The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 697, which now covers Lake and Newton Counties, was chartered on June 12, 1911. There were only nine electrical workers at the time. Those charter members were A.M. Grainger, John B. Kelly, William J. Knoth, George McDonald, Frank Seliger, R.O. Stiles, H.G. Wesbecker, Bert Wheeler, and C.F. Wysing. Although those brothers have passed away, we all owe them a debt of gratitude for having the courage to start our Local back in those days.

Back in 1911, there was very little to encourage this small group of men, who held their first meeting in the basement of the old Hotel Gary. The opposition to Unions at that time was very active and bitter. The obstacles seemed to be insurmountable and many a less hardy soul would have given up in despair.

Our Local Union not only survived, but has grown because these men and those who followed have organized the electrical industry in our area. They have promoted reasonable methods of work, cultivated feelings of friendship among our contractors and those in our industry, settled disputes between the parties in a reasonable manner and assisted each other in times of need. They have been able to secure a high standard of living and security for their members because of the Local's high standard of quality and productivity.

The wages for Journeymen in 1911 were $5.50 a day. The men worked 8 hours per day, Monday through Friday and 4 hours on Saturday when work was available. The wage scale remained in effect until April 1, 1916 when it was increased to $6.00 a day for Journeymen and $7.00 a day for a Foreman. In April, 1918 the wage scale went to $7.00 a day for Journeymen. There were no fringe benefits. Contrast that scale with our present $37.70 per hour wage and $24.89 benefit package.

During the years following 1911, many capable men were organized into this Local Union and a number of them took a very active part in the growth of our organization. There have been many others who have served this Local as delegates to the Building Trades, the AFL/CIO, International Conventions as well as all those brothers and sisters who served on our many committees when help was needed. We thank and honor them all.

Our certified Credit Union was chartered in 1958.  By 1976 it had $6,000,000 in assets. Today it has assets pf  $30,000,000, and has proven to be very valuable to our members and their families.

Our Local has always taken an active interest in civic affairs, giving back to our communities whether it be for United Way, Red Cross, Hoosier Boys Town, Pirates,TradeWinds, Little League, Parents as Teachers, American Legions, LARRI ( Lake Area Regional Recovery Iand many others with financial or volunteer efforts of our members.

It was not until 1927 that an apprenticeship program was started at Hammond Technical High School with 15 apprentices under the direction of Local Union 697. In 1939 the Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee was formed. The training continued there until 1952 when it was moved to Purdue University Calumet. In the early 60's the school was moved above "Flick's Tap" or "Brothers" as it is known today. In February of 1968, a new modern school was completed where we trained our apprentices until January of 2011.                                                                                                                                                                                                        

In 1950, the membership built a new Union Hall, which at the time, was more than adequate. Since that date, we added a Credit Union, & a Benefits office within the same facility. By the 80's the structure build in 1950 grew very cramped and inadequate. The Local 697 leaders envisioned a new, more modern facility at a location more central to the membership. It wan't until the late 1990's did those dreams begin to become a plan.  It started with generating a long term building fund and by 2007, search for the best location began and an architectual firm was retained for the project. 

January 2011. We celebrate Local 697's 100th year and the completion of our new Building, INTAC, which is an acronym for IBEW- NECA Training & Apprenticeship Center, houses our  Local Union Hall,Local Union Office,  Funds Offices, Credit Union, and our state of the art Apprenticeship Training Center.  It is located on the northwest corner of 73rd & Mississippi in Merrillville and was built following energy & enveronmental principles including Solar Voltaic Panels. We now have a place where our retirees will have enough space for a Retiree's Club and those members who are injured or elderly won't have to climb stairs to conduct their business.

Let is not forget!
On September 11, 2001, the United States of America was attacked and a terrible tragedy which we will never forget befell our nation.  However, instead of dividing our country, Americans showed the world that we can work together for the common good of all, and it drew this nation closer together. And so it is with our Union. From a humble beginning with just 10 men 100 years ago, we have grown to the organization we have become today because......UNITED WE STAND!