IBEW LOCAL 1997

04/30/2026

See you there!

04/24/2026

Interview Highlight: James Gifford

Name: James Gifford
Years in Georgia: Lifelong Georgian (born in St. Petersburg, FL; moved to Georgia as an infant)
Years with the Company: 10 years
IBEW Local: 1997

Background & Journey

James Gifford has spent his entire life in Georgia and the last decade dedicated to his work with the company. His roots, both professionally and personally, reflect long‑term commitment, stability, and purpose.

When asked about his greatest personal achievement, James points not to a job title or milestone, but to what matters most to him: getting married, starting a family, and finding his purpose in life. This sense of purpose carries through everything he does.

IBEW Local 1997 Experience

For James, the most meaningful part of being a member of IBEW Local 1997 is the people.

He highlights:

Continued support
Strong leadership
Camaraderie among members
These elements have shaped his experience and reinforced his belief in the strength of community and collective growth.

Podcast & Personal Mission

James is also the creator and host of “The D.E.N. Perspective” podcast.

His journey into podcasting began in 2000, after encouragement from a friend and years of speaking at community events. What started as sharing inspirational messages on social media quickly gained traction, drawing a large and engaged following across platforms.

Podcast Focus

James’ content centers on:

Faith and belief
Owning your thoughts
Personal accountability
Growth mindset
Becoming better than you think you are
The name D.E.N. stands for Determination, Effort, and Necessity — qualities James believes are essential to success in any endeavor.

Purpose & Vision

James’ goal is simple but powerful:

To reach as many people as possible and inspire them to become the best version of themselves.

He openly acknowledges that growth can be difficult, but emphasizes that it is never impossible. According to James, disbelief and fear often stop people before they ever begin — and his mission is to challenge that mindset.

Where to Find the Podcast

James’ content is available on:

Facebook
Instagram
TikTok
YouTube
Spotify
Why James Stands Out

James Gifford is driven by purpose, grounded in family, committed to teamwork, and passionate about helping others grow. His influence extends beyond his role, making him a positive voice both within the organization and in the broader community.

04/17/2026

We had a great meeting yesterday with the Atlanta Gas Light Labor team and the IBEW Local 1997 Stewards. The discussion was productive, informative, and a strong reflection of the partnership we continue to build.

Joe Salgado and his team shared valuable information about the Labor structure and emphasized their commitment to strengthening a trusting relationship with Local 1997 and its leadership.

Mark Ellis and myself provided an overview of the grievance process and discussed how stewards can work collaboratively with their local leaders. Aaron Spratlin and I also walked through the grievance steps and offered insight into the arbitration process.

We also reviewed the successful MOUs achieved over the last six months, highlighting what can be accomplished through consistent communication and shared goals.

Our guest speakers — Walt Farrell, Jim Kerr, Vice President's Roy Chapman, Dean Marianos, Tiffany Callaway, and Misty Fernandez — added tremendous value with their perspectives and support.

The meeting was highly informative and had excellent participation from our stewards. Local 1997 remains committed to working closely with Labor to continue strengthening our partnership.

In Solidarity,
Tim Dasher

04/11/2026

02/25/2026

Watch Brother Jeromie Edwards of IBEW LOCAL 1997 lead the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 5th District Conference in our National Anthem!

02/21/2026

If you as a member have concerns or questions, then you should attend the monthly meetings. There is no better way to stay informed.

02/12/2026

A STRONG member is an informed member! See you there!

01/24/2026

Brothers and Sisters,
As we prepare for the storm expected to hit Georgia tomorrow night, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the work you do every day—especially during times like this. As gas utility workers at Atlanta Gas Light, we know the responsibility we carry to keep our communities safe and warm, often under difficult and dangerous conditions.
Please make your personal safety the top priority. Look out for one another, follow all safety protocols, and don’t hesitate to speak up if conditions become unsafe. Union strength means we have each other’s backs, on and off the job.
Thank you for your professionalism, dedication, and solidarity as we face this storm together. Stay safe, stay alert, and know that your work does not go unnoticed.
In unity,
Timothy Dasher
IBEW Local 1997