Giving Back and Paying Forward

Eight years ago, the membership approved the creation of an apprenticeship scholarship.  A maximum of ten scholarships of $500 each is awarded annually to qualifying apprentices.  Since 2017, 45 scholarships totaling $22,500 have been presented.  Four apprentices have taken full advantage of this opportunity by receiving four scholarships each year from 2017-2020.  It’s free money!

Local 343 is forming a RENEW Committee, Reach out and Engage Next-gen Electrical Workers.  Per the I.O., the mission of the initiative is to inspire the next generation of IBEW workers to become active in their local union by focusing on issues important to younger workers.  RENEW is an IBEW-wide program open to all members ages 35 and younger.  It will offer members the chance to become more involved in the Local’s activities, learn about the benefits of the IBEW, increase pride in union membership and develop future leaders.

Congratulations to the first members of the Local 343 RENEW Committee:  Sisters Mandy Tullis-Martin and Damien Moore, Brothers Colton Nesler and Ray Wicks.

We remember our Brothers that passed in 2024:  Anthony Dickey, Allen Everman, Gerald McRae, James Bell, Robert Hagemann, Eugene DeBus, KB Askland, Howard Barnes, Richard Sargent, David Olson, Douglas Neff

Save American Jobs, Buy Made In USA

Tom Small P.S.

Local Lines Article

Limited Energy is looking for a full time apprentice instructor. For more information please click on link

Instructor -JATC – Fridley, MN 55432 – Indeed.com

Sisters and Brothers,
The election is 5 days away, early voting has begun and the big final push to November 5th is underway!
If you would like to be involved with Get Out The Vote (GOTV) door knocking or phone banking sign up here:

Volunteer Opportunities, Events, and Petitions Near Me * 2024 MN Victory on Mobilize
https://www.mobilize.us/2024mnvictory/?page=1&per_page=25&tag_ids=20122&tag_ids=20123

If you have any questions about voting, where to vote, early voting, your voting location or to view your sample ballot go to:
Minnesota Secretary Of State – Elections & Voting
https://sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/

These are the IBEW Local 343 endorsed candidates:
Kamala Harris and Tim Walz – President and Vice-President
Amy Klobuchar – US Senator, Minnesota
Rachel Bohman – US Congress, CD 1
Angie Craig – US Congress, CD 2
Anthony Studemann – MN House District 15A
Tom Kuster – MN House District 15B
Jeff Brand – MN House District 18A
Luke Frederick – MN House District 18B
Jessica Navarro – MN House District 19A
Edel Fernandez – MN House District 19B
Heather Arndt – MN House District 20A
Michael Hutchinson – MN House District 20B
Jon Wilson – MN House District 21B
Marisa Ulmen – MN House District 22A
Sara Nett-Torgrimson – MN House District 22B
Joe Staloch – MN House District 23A
Joe Pacovsky – MN House District 23B
Heather Holmes – MN House District 24A
Tina Liebling – MN House District 24B
Kim Hicks – MN House District 25A
Andy Smith – MN House District 25B
Sarah Kruger – MN House District 26A
Allie Wolf – MN House District 26B
Randy Schubring – Rochester City Council, Member-at-Large/President

“Who you vote for is your own business. You should know that after careful consideration and selection, the above candidates have been endorsed by the IBEW Local 343 COPE Committee; they are candidates that will fight for Labor and the values of working men and women and our families if they are elected to office. This list of candidates is for the education of IBEW Local 343 members and is not published in cooperation with any candidate for office, candidate committee or other political fund or group.”

Any questions contact Political Coordinator John Swanson at (507)951-2239 or jswanson@ibewlocal343.org

Sisters and Brothers!

An important step in the political process takes place Tuesday August 13. The Minnesota Primary Election is used to determine who is on the ballot for the general election Tuesday November 5^th. Candidates for US Senate on down to your local school board will be chosen, so get out there and vote!

Here are some resources for the voting process:

Register to vote (or update your voter registration) HERE

Where do I go to Vote? Find out HERE

What’s on my ballot? Find out HERE

Other ways to Vote. Vote Early (absentee) Find out how HERE

Who Represents me at the Capitol? Find out HERE

Who is running for office? Find out HERE

Remember: “The world is run by the people who show up” Benjamin Franklin

In Solidarity,

John Swanson

Political Coordinator

IBEW Local 343

507-951-2239