By: Marie Thornton, IEC Atlanta and GA Membership and Marketing Coordinator
On May 13th, IEC hosted a “Soft Open House” to give members a closer look at our new training facility! Class rooms are still being prepared for students to return in person. On September 2nd, be ready for our Grand Opening! Until then, take a look at IEC on a New Level!
By: Marie Thornton, IEC Atlanta and GA Membership and Marketing Coordinator
The IEC Georgia Chapter marked a milestone on Friday, May 1st, as members and partners gathered for the 10th Annual Savannah Golf Tournament at the beautiful Club at Savannah Harbor at The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa. Set against the scenic backdrop of coastal Georgia, the event delivered a perfect blend of competition, camaraderie, and celebration.
From the moment players arrived, the day was designed for an exceptional experience. Registration included green fees, carts, range balls, and well-stocked goodie bags—along with on-course contests like Longest Drive and Closest to the Pin. Participants also enjoyed drinks, raffle prizes, lunch, and an awards presentation that capped off a memorable day.
With a more intimate field of 9 teams, the energy and enthusiasm ran large. The tournament showcased friendly competition and strong industry connections, highlighting the tight-knit nature of IEC Georgia’s membership.
Tournament Highlights & Winners
Competition on the course brought out some impressive performances:
Special contest winners added to the excitement:
Sponsors Who Made It Possible
Events like this are only possible through the generous support of IEC Georgia’s industry partners. This year’s tournament was proudly sponsored by:
Their continued investment not only supports events like the Savannah Golf Tournament but also strengthens IEC Georgia’s mission of workforce development, education, and industry advancement.
A Decade Strong
Celebrating its 10th year, the Savannah Golf Tournament continues to serve as more than just a day on the course—it’s an opportunity to build relationships, recognize industry excellence, and bring the electrical community together in a meaningful way.
As IEC Georgia looks ahead, this milestone event reinforces the importance of connection, collaboration, and shared success across the industry.
We thank all participants, sponsors, and volunteers for making this year’s tournament a success—and we look forward to seeing everyone back on the green next year!
IEC Atlanta Hooks Success at Annual Fishing Tournament
By: Marie Thornton, IEC Atlanta and GA Membership and Marketing Coordinator
On March 28th, the IEC Atlanta chapter hosted its Annual Fishing Tournament at the Lawrence Shoals Recreation Area on beautiful Lake Oconee. With 29 teams participating, the event showcased both impressive angling skills and strong industry camaraderie.
Anglers hit the water early, competing for top honors and a share of $3,000 in cash prizes. The competition was fierce, with several teams bringing in outstanding catches.
Taking 1st Place, Team Reinicke Athens—Mike Blalock and Brady Whitehead—led the field with an impressive total catch weighing 18.37 lbs.
Close behind 2nd Place, Team ProTech’s Jason Duncan and Sammy Skinner brought in a strong 18.08 lbs catch.
3rd Place honors went to Team Ozburn Electric, with Steve Dobbs and Rick Smith landing 16.19 lbs.
Rounding out the top four, 4th Place was awarded to Team T.H. Mize’s Jake Daniel and Sean Duyvejonck, who weighed in at 16.10 lbs.
The coveted Big Fish Award went to Carl Cothran of LMI Systems, whose standout catch tipped the scales at 5.47 lbs.
Powered by Industry Support
Events like this wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of IEC Atlanta’s industry partners. A special thank you goes out to this year’s sponsors:
Platinum Sponsors
MetroPower | MSF Electric | Vision Electric
Gold Sponsors
ABC | Ralston Electric
Bronze Sponsor
LMI Systems
Supportive Sponsors
ABB Installation Products | Acuity Brands | ASD Lighting | Atlantic Workforce | BenSource Employee Benefits | Bell & McCoy Lighting & Controls | CED/All Phase Electric Supply | Commercial Truck & Van Equipment | Copperweld Bimetallics | Elliott Electric Supply | EMT Electrical Services | Federated Insurance | GEA Integral Services | Harbin Agency | Home Depot | JD Martin | Lade Electric Supply | Legrand | Lighting Associates | Remacable | Smart Lighting Solutions | Southern Lighting Source | Southwire | Thumbtack | WESCO | World Electric
With another successful tournament in the books, IEC Atlanta looks forward to continuing this tradition for years to come.
