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Marie Thornton

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IEC Members Sharpen Leadership Skills with Leadership for Today’s Electrical Contractor Class

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IEC Members Sharpen Leadership Skills with Leadership for Today’s Electrical Contractor Class

By: Hance Joiner, IEC GA Workforce Recruiter

On September 12, 2024, the IEC, with the help of Lowe Electric, hosted a leadership training course for IEC members. Led by Dr. Joseph Richardson, the class was attended by 13 IEC members, ranging from COO to Project Managers. Using ideas from renowned leader and speaker, John Maxwell, Dr. Richardson guided attendees through core principles for leadership based on the PITO (Personal, Interpersonal, Team, Organizational) Model and the 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth. Throughout the day of training, attendees learned about practices, systems, and ideas that they can use to sharpen their personal leadership skills. Once a leader’s personal leadership skills are adequately addressed, they can then work to take care of their interpersonal, team, and organizational leadership skills. Attendees were also given tangible and actionable goals that they can take home to continue their leadership journey. Sharpening one’s leadership skills is a daily practice of consistency, accountability, and honesty. If you want to improve retention in your business, keep an eye out for future leadership development opportunities with the IEC! Let Todd Hawkins know if you are interested in future leadership development courses.

 

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IEC Workforce Preparation Continues Throughout the Summer

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IEC Workforce Preparation Continues Throughout the Summer

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

IEC Atlanta and Georgia chapters are always working on behalf of its members workforce.  July enrollment completed, October enrollment is opening August 26th and apprentices have started class this week.  Training and strengthening IEC member workforces! 

As the summer comes to an end, here’s a summary of some activities we have been busy working on, that helped us get to nearly 1,000 apprentices enrolled in IEC Atlanta and Georgia chapters!

IEC Atlanta Workforce Development Coordinator, Marcus Benson attended the GACTE annual conference.  This conference represented thousands of careers and technical education professionals working closely with students.  Marcus connected with educators who will help students find their paths to the start of their electrical career.

IEC took part in a GA Tech two-week camp where high school students learned about electrical theory, generation, distribution and installation.

Both Workforce Development Coordinators attended Skills USA June 23rd to the 27th.  

There were 2 Camp Trade and Industry (T&I) events that provided hands-on training.  This program was hosted by Construction Ready and the GADOE.  Camps took place in Brunswick and Calhoun, GA.  IEC Georgia Workforce Development Coordinator, Hance Joiner was onsite to help ignite future electrical workers.  High school construction instructors from across the state were trained in conduit bending, 3-way and 4-way switches, as well as basic electrical circuitry. These instructors will take these skills to use in their day-to-day instruction with their students, improving the quality of their education and the electrical skills of these graduates. A special thanks to Keith Haskell and Chris Sanning for leading this valuable training.

We have access to the future of the electrical industry at our finger tips.  Starting early, stirring interest will give us strong candidates to add to contractor workforces!  Let’s build our workforce!

 

2024 Graduates

113 Electrical Apprentices Graduate as Skilled, Qualified Electrical Journeypersons

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113 Electrical Apprentices Graduate as Skilled, Qualified Electrical Journeypersons

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

IEC Atlanta and GA chapters celebrated its 54th Apprenticeship graduation on Saturday, July 27th at the Crowne Plaza in Norcross.  The IEC Class of 2024 encompasses 113 graduates who completed this award-winning program curriculum, on-the-job training and have demonstrated an understanding and solid grasp of what it takes to be a skilled IEC electrical journeyperson.

IEC Atlanta’s Board of Director President, Darren Lodge of Excel Electrical Technologies welcomed a packed house with over 500 guests, IEC staff and graduates in attendance.  A moving “Star-Spangled Banner” performance by IEC Program Quality Coordinator, John Dickerson prepared the audience for the inspirational message from keynote speaker Attorney General, Chris Carr.  The graduates’ families and friends gathered to support and celebrate the class of 2024 and honor those who performed above and beyond expectations.

Congratulations to the class of 2024 and its award recipients;

4th Year Perfect Attendance Award Recipients

  • Mish Bowel Hock, Lewis Electrical
  • Christian Sheber- Andrew Electric Co.

