IBEW 103 and NECA announce partnership with the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts

Boston, MA The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 103 and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) Greater Boston have officially joined the Black Economic Council of Mass. (BECMA). This collaboration underscores Local 103 and NECA’s steadfast commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the electrical industry, an effort exemplified by their record-breaking recruitment of women and people of color into apprenticeship programs and the expansion of women and minority-owned contractors through the Empower DEI initiative.

The mission of BECMA is to drive economic equity and prosperity for Massachusetts by promoting inclusive growth through advocacy, programming, and strategic partnerships that empower Black-owned businesses and communities. 

“Cultivating opportunity for all is not just a goal, it’s the path we walk every day. Through our partnership with the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts, IBEW Local 103 and NECA Greater Boston are empowering our contractors to be catalysts for change,” said Josué Pierre, DEI coordinator for IBEW Local 103. 

“Together, we are forging pathways that enable every individual, regardless of their background, to thrive in the construction industry. By championing diversity, equity, and inclusion, we’re not just building structures; we’re constructing a future where every person has the chance to succeed, and every community benefits. Our commitment is unwavering: we will continue to create opportunities that transcend barriers, fostering a landscape where everyone can contribute and prosper.”

“We are thrilled to be partnering with BECMA,” said Lou Antonellis, business manager for Local 103 IBEW. “Addressing historic inequities in the construction industry has long been a focus of IBEW Local 103 and NECA Contractors. In 2021, we launched a groundbreaking Empower DEI Program to significantly increase the number of women and minority-owned electrical contractor firms. We remain committed to the important work of empowering communities and expanding opportunity.” 

“We are very proud to welcome Local 103 IBEW and NECA as members, and are equally proud of their work to expand opportunities for Black businesses,” said BECMA president, Nicole Obi. “BECMA is committed to fostering an equitable economy and building Black wealth across the Commonwealth. This new partnership will help us start new Black union businesses, expand existing firms, enhance our membership programming, and increase our impact throughout the state.”

Local 103 and NECA are also proud to have sponsored BECMA’s Mass Black Expo this year – a three-day event with the theme Building Black Wealth in the Commonwealth. IBEW’s collaboration with BECMA will enhance initiatives to promote diversity and opportunity within the commonwealth.