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Marie Thornton

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Bigger Power Show Creates Big Opportunities in the Electrical Industry

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Bigger Power Show Creates Big Opportunities in the Electrical Industry

By: Marie Thornton, IEC Atlanta/GA Membership and Marketing Coordinator

 IEC Atlanta hosted its annual Power Show on April 16th from 11am to 6pm at the Jim R. Miller Park in Marietta.  Once again, the electrical community came out strong to engage with products, services, and every thing electrical.  The IEC Power Show is the largest electrical trade show in the Southeast, hosting over 70 vendors, and an audience of 1,200 guests made up of contractors, apprentices, partner members and friends and family.

During the Power Show, amazing things happen, for example the IEC Atlanta Apprentice of the Year Wire-Off.  In the center of all the activity you found 8 contestants; 4th-year apprentices applying all they have learned and demonstrated their skills through pipe bending, motor controls and a written test.  These contestants were focused and ready.  The winner will be announced during graduation in July and will represent the IEC Atlanta Chapter during the National Apprentice of the Year Competition in Tampa, Florida in October.

The vendors provided their services and products with displays and interactive opportunities at close looks at how they add to the electrical industry and electrical businesses.  Contractors had access to the latest for their business and apprentices or future apprentices were able to see where they fit into the world of electrical.

Guests were entertained by raffle drawings throughout the event, and a silent auction with cool opportunities for braves tickets, movie paraphernalia, sports items and more.  Auction proceeds went to the IEC G.I.F.T Scholarship, which supports apprentices needing assistance enrolling in the apprenticeship program.  Barbecue grilled and was hot off the grill and refreshments all day long.   

Thank you to our sponsors for making us so great!  This was our biggest trade show yet, and we keep growing!  Let’s see what we will do in 2025, meanwhile join us for our graduation July 27th and let’s see who the IEC Atlanta Apprentice of the Year will be.

See pictures from this event and see our sponsors below.

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IEC Members Strengthen Leadership Skills with IEC’s Specialized Foreman Training

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IEC Members Strengthen Leadership Skills with IEC’s Specialized Foreman Training

By: Todd Hawkins, IEC Atlanta/GA  Associate Executive Director

IEC Atlanta & Georgia Chapters recently hosted a 2-day Foreman Training at the IEC Atlanta training facility to help field leaders improve and build their leadership skills.  Thirty leaders from 9 IEC member companies attended.  Mr. Bruce Sielhammer, from SECCO Inc. and former IEC Executive Committee member, covered topics from Management vs. Leadership and jobsite relationships to planning and communicating on the jobsite.  The training included vigorous interactive work groups, conversation and discussion of best practices and team building.

Those in attendance were excited about boosting their skills, knowledge and communication to be better field leaders.  When you know better, you do better, and these members are armed with high level Foreman leadership skills. 

IEC believes that the success of IEC members is directly related to the training that their employees receive. IEC’s array of upcoming training classes will provide members with the elevated skills needed to succeed. 

We encourage IEC members to take advantage of:

Essential Estimating Skills, Friday – Sunday, April 12-14, helps IEC member employees understand estimates so that all material, labor and profits are accounted for.

Changes to the 2023 NEC on April 25 via Zoom and June 27 in-person and online helps IEC Contractors understand the requirements of the 2023 NEC when Georgia adopts the code for enforcement January 2025.

Low Voltage Lighting Controls, May 9 – 23 offers 3 days of hands-on training in lighting controls.

Solar Installation Classes and Installing Vehicle Charging Stations begin soon.

IEC stands ready to offer many opportunities to develop your employees.  Register for upcoming classes at www.iecatlantaga.org/training.  If you do not see a class you need, contact Todd.Hawkins@iecatlantaga.org and let IEC know your workforce needs.

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2024 IEC/ABC Fishing Tournament

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2024 IEC/ABC Fishing Tournament

IEC Atlanta teamed up with ABC of Georgia for its annual fishing tournament held on March 23rd at Lawrence Shoals Recreation area at Lake Oconee. 

The tournament hosted 21 boating teams, launching at 7am for a morning of competitive angling.  In addition to a beautiful morning on Lake Oconee, competitors enjoyed raffle prizes, food beverages and trophies awarded to tournament winners.