 PEP Perfect Attendance Award Recipients

  • Ronald Belmore- Penco Electrical Contractors
  • Felix Carranza Sr.- PicoVolt
  • Michael Hinesley Jr.- Legacy Electrical Services

Academic Achievement Award Recipients (Maintained an “A” average throughout the program)

  • Robert Abercrombie – DC Power Specialist, LLC
  • Christopher Acker – Electrical Contractor, Inc.
  • Dulce Alvarado – D & L Electric
  • Ronald Belmore – Penco Electrical Contractors, Inc.
  • Taylor Blun – Crown Electric, Inc.
  • Austin Bornhorst – Crown Electric, Inc.
  • Samuel Coleman – Alternative Energy Southeast
  • Michael Davis – Electrical Contractor, Inc.
  • Demetrius Hall – Titan Electric Georgia LLC
  • Mish Bowel Hock – Lewis Electrical Contractors, Inc.
  • Diego Hernandez – R&R Electrical Inc.
  • Michael Hinesley Jr.- Legacy Electrical Services, Inc
  • Oliver Alvarado – D & L Electric
  • Amanda Jenkins – Lin R. Rogers Electrical Contractors, Inc.
  • Jose Lind – R&R Electrical Inc.
  • Justin Litzenberg – Excel Electrical Technologies, Inc.
  • Da Mares Lopez – Excel Electrical Technologies, Inc.
  • Javon McLester – Relco Electric Co.,Inc.
  • Ryan McMillin – Lin R. Rogers Electrical Contractors, Inc.
  • Tyler Nelson – Electrical Contractor, Inc.
  • Keegan Nolan – Crown Electric, Inc.
  • Austin Payne – Pat Murphy Electric, Inc.
  • Alan Rainwater – Crown Electric, Inc.
  • Christopher Randall – Mister Sparky, Inc.
  • Ramon Ta Hada Moke – MetroPower, Inc.
  • Edgar Trejo – Energy Systems Southeast, LLC

Academic Excellence Award Recipients (Highest Overall GPA)

  • Taylor Blun—Crown Electric, Inc. (4-Yr. In Person)
  • Ryan McMillin—Lin R Rogers Electrical Contractors, Inc. (4-Yr Online program)
  • Michael Hinesley Jr.—Legacy Electrical Services, Inc. (PEP)
  • Samuel Coleman—Alternative Energy Southeast (PEP Online)

Our graduates do not succeed on their own.  The support of IEC instructors helps guide them to success.  This is why we honor an outstanding instructor with the Michael Gunter Achievement Award.

  • Gunter Achievement Award- (Instructor who stepped up in a big way) – Mr. Paul Hackett, IEC Instructor

It is a tremendous effort to get our graduates to their success that entails the students hard work, the support of great instructors, the IEC staff, and the friends and families of the apprentices.  The class of 2024 have reached their well-deserved graduation day, and IEC is extremely proud!

Thank you to those that came out the celebrate this great accomplishment and being along for the ride.  See pictures from this event here.  We look forward to doing this again in 2025. 

More pictures can be found at www.LorikayPhotography.com/IECgrad2024 

1st Place

Members Sharp Shoot and Break Clays in Savannah

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Members Sharp Shoot and Break Clays in Savannah

By: Marie Thornton, IEC Atlanta/GA Membership and Marketing Coordinator
On Friday, June 28th, IEC Savannah hosted its 2024 Sporting Clay Shoot at the 17th South Rod and Gun Club in Fleming, Ga.  10 teams arrived early, donned their ear defenders and were ready to snipe clay targets mid-air.  In addition to the morning competition, later in the day squads enjoyed lunch served, prizes won and awards were bestowed.

Congratulations to team CED for coming in first place with kills totaling to 120.  Squad members Harper, Futch, Jue and Kobe aimed their rifles and came out on top!

Second place went to team JMS with squad members Sauls, Bolton and Wagner with kills totaling 119.

Third place was team Coastal Electric of Georgia scoring a close kill count totaling 118.  Squad members Benningstall, Murad, Jones and Cameron had a satisfying run.

Finally, you always have the one that leads in kills, the “High Shooter”.  Congratulations to Murad, who literally killed it with kills totaling 42 all on his own.  Awesome job to Murad!

The Savannah Sporting Clay Shoot was sponsored by “Marksman Sponsors”, Coastal Electric of Georgia, CED and Legrand, “Gunslinger Sponsors”, Coastal Electric of Georgia and Chatham Engineering, “Industry Sponsor”, Excel Technologies and Gaskin Electric.  IEC appreciates your commitment and support of IEC events. View pictures from this event below.

Thank you to everyone that made it out to compete and network with us.  It was a fabulous event, and we hope to see you at the next one.  We are heading to Augusta, Georgia for golf on September 20th.  We hope to see you there! Follow our upcoming events at www.iecatlantaga.org/events.

 

 

1stPlace

IEC’s Columbus Golf Tournament

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IEC’s Columbus GA Golf Tournament

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

IEC hosted its annual Columbus Golf Tournament on Friday, June 7th at Maple Ridge Golf Club in Columbus, GA.  There were 16 teams in attendance, ready to tee off, network and golf.

Who brought their A-Game to the beautiful Maple Ridge greens?  We have winners who displayed excellent form and sportsmanship.  Let’s congratulate them.

First Place- Team Fuller, Fire and Safety with a score of 52.  Congratulations to Matt Davis, Daniel Kirkland, Steven Sanders and Bratley Atkins.

