August 2024 Membership Newsletter
Business Manager’s Report Hello, Brothers and Sisters, It’s been a while since our last update, and we have finally gotten to a point where many changes and new procedures at the Hall have settled, allowing for a little breathing room to best inform members of happenings at IBEW 584 in the first half of 2024. The office in Tulsa has recently expanded beyond our boundaries, and with the backing of a majority of the membership, we purchased a new building at MidAmerica Industrial Park earlier this year. We expect this to have several advantages for members as we look to pick up more man hours at the data center and at other projects, large and small, in the greater area. Assistant Business Manager Marshall Lord will be handling Dispatch and working with potential new hires in the area. The physical proximity of this new office to some of our jobs further east will be a game changer for Dispatch, as it will greatly cut down on the time involved in signing paperwork, completing requirements to take a job, and similar tasks. We think this will also make the IBEW an even more attractive option for those in the industry looking for a career boost, and we feel it shows our commitment toward organizing not just the workers, but the work, in the area. On that note, we hosted a successful job fair in Catoosa in April, with more than 60 applicants in attendance. Special thanks to the Organizing team and the State Coordinators for helping to pull it off. We are still waiting for some bigger calls to come through, at which point we will be hosting another industry night – But if you know someone with electrical skills who might make a good IBEW Brother or sister, please send them our way or have them talk with Ted at the JATC. Later in this newsletter you will read more about our new Organizing team, so I’ll let them introduce themselves properly below – But I would like to issue a big thank you and welcome to Daye Greene, Brody Foos, and Kristen Carroll who are rounding out the IBEW 584 Organizing Department for the rest of 2024 and beyond. The latter part of the year is a great opportunity to get our families and friends together for events at the Hall and in the community. On Sept. 2, we will be hosting our IBEW float in the annual Labor Day parade in Henryetta. This is the only AFL-CIO sanctioned Labor Day parade in the state, and the Building Trades and community members consistently put on a good show and help make it a great event. In October, we will host our 5th annual Hall-O-Ween bash for kids at the Hall, and December will see our annual Family Christmas Party and Service Pin Awards Ceremony. Below in this issue, you will see a list of names of Brothers and Sisters who will be receiving their pins; If you are one of those to receive a pin, please make a plan to come to the party and ceremony so that we can properly honor you and your achievements. In a modern, 21st century work environment where most professionals “job hop” and change careers regularly, it’s a testament to your commitment to your craft to earn an official IBEW pin commemorating your years of service and dedication. It’s one of my favorite activities as a Business Manager, as I get the opportunity to shake hands and personally say “thank you” to the men and women who make this Local – and the trade – the world class endeavors they truly are. Thank you again, and I look forward to seeing many of you at our next regularly scheduled union meeting Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at the Hall. Fraternally, Dustin Phelan Business Manager / Financial Secretary IBEW 584 :::
Your IBEW 584 Organizing Staff My name is Damien Greene. I joined LU 584 in 2012. I completed my apprenticeship in 2017. Since completing the program, I’ve traveled out of necessity, but have done my best to man our local jobs. I’m a second generation member, so Union philosophy is all I’ve ever known. Even before I became a member, I’ve always preached our gospel, so becoming an organizer seemed like a natural transition. It amazes me how many people have no idea what our organization does and one of my goals is to spread information, giving people the opportunity to improve their lives through us. My biggest motivator is power through solidarity, regardless of ethnicity or gender, and I see strength in our differences. United we bargain, divided we beg. ::: My name is Kristen Carroll, and I've proudly been a member of LU 584 since 2018. After graduating from the JATC in 2023, I was honored to be elected Recording Secretary and have since contributed to our local as part of the Negotiating and Apprentice Committees.
Throughout my path to becoming a journeyman, I've held a steadfast belief in our union and the incredible potential of its members. I am humbled by the opportunity to deepen my involvement within the hall and excited to extend the reach of our union as an organizer. In my new role, I aim to leverage my unique trade experience to foster a more diverse workforce that respects our union's history while embracing future opportunities.
::: My name is Brody Foos. As an organizer for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, I am dedicated to advocating for the rights and interests of electrical workers and advancing the union’s mission of promoting fair labor practices. My role involves actively engaging with workers to understand their needs and concerns, recruiting new members, and fostering strong, supportive relationships within the workforce. With a deep commitment to enhancing job security, improving working conditions, and ensuring equitable compensation, I strive to empower our members through collective action and solidarity. My approach is driven by a strong belief in the value of organized labor and a passion for creating a more just and equitable workplace for all. Thank you all for the support. :::
::: New Texting Feature For Members IBEW 584 has a new texting system to send you important updates. BUT – To make sure the messages get to you, you *must* opt-in at this link: Members To Be Honored For Years Of Service
We are pleased to honor the following members for their years of service and dedication to IBEW 584 and their profession.