Congratulations to the 2024 IEC/ABC Tournament winners;

  • 1st place- Sean Duyvejonck and Jesse Hyde weighing in with 17.1 lbs
  • 2nd place- Mike Drummond and Elijah Drummond coming in close 2nd with 17lbs
  • 3rd place-Rick Morris and Michael Thornton weighing in with 14.7lbs
  • 4th place- William Davis and Randall Reynolds weighing in with 10.1lbs
  • Big Fish winner was Taylor Keinat with his catch weighing 4.9lbs

Thanks to our event sponsors for helping create a great tournament experience.  Our event sponsors were Coastal Electric of Georgia, Smart Lighting Solutions, Titan Electric of Georgia, ABC of Georgia and Mayer Electric Supply.

IEC events are the perfect networking opportunities for contractors in the electrical industry to connect with other contractors, and industry partners.  Deals are made, workers are borrowed and sometimes it’s just a great time.  See pictures from this event below.

 

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Have You Used Your IEC Member Benefits Today?

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Have You Used Your IEC Member Benefits Today?

IEC Atlanta Workforce Development Coordinator, Marcus Benson, recruiting the future of the electrical industry.

IEC Atlanta and Georgia Chapter members are part of a network loaded with resources to help their company succeed.  From mega companies to the single man shop, IEC supports its members so they can thrive.

Apprenticeship– Train your workers to be skilled top performers on your job site. 

Continuing Education– Changes happen in this industry and IEC will keep you and your workers up to date with the latest in code changes, estimating courses, foreman training and more! 

Workforce Services– We help you to recruit your workforce, train your workforce and retain your workforce.  IEC has 2 full-time recruiters with the main purpose of finding talent for IEC members.  Monthly hiring fairs, open houses and courses targeted at getting green workers ready to work, therefore growing your workforce.  Right now, there are 2 courses designed for applicants looking to join the electrical industry.

  1. Skilled Based Installer– This is a 4-week course designed to prepare an inexperienced worker to join your organization ready to hit your jobsite and be productive. They are OSHA 10 trained for a safe performance, they learn pipe bending, wiring and more.  This is one of IEC’s answers to the workforce shortage.  Let’s build your workforce.
  2. New Employability Workshop– New to the workforce, this course stresses applicant interview skills and professionalism. The soft skills that may prevent the ability to express the true potential of a candidate.  We are working to create the well-rounded new hire.

 

Skilled Electricians can be found on www.meetladder.com.  This membership is provided to you free of charge as an IEC member.  List your experienced positions and recruit on us! 

Loan/Borrow program.  Loan your workers or borrow workers from other IEC contractors.  Some changes happen quick, and IEC wants to help you make your business pivots smoothly!

Once you have your skilled, trained and professional workers, IEC wants to help you keep them.  How do you retain workers?  Make sure they have access to health insurance and retirement benefits.  Let them know you’ve got them covered!

2% Home Depot Rebate Program.  Contact IEC for details.

There is so much that IEC has to offer.  These are only a few of the highly sought after services that IEC offers.  If you are a member that hasn’t fully utilized your benefits, give us a call and let’s get you started.  If you are a non-member on the fence about IEC membership, what are you waiting for?  To join us go to www.iecatlantaga.org/contractors.

 

 

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Atlanta /GA Chapter and Members Attend National Business Summit in Charlotte, NC

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Atlanta /GA Chapter and Members Attend National Business Summit in Charlotte, NC.

Pictured Left to Right: Mark Mullis, Robbie Jones and Dale Flythe

IEC Atlanta/GA Executive Director Niel Dawson and 17 staff and IEC members attended the 2024 National Business Summit in Charlotte, North Carolina.  The Summit was from Sunday, January 28th to Wednesday, January 31st. 

The IEC National Business Summit provided opportunities for learning, growth, solutions and networking.  Through a series of events and education sessions, members received business ideas and revelation to more possibilities.  Mixers, committee meetings, round tables and working groups filled the itineraries. 

On Tuesday evening, staff took a moment to celebrate while past Georgia Board President, Robbie Jones of Coastal Electric of Georgia awarded Georgia Contractor of the Year Dale Flythe of ACE Electric in Macon and Partner of the Year Mark Mullis of Energy Systems Southeast, LLC.  Congratulations on making a tremendous impact in 2023.

Working on finding the right workforce and retaining them was a key conversation through out the conference.  A gaze in to the future of the industry introduced AI in construction opportunities.  The final speaker for the evening, Stephen Moore provided a 2024 Economic Forecast.

