the first developer-driven Living Building to receive the honor. Located in Portland’s Old Town district, the five-story, 58,000-square-foot […]
Dynalectric Oregon Plays Key Role in Timberline Lodge Renovation After 2024 Fire
NewsIn 2024, a roof fire damaged the iconic Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood, forcing the historic landmark to close temporarily, along with the surrounding ski areas. Fortunately, thanks to the quick and effective response from emergency crews, the Lodge reopened just several days later with no injuries reported. Timberline Lodge, constructed in 1937 and designated […]
Exciting Progress: The IBEW Local 48 Veterans Committee Takes Shape
NewsVeterans of IBEW Local 48 have long sought to create a platform for connecting with fellow veterans. While still in development, IBEW Local 48’s Veterans Committee is steadily taking form, with significant strides being made to bring this vision to life. Developing IBEW Local 48’s Veterans Committee In August 2024, Garth Bachman, Business Manager at […]
Powering Change: Busack Electric’s Role in Longview’s New Youth Shelter
NewsCowlitz County is seeing a rise in homeless, unaccompanied youth—children who are not in the custody of a parent or guardian. To address this growing issue, Community House in Longview, WA built a new youth shelter called Beth’s Place. Beth’s Place is named in memory of Mariah Beth Morrison, daughter of Community House Executive Director […]
Achieving New Heights: NECA/IBEW Local 48 Partnership Powers the New PDX Airport
NewsIn 2019, Portland International Airport embarked on an ambitious transformation, kicking off the PDX Next project with the demolition of the outdated Concourse A. This $2 billion initiative aims to revolutionize the travel experience by introducing bright, airy spaces, expanding the number of gates and flights, and bolstering earthquake resilience. While construction has been a […]
Mentorship offers electricians a safe space for growth and retention
NewsMentorship is vital for union apprentices to succeed in the construction industry and for companies to retain them. The management at Christenson Electric saw that mentorship provided their apprentices a better experience, and started a mentoring program to heighten the connection between all apprentices and experienced leaders. “Many apprentices feel they do not have a […]
Union apprenticeship programs reduce social inequalities in Oregon’s construction industry
NewsDiversity, success rates rank higher in union-led apprenticeship programs compared to nonunion programs Construction is the third fastest growing industry in Oregon, and union-led apprenticeship programs are empowering women and people of color to build skillsets to join the industry. More opportunities for construction workers are on the horizon, with a continuous rise in labor […]
IBEW Honors Life Savers
NewsIBEW Local 48 recognized three members for heroic actions—for saving the lives of two ironworkers after a roof collapse on a construction project in summer 2020. At the union’s Dec. 15 meeting, members Kevin Jorgenson and Keoki Hookano each received the IBEW Life Saving Award, and Sergey Elikh received the IBEW Certificate of Recognition. The […]
Local women blaze trails in male-dominated electrical industry
NewsIn the electrical industry, which still has a predominantly male workforce, two local women have carved their own paths. President and co-owner of Christenson Electric, Sonja Rheaume has been with the company for 14 years. Founded in 1945 as a family business, Christenson Electric has changed hands a few times. In 2008, only one year […]