Hy-Electric Company of Lincoln, Nebraska recently became the newest signatory contractor with Local 265 in Lincoln. Owned and operated by Jim Young and Paul Heiman, Hy-Electric currently employs three journeymen and one apprentice. They are Troy Young, Aaron Mason, Paul Scheel and second year apprentice Jesse Koepke.    

   Thanks to the efforts of former, and now retired, organizer Bill Roussan, current organizer Glen Isaacs, Business Manager Clint Burge, Local 265 member Paul Scheel, and the open and honest communication of Hy-Electric’s owners and employees, the agreement was signed January 11, 2006. Jim Young, Paul Heiman, Aaron Mason, and Troy Young were all sworn in at the Local’s regular monthly meeting, February 1, 2006.

   Communication with Hy-Electric’s owners and employees about joining with the IBEW began several years ago with Bill Roussan, who was the Local’s organizer at the time. Bill had been acquainted with Jim Young for many years, and had kept in contact with him and some of the employees at Hy. Before Bill retired, he made sure to introduce the man who would take over as organizer, Glen Isaacs, to Jim. Hy-Electric was considered to be an honest, quality company, and Jim Young had many connections to the Local, and is close to many of the local members. Because of all the open conversation and trust between the two organizations, we were able to show Hy-Electric’s owners and employees the advantages of affiliating with the IBEW, without need of any high pressure tactics. Just as they were willing to listen, we were able to wait until the time felt right for them. The need was never felt to put great pressure on them, as it was felt that the trust between us was much more important than a quick signing. At the time of signing, Paul Heiman made this statement; “I thank you for your patience, honesty and cooperation throughout this process, and look forward to working with the IBEW.”

  A big thank you must also be given to Local member Paul Scheel. Paul was asked to go to work for Hy-Electric on a trial basis. The offer was made to Hy’s owners to try Paul out for sixty days, at the rate of pay that Hy was currently paying to their journeymen. Paul was simply to work for them, not to preach, not to pressure, only to show Hy-Electric’s owners and employees the caliber of people we can provide. Paul seemed to be a great fit for Hy, as he made a good impression on everyone concerned, and he was in turn impressed with the quality and commitment of Hy-Electric. Paul remained an employee of Hy when they signed the agreement, and Hy has since taken on apprentice Jesse Koepke. Hy-Electric is looking to grow, and the owners feel that we give them a better opportunity for the flexibility necessary to be able to do just that.

   Local 265 looks forward to a long and prosperous relationship with Hy-Electric, its owners, and employees. We are excited about the future, and wish the very best for them. Congratulations and the best of luck and fortune to the partnership of Hy-Electric and IBEW Local 265!