Thank you to those members that joined IEC during the IEC National Summit.  We trust you found it informative.

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IEC Soars to New Heights at 2023 Christmas Party & Awards Program

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IEC Soars to New Heights at 2023 Christmas Party & Awards Program

IEC celebrated its 2023 Christmas party with Contractors, Partner Members, Guests and Staff.  The annual Christmas party is always a fun time with food, drinks and prizes, but most importantly, it’s an opportunity to celebrate IEC accomplishments.

Atlanta Board President Darren Lodge welcomed 150 attendees to an open bar, entertainment from comedian Chris Ruppe and a delicious Maggiano’s spread.  2023 Board members were acknowledged, and membership award recognition began.

24 members received membership awards celebrating 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 years of membership.  Congratulations to the following members;

5 Years – Arc Angel Electric, Atlanta Watershed Dept., Bannister Electrical Solutions, Community Electric, Infinity Building Solutions, It’s Electric, Jason Bonta Electric, NeSmith Electric, Power Design 

10 Years – Brittain Electric, JB Thomas-E-TEC Electrical Contractors, Enlightening Electric, Nick Young–Putzel Electric

15 Years – McClendon Electric, Carlos Soto-Wiring Solutions

20 Years—Gallagher Electric, LMI Systems

25 Years—AA Bar, Andrew Electric, Presley Electric

30 Years – E.C. Services, Greg Holloway

35 Year—Delta of GA, Electrical Contracting, Inc., Qualified Electric

Congratulations to some special members who exceeded in supporting our membership and services.  

Industry Award – IEC Instructor Terry Rogers

Manufacturer Partner of the Year– Milwaukee, India Tanzy

Distributor/ Manufacturer Rep of the Year– Fox Rowden McBrayer, Dan Criscola

Specialty Partner of the Year-Critical Components, Tim Morgan

Lifetime Achievement Award– Mayer Electric Supply, Jimmy Nall

Contractor of the Year– Pat Murphy Electric, Chelsea Williams and Travis Worn

The evening ended with a spree of raffle prizes for those lucky ticket holders.  Raffle prizes has become IECs big ending and sending guests home with a huge smile.

A special thanks for all of our 35 sponsors of the Christmas Party!

See list of all sponsors here.

Thank you to everyone who celebrated with the IEC.  Merry Christmas, and see you next year!  See pictures below.

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Georgia Chapter Code Changes, CEUs and Connection

Georgia Chapter Code Changes, CEUs and Connection

IEC Georgia Chapter hosted a series of code change classes with options to earn 1 CEU or 4 CEU credits, as well as opportunities for credit in not only, Georgia but Alabama, Virginia, Mississippi and North Carolina.

Classes were instructed by IEC instructor, Terry Rogers at various locations in some of our key Georgia chapter service areas.  Each location was supported and sponsored by IEC contractors and partner members.  As a whole IEC had 80 attendees learning about the new code changes.  This is the industry pulling together to provide resources for our members success! 

Thank you to the following luncheon/ CEU sponsors;

  • September 29th– Savannah luncheon held at Spanky’s in Pooler, sponsored by JMD Electrical Contracting and Legrand
  • October 20th – Columbus luncheon held at Mayer Electric in Columbus, sponsored by Mayer Electric Supply and Metropower
  • November 3rd – Augusta luncheon held at Mayer Electric in Augusta, sponsored by Mayer Electric Supply and Carolina Power
  • November 10th – Macon luncheon held at Lowe Electric Supply in Macon, sponsored by Lowe Electric Supply, All-State Electric, and Metropower

IEC strives to educate and create networking opportunities for its members.  Creating stronger industry connections and productive business practices happen with IEC. 

We look forward to serving you in 2024 with more CEUs and opportunities.  Watch our calendar and join us!

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IEC Members Shoot Their Shots at the 2023 Sporting Clay Shoot!

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IEC Members Shoot Their Shots at the 2023 Sporting Clay Shoot!

1st Place-Latham Moss, Molly Moss, Roger Lavigne, and Kyle Martin

On November 17th at 9am, IEC held its annual Sporting Clay Shoot at the Cherokee Rose Gun Club in Griffin, GA.  It was a fabulous day with lunch, prizes and awards.  There were close to 90 shooters and 21 teams, IEC contractors, partner members and guests moved through the course attempting to shoot any clay in their path.  Some performed with sniper precision, others were just happy to be there networking and having a little fun!