By: Marie Thornton, IEC Atlanta and GA Membership and Marketing Coordinator
On March 4th, in honor Women In Construction (WIC) Week, IEC Atlanta and Georgia Chapter held its March GMM luncheon in collaboration with the Atlanta Chapter of National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) at Maggiano’s Cumberland. The topic was “Level Up, Build Strong, Inspiring the Next Generation”, with a panel of trailblazing women, to be expected for WIC Week!
Over 100 guests, NAWIC and IEC members were in attendance to hear from CEO and Owner of Southern Electric Company, Mahsa Poorak, North American Trade Association Manager with Southwire, Kristy Phillips and Associate Director of Project Management with Turner & Townsend Heery, Kellie Fletcher. IEC’s Controller Celeste Anthony Johnson served as the perfect moderator with questions that revealed the strength possessed by the panelists. The day was both inspirational and powerful. Women in Construction are here to stay, and these ladies have opened doors, reached back to encourage and guide those who have come after them. This is what fosters the growth and movement of Women in Construction.
IEC Atlanta/Georgia Signs Historic OSHA Alliance Agreement
By: Niel Dawson, IEC Executive Director
Forming an Alliance with OSHA is a meaningful step forward for IEC and, more importantly, for the electrical contractors we serve. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening workplace safety, improving training, and supporting compliance across the merit shop electrical industry.
Through this Alliance, our contractors will gain enhanced access to OSHA resources, including safety guidance, training materials, and industry best practices tailored to electrical work. This can help companies stay ahead of regulatory requirements while reducing the risk of workplace incidents. With clearer insight into OSHA standards and expectations, contractors can operate with greater confidence and consistency across job sites.
Another key benefit is the opportunity for increased education and outreach. The Alliance allows us to collaborate with OSHA on developing safety campaigns, hosting training sessions, and sharing critical updates that directly impact our members. This proactive approach helps ensure that safety is not just a requirement, but a core part of each contractor’s culture.
Additionally, this relationship helps give merit shop contractors a stronger voice. By working alongside OSHA, IEC can help communicate real-world challenges and provide feedback that may influence future safety initiatives and resources relevant to our industry.
Ultimately, this Alliance reinforces our commitment to protecting workers, supporting our contractors, and elevating the professionalism of the electrical trade. It’s not just about compliance—it’s about building safer job sites, stronger businesses, and a more resilient industry.
World of Electrical Contractors at the 2026 Construction Ready Career Expo
By: Jeff Rogers, IEC Atlanta and GA Deputy Executive Director
On February 19–20, 2026, Construction Ready hosted its 2026 Career Expo & SkillsUSA State Championships at the Georgia World Congress Center. The event provided hands-on learning opportunities for more than 6,000 Georgia K–12 and college students, connecting them with thousands of professionals in the skilled trades. This year marked the 20th anniversary of the Career Expo.
Construction Ready partnered with SkillsUSA to bring together students, educators, and industry leaders to highlight the many opportunities available in construction and skilled trades careers.
Independent Electrical Contractors Atlanta & Georgia Chapter has been there every step of the way, sponsoring the “World of Electrical Contractors” and numerous electrical trade competitions throughout the years. This year’s World of Electrical Contractors was the best event to date. The theme for the world was “Light Up Your Future…Become an Electrician,” highlighting the different sectors within the electrical industry: residential, commercial, industrial, and low voltage.
IEC was joined by ten of its member contractors: Ace Electric, Electrical Contractor Incorporated, MetroPower, Penco, Power Design, RavenVolt, Sole Source Electric, Titan Electric, Wiring Solutions, and ZERP. IEC and its contractors filled their exhibit spaces with attractive company logos and banners, promotional giveaways, and interactive display boards that engaged students throughout the event.
The “World of Electrical Contractors” was a huge success. One contractor shared that “by engaging students with visual and hands-on activities, we were able to give them a better perspective of the many specialties within the electrical trade.” See pictures of this event below!
Companies interested in participating in next year’s event are encouraged to contact IEC Atlanta for more information.
2026 Construction Ready Career Expo, Industrial Motor Controls Competition
By: Jeff Rogers, IEC Atlanta and GA Deputy Executive Director
As part of the 2026 Career Expo hosted by Construction Ready at the Georgia World Congress Center, students showcased their technical skills during the Industrial Motor Controls Competition.
Eight contestants representing high schools and technical colleges participated in the competition, demonstrating their knowledge of electrical controls and installation techniques. Each contestant was required to follow a ladder logic diagram and complete a hands-on wiring project that included installing and wiring two motor starters, timing relays, and multiple indicator lights.
