IBEW 1245 Communications Director Rebecca Band has won the coveted 2020 Max Steinbock award — the highest single award for excellence in labor journalism — from the International Labor Communications Association.
The Max Steinbock Award is given in recognition of an outstanding journalistic writing effort that explores an issue of concern for working families, with sensitivity and insight into the human spirit. Topics can range from human rights issues to individuals’ acts of courage or conscience, economic justice initiatives to community service activities or commentary about the American labor movement.
Band received this award for her compelling article, “Warrior to Workplace – IBEW 1245 member launches PTSD awareness program at PG&E.” The article tells the story of 23-year IBEW 1245 member Kenny Meyer, a combat veteran who struggled with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder for nine long years following a tour of duty in Iraq. Once he finally sought treatment, his whole life changed, and now he’s working to help change the lives of others through a new PTSD awareness program he initiated at PG&E. Band’s award-winning article about Meyer originally appeared in the third quarter 2019 edition of IBEW 1245’s newspaper, the Utility Reporter.
“I am truly humbled and honored by this recognition, and I’m exceptionally proud to accept this award on behalf of Local 1245,” said Band, who joined the IBEW 1245 staff seven years ago. “I would like to thank ILCA, as well as Brother Kenny Meyer, who allowed me to tell his deeply personal story for this article. I would also like to thank my team at 1245, especially Business Manager and Utility Reporter Executive Editor Tom Dalzell and Senior Assistant Business Manager Bob Dean, for their continued support of Local 1245’s award-winning communications program.”
IBEW 1245 received eight other awards from ILCA’s labor media awards contest this year. The complete list of Local 1245’s 2020 ILCA awards can be found below.
Entry Title: Warrior to Workplace
Award: Max Steinbock Award – the highest single award for journalistic excellence
Entry Title: Member-Driven and Member-Strong in the Wake of Janus
Award: First Place
Category: Writing – Best Analysis
Entry Title: Local 1245 Propels Republican Brian Dahle to Victory in State Senate Special Election
Award: First Place
Category: Writing – Saul Miller Awards – Political Action
Entry Title: Utility Reporter
Award: Second Place
Category: Visual Communications – Best Front Page/Cover – Newspaper or Newsletter
Entry Title: Welder Working for NV Energy
Award: Second Place
Category: Visual Communications – Best Photograph
Entry Title: IBEW 1245 Supports Child Care Providers Union Organizing Blitz
Award: Third Place
Category: Writing – Saul Miller Awards – Organizing
Entry Title: Rebuilding Paradise
Award: Third Place
Category: Writing – Best News Story
Entry Title: Utility Reporter
Award: Honorable Mention
Category: General Excellence – Print Publication
Entry Title: Meet Bobo — The Greatest Lineman That Never Was
Award: Honorable Mention
Category: Writing – Best Profile