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2020 IEC Sporting Clay Shoot is a Success

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2020 IEC Sporting Clay Shoot is a Success

First Place winners, Larry McKinney of Lighting Associates, John Waldrop, Phil Huckaby and Bruce McCart of Titan Electric.

 IEC Atlanta hosted its 2020 Sporting Clay Shoot at the Cherokee Rose Gun Club in Griffin, Georgia on Friday November 13th.   There was a record number of 60 shooters making 30 teams converged on the rolling terrain at Cherokee Rose.  

Warm-ups started at 9am and by 10am the tournament began, and shooters unleashed any frustrations of today’s challenges on the array of clays flying before them.  It’s the perfect release and opportunity to enjoy the surroundings and the like company of IEC Contractor and Partner members.

Congratulations to our Sporting Clay Shoot winners;

1st Place- Team 14– Lighting Associates, Inc. scoring 305: Larry Mckinney, John Waldrop, Bruce McCart & Phil Huckaby

2nd place- Team 5– Electrical Services Unlimited scoring 297: Latham Moss, Chris Webb, Travis Kellum & Kyle Martin

3rd place- Team 1– Georgia Specialty Constructor, Inc. scoring 273:  Eugene Smiley, Zac Melton, Paul Darden & John Owen 

The shooter with the highest score was John Rinehart with a score of 91.

Needless to say there was some excellent shooting happening!  The day finished up with lunch and prizes.

The overall event sponsor is Lighting Associates.  Thank you for your support!  Additional sponsors include, Atlantic Workforce, Commercial Truck & Van Equip., Duvall Agency, Electrical Supplies Unlimited, Elliott Electric Supply, Federated Insurance, Harbin Insurance Agency, Lade-Danlar, Legrand, SelecSource Tradesmen, Smart Lighting Solutions & World Electric. 

Thank you for coming out to the 2020 Sporting Clay Shoot and we look forward to seeing you at the next event!

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Full Onsite Classes Returning to IEC

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Full Onsite Classes Returning to IEC

Full Onsite Classes Returning to IEC

Dear IEC Contractor Member,

IEC recognizes that apprentices are struggling to complete the Electrical Apprenticeship Program this school year.  Most of this challenge is due to the requirements that COVID-19 brings to us in keeping students appropriately spaced. With these challenges recognized IEC is taking the following steps to improve apprentice success and improve the learning environment.

The Board of Directors realized the immediate need to train apprentices in the classroom in person. To meet this need IEC is investing in additional classroom space in our office park. The additional classroom space means we will have all apprentice attending in person classes on November 30, 2020. Once the classrooms are ready IEC will require all students to return to in-person learning in the classroom to complete the 20.21 school year. The only exceptions are students enrolled in a full online class or those that have valid travel status. We believe students learn best when they are taught in person and we highly discourage travel status for apprentices unless it is absolutely necessary.

In addition to investing in new classroom space, IEC will hire a Quality Assurance Coordinator to work directly with instructors to provide effective lab time, enhance instruction methods and provide oversight of apprentice performance in the program.

Earlier this year IEC took steps to assure that all new instructors received effective training before getting in front of students to teach.  IEC created the position and hired Assistant Instructors; these instructors provide additional support for instructors, receive training in curriculum and teaching techniques and help mentor students to greater success. As we return to in-person classes the Assistant Instructors will continue to provide the important resources in the classroom.  If you or someone you know would like to join the IEC Instructor team please contact Todd Hawkins.

Thank You for your support of the IEC Apprenticeship Program. The Board of Directors, instructors and IEC staff acknowledge your trust and the awesome responsibility we have to turn out qualified merit shop electricians of the future. IEC strives to meet or exceed member expectations and we will do everything within our means to ensure your association provides exceptional training for your employees.

Sincerely,

 

Niel Dawson

IEC Executive Director

 

Todd Hawkins

Associate Executive Director 

 

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IEC Atlanta Contractors, Partners and Guests Golf in Perfect Conditions

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IEC Atlanta Contractors, Partners and Guests Golf in Perfect Conditions


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

 On October 19th IEC Atlanta hosted a picture perfect golf tournament on a picture perfect day at the White Columns Country Club in Milton, Georgia.  IEC contractors, partners and guest golfers received a continental breakfast with a tee off time of 7am.  19 teams were ready to go and made the most of this beautiful event.

Congratulations to tournament winners;

1st Place- Team 18A, Brian Marbut, Bryan Pike, Fletcher Vanyo and Tim Cox  with a score of  -17

2nd Place- Team 11A, Bret Brown, Chad Kahn, Jarrett Morales, Robby Brown scoring  -15

3rd place- Team  16A,  Bryan Lockette, Colter Albritton, Ryan Murphy, Tom Kobe scoring  -12

4th place- Team 14,  Allen Hooper, Greg Queen, Steve Henry, Tim Wilson scoring  -12

Chad Kahn won the longest drive at hole # 6

Brooks Challenger is the winner of Closest to the Pin at hole #12

Great job!