Second Place- Team Mayer/Legrand scoring 55.  Wes Brooks, Tom Kobe, Brad Eagle and Sean Osmand worked hard and secured 2nd place.

Third Place- Team Metropower scoring 56.  Not bad at all for Hunter Watson, Ryan Pickrell, Tucker Crowson and Dillon Crowson.

Fourth Place- Team Interstate Electrical scored 59.  Great job Chris Rinaldi, Brandon Summers, Andy Robbins and Tracey Hurst.

There were two specialty award winners on the greens.  Congratulations to Steven Sanders on accomplishing the longest drive and John Pound on getting closest to the pin!  We appreciate your skill level!

Every IEC event is backed by amazing sponsors.  Thank you to Tournament sponsors, S.M. Ellis Company, Lowe Electric Supply, Metropower, MarshMclennan Agency, NetPlanner Systems, Smith Gray, Jordan Electric and Fuller Fire and Safety.  IEC appreciates you support!  See pictures from this event below.

Upcoming events will be our 1st annual Georgia Sporting Clay Shoot in Savannah on June 28th and of course Graduation on July 27th.  Register to attend these events here.

 

 

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IEC GA Members Gather and Golf in Savannah, Georgia

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IEC GA Members Gather and Golf in Savannah, Georgia

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

IEC Georgia hosted its annual golf tournament on May 3rd at the Club at Savannah Harbor Westin in Savannah, GA.  This is the Georgia chapter’s 8th year hosting this event and it continues to get better every time!
22 teams arrived ready for a full exciting day of electrical industry networking and golfing.   The gorgeous weather and a multitude of IEC contractors, partner members and guests together shaped an environment for some competitive golfing and camaraderie.

Like at any golf tournament, when golfers golf, someone has to bring home the trophies!  Congratulations to the winners of IEC Savannah Georgia’s 8th annual golf tournament;

  • 1st place– Tim Hutching, Toshi Hirata, Wesley Olliff, and Johnny Haines of team Colony Bank, with a score of 58.
  • 2nd place– Keith Bowen, Shawn Rankin, John Ross, and Michael Florence of team ABB scoring a 60.
  • 3rd place– Brant Martin, Dusty Wilson, Daniel Hudson, and JD Hoff or team Bobcat coming in a tight 3rd with a score of 60.

The teams performed well and we have a couple of golfers that perform in a league of their own on the greens.  Congratulations to John Ross of ABB and Steve Crout of Crout Electric;

  • Closest to the Pin– John Ross of ABB
  • Longest Drive– Steve Crout of Crout Electric

Great job gentlemen!  IEC celebrates your success.  In addition to celebrating the winning golfers, IEC would like to express gratitude to the sponsors that show up and support in a huge way. 

Thank you to the following event sponsors;

  • Master’s Sponsors- A&V Electric Co., CED, and Eaton Cutler-Hammer
  • Electrician’s Sponsor- CED, City Electric Supply, Coastal Electric of Georgia and Legrand
  • Apprentice Sponsor- Ardd & Winter, Coastal Electric of Georgia and Gaskin Electric Company
  • Additional hole, drink cart and award sponsors can be found here.

Thank you to every that came out to tee off and network.  If you missed this networking event then make certain you join us for the Savannah Sporting Clay Shoot on June 28th.  Register and get details here.  See more pictures from this event below.

 

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IEC Contractors Hire Future Youth Apprentices from Local High School

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IEC Contractors Hire Future Youth Apprentices from Local High School

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

May 5th to May 11th is Youth Apprenticeship Week!  IEC is highlighting the benefits of hiring students ages 16 to 24 to enroll in the apprenticeship program.  You have excited, energetic and loyal workers ready to be molded.  Our workforce recruiters are helping IEC members build their workforce.  By targeting schools and career fairs, recruiters create a clear path to an electrical career with our IEC contractors. 

Workforce Recruiter Marcus Benson recently attended Berkmar’s Construction Career Academy in Gwinnett County, one of many schools that IEC partners with.  IEC contractors Metropower and Excel Electrical were onsite and they hired 10 students from Berkmar.  See pictures of these students celebrating their signing day below!  The Construction career program at Berkmar is a 4-year program for 9th through 12th grade students.  IEC builds a network for area contractors to connect with students and have a relationship with schools.  Contractors can be visible to potential future electrical workers and the students know an electrical career is a promising option.

The 10 new future apprentices will join the ranks with a couple of our current IEC Youth Apprentices working with Craft Electrical & Maintenance.  Seventeen-year-olds, Yosbani David Vasallo and Aiden Martin are IEC Youth Apprentices on their way to an amazing electrical career.

It’s Youth Apprenticeship Week!  You should attend our hiring fair on May 22nd and give a promising student an opportunity.  Contact your area IEC recruiter for Atlanta, Marcus.Benson@iecatlantaga.org or for Georgia, Hance.Joiner@iecatlantaga.org and let them know you are ready!

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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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