In addition to the controls portion, contestants were tested on their conduit-bending skills. Participants were required to complete a conduit project consisting of a four-point saddle and two box offsets, demonstrating precision and practical field skills commonly required in the electrical trade.
All contestants performed exceptionally well and represented the future of the electrical industry. Participants were awarded prizes provided by Milwaukee Tool, while the competition winners received scholarships from the Independent Electrical Contractors Atlanta & Georgia Chapter to support their continued training and education in the electrical field.
The competition highlighted the importance of hands-on learning and provided students with an opportunity to demonstrate the technical skills needed for successful careers in the electrical industry.
IEC 2025 Christmas Party & 60th Anniversary Celebration: An Event to Remember
By: Marie Thornton, IEC Atlanta/GA Membership and Marketing Coordinator
The 2025 Christmas Party and 60th Anniversary Celebration of IEC Atlanta and Georgia was an event of reflection, recognition, and joy. As the organization marked six decades of excellence in the electrical contracting industry, attendees were reminded of the hard work, dedication, and collaboration that has shaped IEC’s success.
Hosted by IEC Atlanta Board President, Darren Hodge, the evening kicked off with gratitude toward the generous sponsors, including Federated Insurance, the Overall Event Sponsor. Their support, along with many others, made the event possible.
The heart of the celebration was the recognition of outstanding individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to IEC and the industry.
Award Winners:
The evening also included the Length of Membership Awards, recognizing 27 contractors for their long-term dedication, including companies with 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 years of membership.
See pictures of these winners below.
As the event drew to a close, the crowd enjoyed a 60-year video montage and participated in a lively Paddle Raffle, raising funds for IEC’s ongoing initiatives.
The 2025 Christmas Party and 60th Anniversary Celebration was truly an event to remember, highlighting the remarkable achievements of IEC members and partners. With the same commitment to excellence, IEC looks forward to another 60 years of success and collaboration.
Here’s to the next 60 years of success at IEC!
IEC Georgia Chapter Takes Golf and Networking to Macon, GA.
By: Marie Thornton, IEC Atlanta/GA Membership and Marketing Coordinator
On Monday, October 20th, IEC Georgia Chapter held its 1st annual Macon Golf Tournament at the Southern Landing Golf Club in Warner Robins, GA. This course offers five sets of tees with up to 7,000 yards. Let’s see how the greens worked out for competitors.Team Metropower came in 1st place with a score of 53. Congratulations to Duane Howell, Brandon Anthony, Scott William and Bubba Kierce.
2nd place went to Team CED/ Legrand with a score of 63. John Chirpetta, Shannon Gilstrap, Tony Morales and Tom Kobe hold this rank.
Finally, 3rd place was Team Mayer/ Legrand coming in close with 6
3 as well. Ricky Mixon, Tom Gorman, Ronnie Adkins and Dan Lulicucci put up a great battle.
There are always a couple of golfers who stand out in this team sport, with an impressive individual performance. Congrats to Duane Howell on getting closest to the pin at hole #9 and Brandon Anthony on making the longest drive all the way to hole #18. Excellent job gentlemen! See pictures of winners below.
As always, IEC is appreciative of the sponsors who support IEC networking events. Coastal Electric of Georgia shines bright as the Master Level Sponsor for the tournament. Thanks to Electrician Level Sponsor CED and Apprentice Level Sponsor, Eaton. Ace Electric sponsored drinks and Copperweld Building Wires sponsored the Longest Drive. See full list including the hole sponsors here.
Our 2026 schedule of events is out with a great line up for next year. Watch for details!
2025 IEC Atlanta & GA Chapters National Awards
By: Marie Thornton, IEC Atlanta/GA Membership and Marketing Coordinator
Let’s take a look at what IEC Atlanta & Georgia Chapter and its members have accomplished this year!
Category C: Electrical Contract Amounts Over $7,000,000.
Big Creek Water Reclamation Facility, Atlanta Chapter IEC
Individual Award
Contractor Impact Award
Robbie Jones, Coastal Electric of Georgia, IEC Georgia
CHAPTER AWARDS
Apprenticeship Impact Award
Atlanta Chapter IEC
Legislative Impact Award
Atlanta Chapter IEC 
Chapter of the Year Award
IEC Georgia 
You Can Win in 2026! Contact Jeff.Rogers@iecatlantaga.org
