BETHESDA, Md., Nov. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Today in the United States, an estimated 275,000 veterans are living on the streets, homeless, struggling to secure just the basic necessities of life. But in Boston, MA, the NECA-IBEW team has joined in a unique program aimed at helping these veterans regain their footing -- and rebuild their lives. That story and more are among the features on the latest edition of ElectricTV.net. A joint production of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), ElectricTV.net is the only web TV program dedicated to reporting the latest developments in the electrical construction and information systems industries.

Called "Project Stand Down," the two-day program offers homeless and at-risk veterans a variety of specialized services designed not only to provide immediate relief but to help them chart a course to security and productivity. Sponsored in part by the Department of Veteran Affairs Boston Healthcare System, volunteers from IBEW Local 103 and NECA contractor Dagle Electrical Construction donated time and materials to create a welcoming place where veterans can avail themselves of comprehensive medical, dental and psychological services, all in one convenient location. Veterans as well can receive assistance with food, shelter, clothing and employment, while counselors guide the veterans in the creation of viable plans for re-entry into mainstream society.

Says Maureen Dagle, president of NECA contractor Dagle Electrical Construction, "These veterans have put their lives on the line and deserve our help in return. We're honored to join with Local 103 in something that can actually bring change and better their lives."

The program originated in San Diego, CA, more than two decades ago and has since spread to more than 100 communities nationwide. IBEW and NECA have participated in the Boston-area program for more than 15 years.

Also on this edition of ElectricTV.net are a two-part feature on how the new "green" New York Times headquarters is applying the power of light management to reduce electrical usage by 70 percent; an investigation into how building owners and managers are boosting operations and lowering costs through computer-based automation; and a spotlight on how the NECA/IBEW team is helping to turn America's landfills into sources of alternative energy.

To view, visit www.electrictv.net/standdown.aspx.

ABOUT NECA AND IBEW

Through their joint marketing organization -- the National Labor-Management Cooperation Committee (NLMCC) of the organized electrical construction industry -- NECA and IBEW together work to:

• Reach customers with accurate information about the industry; and
• Achieve better internal communication between labor and management.
  

NECA has provided over a century of service to the $130 billion electrical construction industry that brings power, light and communication technology to buildings and communities across the United States. NECA's national office and 119 local chapters advance the industry through advocacy, education, research and standards development.

With 725,000 members who work in a wide variety of fields -- including construction, utilities, telecommunications and manufacturing -- IBEW is among the largest member unions in the AFL-CIO. IBEW was founded in 1891.

For more information, visit www.thequalityconnection.org.

SOURCE National Labor-Management Cooperation Committee

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