Congratulations to our winning teams;

1st place went to team Electrical Services Unlimited, Inc.  They shot a total of 328 with team members Latham Moss, Molly Moss, Roger Lavigne, and Kyle Martin.  Kyle was the high shooter of the event with an individual score of 96!

2nd place went to team Georgia Specialty Constructors with a close 327.  Competitive shooting by team members, Gene Smiley, Zac Melton, Paul Darden, and Avery Vasily.

Coming in at 3rd place was team Enlightening Electric, Inc. with a score of 325.  Congratulations to their team members, Tim Pryor, Stephen Summers, Harry Hays, and Dann English.

Finally, a special award goes to the Dead Ass Last shooter with a score of 29, Decatur Davis of Penco.

Thank you to the overall event sponsor Lighting Associates!  Your support is greatly appreciated, and these great experiences don’t happen without you! 

Thanks to additional events sponsors of the 2023 IEC Sporting Clay Shoot.
ABB Installation Products, Acuity Brands, Atlanta Electrical Distributors, Atlantic Workforce, BenSource, Commercial Truck & Van, Duvall Agency, Elliott Electric Supply, Federated Insurance, Harbin Insurance, Kojo Technologies, Lade-Danlar, Legrand, Lighting Associates, McGriff Insurance, Milwaukee, SESCO Lighting, Smart Lighting Solutions, Southwire, World Electric

Thank you to everyone that showed up to shoot!  We look forward to seeing you at many of our events scheduled for 2024.

First Place Winners!

Record 122 Tee Off at IEC’s 2023 Fall Golf Tournament

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Record 122 Tee Off at IEC’s 2023 Fall Golf Tournament
By: Marie Thornton, IEC Atlanta/GA Communications and Marketing Coordinator

1st Place Team Tower Sales Corey Fritz, Stuart Sarratt, Nate O’Connor, and Kevin O’Connor

On Friday, October 27th, IEC hosted its Atlanta Fall Golf Tournament at Heritage Golf Links.  This event had the highest turnout in the history of IEC Atlanta golf events with a total 122 golfers, four tournament sponsors and over 50 hole sponsors! 

Participants started their morning with a full breakfast, teed off at 8:30am, and played aggressive rounds of golf.  Heritage Golf Link’s 20-acre lake provided the perfect backdrop for a day of competition and networking! 

After golfing, attendees had lunch and winners were awarded!

Congratulations are in order for the following;

  • 1st Place- Corey Fritz, Stuart Sarratt, Nate O’Connor, and Kevin O’Connor with Tower Sales scoring 53.
  • 2nd Place- Adam Akins, Kevin Baker, Mason Durocher, and Jason Faircloth with Southwire scoring 55.
  • 3rd– Place- Michael Merryman, Chad Williams, Will Lemonds, and Michael McKeaige with Premier Electrical Staffing scoring 56.
  • Longest Drive winner at Legacy hole #1, Daniel Rice of GL West.
  • Closest to the Pin at Heritage hole #7, Chris Smith of DC Enclosures
  • Brooks Challenger of Hubbell got a Hole-In-One!

As with any fantastic event, sponsors are a very important part of it.  Thank you to our Tournament Sponsors, Legrand, Smart Lighting Solutions, SESCO Lighting and Caldwell Electrical Contractors.  IEC appreciates your support!  See full list of our golf sponsors here. 

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Augusta Shows Up for Annual IEC Golf Tournament

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Augusta Shows Up for Annual IEC Golf Tournament
By: Marie Thornton, IEC Atlanta/GA Communications and Marketing Coordinator

IEC Georgia Chapter hosted its Augusta Golf Tournament on October 6th at the Bartram Trail Golf Club in Evans, GA.  We had 16 teams and a total of 66 guests in attendance for a continental breakfast, raffle prizes, lunch and Golf!

A huge thank you goes out to our Premier Sponsor Ireland Electric Corporation.  You make the Augusta event spectacular!  Tournament Sponsors, Graybar, CES and Mayer Electric Supply, thank you for your support! This event was made possible with the help of so many IEC members.  Take a look at the full sponsor list here.

If you missed this event, then we hope to see you next year.  See upcoming events here to see when you have another opportunity to network with the IEC community!

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