North Central Ohio Chapter
Who We Are
The Voice of the Electrical Construction Industry.
NECA is the voice of the $270 billion electrical construction industry that brings power, light, and communication technology to buildings and communities across the U.S.
NECA contractors are the technical professionals responsible for the most innovative and safest electrical construction in the U.S.
Our Origin
NECA traces its origins to the birth of modern electricity. In 1901, a group of electrical contractors met at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, NY, where a major display of electric power had been installed. These contractors joined together to foster trade and reform abuses within their fledgling industry.
Today, NECA continues to build on a legacy of protecting the public and making innovation possible. NECA contractors strive to be solution-providers for their customers, and their industry expertise benefits everyone working on an electrical construction project.
North Central Ohio Chapter, NECA
Incorporated on December 24, 1948, the North Central Ohio Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), is based in Valley View, Ohio, and focuses on improving labor-management relationships and promoting the electrical industry within the region. The chapter's leadership, including its executive director and board members, engages with national NECA leadership to address issues such as workforce development, apprenticeship programs, and professional training.
The Akron Division is comprised of IBEW Local Union #306 is actually the fourth local union of the IBEW to be chartered in Akron. Local Union 89 was the first local to be chartered on November 27, 1899. Just eight years after the founding of the IBEW, this local functioned until January, 1905. On March 31, 1905, Local Union II was granted a charter; we have no record as to when this local went defunct. Local Union 220 was chartered on July 15, 1914 and continued in operation until September 25, 1925. Seven months later on April 17, 1926, Local Union 306 was granted a charter in Akron and has continued to the present day through the hard work and effort of its dedicated members.
The Canton Division is comprised of IBEW Local Union #540 and, like the broader IBEW, stems from the 1891 founding in St. Louis by linemen and wiremen seeking better conditions. Local 540 celebrated its 100th anniversary around 2014-2015, marking its deep roots in the region's electrical development, from early wiring to modern infrastructure, with a focus on strong training, safety, and fair contracts, continuing the IBEW's mission of empowering electrical workers.
The Steubenville Division is comprised of IBEW Local Union #246. By the early 1900s it was clear electricity would transform society and life as Americans knew it forever. As the opportunities for work continued to grow, so did the need for an official organization of laborers to secure better working rights. Unfortunately, laborers didn’t reap the same benefits that electricity was providing to society, so far-sighted local electrical professionals got together and decided to organize. Thus, IBEW LU #246 was born and received its official charter on April 4, 1902 after several meetings involving inside and outside area electricians. Steubenville can be referred to as an “original” union in that it didn’t grow out of any other local or regional union.
On June 1, 1981, IBEW LU #93 amalgamated into IBEW LU #246, enhancing the union’s reach, power, leverage for negotiations, ability to complete projects and secure a steady, highly-skilled labor force.