Please extend a round of applause and a sincere “thank you” to this year’s IBEW 584 Service Pin recipients. Many of these electricians have helped light the path for what we in the profession enjoy right now, and they have been trailblazers and good stewards of our Union values and way of life.
::: In memoriam Brother Robert Plumlee June 29, 1949 – February 5, 2024 Card Number: D409445 Death Benefit Number: 309 We regret to report the passing of IBEW 584 Brother Bob Plumlee, who passed from this life on February 5, 2024, with his wife, Elsa, at his side. He was 74 years old. Bob was born June 29, 1949, in Bentonville, AR to Kenneth and Annabelle Plumlee. Bob and Elsa were married December 2, 1999. Bob grew up in Gravette, AR, and graduated from Gravette High School in 1967. He had a love of music and played the Cornet in the marching band. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in 1967. His musical talent opened the door to becoming a member of The Uptights, a popular, local band in NW Arkansas. After high school, he attended the University of Arkansas before being drafted by the US Army. Upon completion of basic training at Fort Polk, LA he was sent to Long Binh Post, Vietnam, 720th Military Police Bn. His military service was from May, 1969 to November, 1970. After his discharge, he returned to NW Arkansas until moving to Tulsa, OK where he became an active member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). He was initiated into the Union on Aug. 1, 1972. In 1976 he advanced to journeyman wireman and worked on many large projects in the Tulsa area. In Aug, 1979 Bob went to work for Texas Eastern Products Pipeline Co as a District Electrician until Oct, 1990. In Oct, 1990, he began working as a Field Service Representative for Russelectric, Inc. and worked his way up to Field Service Supervisor, retiring in Jan, 2016. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth & Annabelle Plumlee and nephew, Kenneth Downie. He is survived by his wife Elsa; son James Plumlee (Julia Hangs); daughter Marianeli Rodriguez (Amir Zamini); sister Betty Downie; and grandchildren Naomi Plumlee, Camila Zamini, Navid Zamini, Cora Plumlee; nephew, Tim Downie; nieces, Whitney Moore (Ken), Allyson McKay (John); and aunt Thelma Jackson. Brother Park Jones January 15, 1940 – February 11, 2024 Card Number: D261295 Death Benefit Number: 310 IBEW 584 mourns the passing of Local Union Brother Park Jones, who passed away February 11, 2024, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Park was born to Park Jones Sr. and wife, Kathryn, on January 15, 1940 in Compton, CA and was the oldest of seven siblings. He was later raised in Jenks, Oklahoma and grew up with a love for football, the Jenks Trojans, and motorcycles. He graduated from Jenks High School in 1959. Following graduation, Park attended tech school and received a license as an electrician. After solidifying his career as an electrician, he enlisted in the United States Army. During his time in the Army, he met his wife, Carolyn Dunn, and they were married on August 12, 1967. She was the love of his life and they were together for 56 years. In 1971, they had a daughter, Kimberly Dawn. They spent her childhood running her to soccer practice, dance, and cheerleading. When Kim got married, his focus moved to his son-in-law, Rick, whom he adored. One of Park’s greatest passions was playing and coaching tennis. He took so much pride in teaching Kim to play tennis and to watch and coach her during tournaments. Park worked as an electrician for over 40 years in both residential and commercial settings and was a member of the local 584 IBEW. He was initiated into the Union on August 20, 1965. He was a hard worker and wanted to provide well for his family and took on a second career as a realtor working for Ralph Sanders and then later for Chenoweth and Cohen. Park retired from the tools in March of 2002. Park is preceded in death by his sisters Judy Gable, Virginia Bottoms, and Martha Jane Jones and brothers Dale Bottoms, and Stanley Tanner, and his son-in-law, Rick Hoffman. He is also preceded in death by his parents, Kathryn Taber and Park Jones, Sr. He is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn June Jones, his daughter, Kim Hoffman, his granddaughters, Lauren and Anna Hoffman, and his sister, Brenda Mann of San Antonio.
Page Last Updated: Aug 05, 2024 (11:32:01)
|