IBEW 1245 brought a strong presence to the 82nd IBEW Ninth District Progress Meeting this spring in Portland, Oregon, where member leaders and staff joined delegates from across the western United States and Pacific territories to discuss organizing, political action, workforce development, and the future of the Brotherhood.
As one of the most active locals in the Ninth District, Local 1245 continues to help lead important conversations, from protecting members’ work in the face of emerging technologies, to building strong Women’s and Veterans Committees that have become models for other locals across the district.
Reflecting that leadership, Business Manager Bob Dean, Business Representative and Women’s Committee Chair Nicole Brooks, President Cecelia De La Torre, and Assistant Business Manager Rene Cruz Martinez all addressed delegates during the conference on issues ranging from mentorship and leadership development to organizing and protecting union work in a rapidly changing industry.
Also, 1245 was recognized during the conference with awards for the overall A membership growth and Total overall membership growth in 2025, highlighting the local’s continued leadership in organizing, member engagement.
“One of my proudest moments was seeing IBEW 1245 strongly represented throughout the conference,” said Assistant Business Manager Rene Cruz Martinez. “It was a proud moment for our local to be recognized, heard, and seen throughout the week in Portland.”
Executive Member and Organizing Steward, Alvin Dayoan agreed, “Our Organizing Steward Program has become something admired across the labor movement, and it made me proud to see 1245 recognized for the work we’re doing.”
Business Representative and Women’s Committee Chair, Nicole Brooks addressed delegates and shared a deeply personal reflection on perseverance, personal loss and finding strength through Brother and Sisterhood. She also highlighted the continued growth of 1245’s Women’s Committee and its mission to support women in the union while helping introduce more women and girls to careers in the trades.
“We are the evidence that through perseverance, hard work, and mutual aid there is nothing we can’t accomplish no matter the adversity,” Brooks told delegates. “And now, it is our turn to share the opportunities for the next generation of women.”
President Cecelia De La Torre encouraged delegates to step into leadership opportunities, seek mentorship, and believe in their own abilities, “Fear of failing stops us from trying things,” De La Torre said. “You are stronger than you know.”
The conference featured a wide range of educational and leadership opportunities, including IBEW P.A.L. (Politics, Activism, Livelihood) training and L.E.A.P. (Leadership Education and Planning) sessions focused on organizing, member engagement, and political action. Delegates also participated in the IBEW Day of Service, partnering with community allies to clean up public parks and support local Ronald McDonald Houses.
Mike Tilden, Business Representative and Chair of the Veterans Committee, said he appreciated the opportunity to learn how other locals are supporting veterans and building stronger veteran networks within their unions.
“Veterans bring leadership, resilience, and a deep sense of service to the IBEW,” Tilden said. “The conversations in Portland reinforced how important it is that we continue building strong support networks and helping more Veterans find pathways into union careers.”
For many delegates, the conference reinforced the importance of solidarity, political engagement, and continued member involvement as organized labor faces growing challenges nationally.
“This was my first Ninth District Progress Meeting, and it really opened my eyes to how much work goes into supporting and protecting union labor,” said Kyle Norden. “The P.A.L. training and discussions around anti-union tactics and pro-labor legislation gave me a much deeper understanding of the work happening behind the scenes for our members.”
“There was a strong focus on growing the union, strengthening leadership, adapting to challenges like AI, and making sure members continue to have a voice in shaping the future of our industries,” said Executive Board member Ryan Morris.
“It was gratifying to see so many longtime EWMC members now serving in leadership positions within their locals,” said Executive Board member Cloudell Douglas, who also appreciated the conference’s focus on political education and supporting candidates who stand with labor and working people.
“The more I learned and connected with our IBEW family, the more involved and engaged I wanted to be,” said Amelia Randolph. “The P.A.L. training really reinforced why political action matters. I left Portland fired up to keep lending a hand however I can for our movement.”
“This experience has reinforced how strong we are when we stand together in solidarity,” said Danny Mercado.
“With the upcoming elections, the conference reinforced just how important political engagement is to protect union jobs, contracts, and workers’ rights,” said Britney Morris. “As an Organizing Steward, I’ve seen firsthand how much is at stake. One attendee said it best: ‘If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.”
“My biggest takeaway from the conference was understanding the tremendous fight labor is facing right now,” said Michael Patterson. “The upcoming mid-term elections are some of the most significant in our history, and it’s critical that we continue educating not only our co-workers, but our families, friends, and communities about what’s at stake for working people.”
It was clear to our delegation that IBEW members across the district are confronting many of the same issues— protecting fair working conditions, strengthening political engagement and adapting to a rapidly changing industry. It was also clear that we are strongest when we work together in solidarity.