A special thank you to event sponsors Legrand, Southwire and Milwaukee Tool for their support!  Drinks, lunch and prizes were made available with their help!  See list of more sponsors here. SponsorListFlyer8x11 Thanks to everyone who came out to golf with IEC!  See pictures below…

 

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Robbie Jones of Coastal Electric of Georgia is 2019 Georgia Contractor of the Year

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Robbie Jones of Coastal Electric of Georgia is 2019 Georgia Contractor of the Year


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

IEC Georgia Chapter congratulates its Board President and President of Coastal Electric of Georgia, Robbie Jones as Georgia Contractor of the Year.  Through his leadership exemplified throughout 2019, Robbie has impacted the Georgia chapter repeatedly in positive ways.  His connectivity expanded the Georgia Golf tournament from 36 to over 100 participants.  He also serves as President of the GIFT Foundation and has been instrumental in raising thousands of dollars for the GIFT program. 

Robbie Jones shows up for the IEC and is ready to help with forwarding the electrical industry and sustaining its growth.  IEC says thank you Robbie Jones for your commitment to the program and the electrical industry.

 

 

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2020 Georgia Golf Tournament

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2020 Georgia Golf Tournament


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

– IEC Georgia hosted it’s 4th annual golf tournament at the Club at Savannah Harbor in Savannah on Thursday, October 8th.  There was a record breaking 27 teams and over 100 golfers networking and enjoying the outdoors. 

Congratulations to First place winners Blake Phillips, Tony Davis, Stephen Lebel and Jason Albritton, team 11a.  Second place was claimed by William Ralston, Justin Clemmens, Jake Clemmens and Tim Hutchings with team 9a.  Third place goes to Ben Barone, Todd James, Mike Regas and Mark Davis with team 17a.  Fourth place winners were Ralph Ireland, Mike Craft, Jeff Hughes and Byron Pippin with team 1a.

Congratulations Bill Fowler, winner of the Longest Drive at hole #2 , along with Longest Drive winner for hole #12, Stephen Lebel.  Steven Crout won Closest to the Pin.

It was a beautiful day filled with prizes, lunch and a raffle for a 9mm glock, won by IEC Board President,  Bob Harmon of Harmon Electric.

This event was sponsored by numerous members and partners dedicated to creating excellent networking events.  Thank you to overall event sponsors A & V Electric and Capital Electric.  See complete sponsor list here.    See more pictures here.

It was great seeing everyone.  A special thanks to Robbie Jones and his team at Coastal Electric of Georgia.  Robbie was also the 2019 Contractor of the Year!

 

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Apprenticeship Program Top Performers Honored

Apprenticeship Program Top Performers Honored

IEC Atlanta Chapter celebrated their apprentices that have performed above and beyond this academic school year.  Awards were distributed throughout the week of August 10th awarding students for their academic performance and those achieving perfect attendance.  21 Academic Achievement Awards and 60 Perfect Attendance Awards were given.  These students have exhibited professionalism and dedication for their craft.

Those receiving an academic award have maintained an A average during the academic school year.  This says a lot because these students work extremely hard at both their positions with their contractors and their school assignments.  Those receiving perfect attendance is an excellent feat with all the challenges working against the community, these students are always engage in the program and ready to learn when scheduled.

 Listed are our current award winners.  Keep up the great work!


Academic Achievement Award

Travis Adams

Camden Drouault

Timothy Martin

Amevi  Amedaho

Tomas Feliz Rodriguez

Brett Massey

William Cannon

Juan Fernandez

Jacob Nalley

John Dickerson II

Jack Fontana

Russell Pate

Donald Dockery

Juan Gomez

James Pate

Christopher Donegan

Rafael Marcano

Romuald Pinheiro

Travis Adams

Camden Drouault

Adam Tylkowski

Amevi  Amedaho

Michael Marine

Theodore Whitaker

 

Perfect Attendance Award

Danny Clark

Tyler Maresca

Courtney Banks

Chad Davis

Destin Promiscuo

Gilmar Mejia

Mark Kolber

Russell Pate

Bradley Hammond

Eugene Lemonds

Omar Carbajal

Juan Rivera-Balbuena

Theodore Whitaker

Ryan Nordlund

Juan Fernandez

Zachary D’Souza

Christiaan Boll

Christopher Jackson

John Bratcher

Rafael Marcano

Jesus Corro-Garcia

Ian Buchanan

Brayden Digsby

Daniel Corbett

Raul Quintero Toral

Taylor Mazarky

Derrell Mccollough

Justino Zavala

Justin Eldridge

Christopher Donegan

Autum Leitsinger

Jacob Nalley

Kenneth Harris

Jason Bell

Trent Milton

William Cannon

Alicja Gazur

Andrew Freel

Rodrigue Murad

Edward Ramirez Del Razo

Chase Rhodes

Matthew Akers

Joshua Weems

Desmond Herring

Lucas George

Selvin Guzman

James Williams

William Little

Travis Adams

Navid Heshmat

Garrett Bitts

Jordan Hoang

Ara Major

Virgilio Mendoza

Tomas Feliz Rodriguez

Cody Oliver

Jamail Biscaino

Sean Duyvejonck

Collin Burnette

Elijah Salim

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US Senator Kelly Loeffler Kicks Off IEC Atlanta’s Luncheon Meetings

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US Senator Kelly Loeffler Kicks Off IEC Atlanta’s Luncheon Meetings

IEC Atlanta Chapter held its monthly luncheon meeting August 11th after months of meeting virtually.  The guest speaker was United State Senator, Kelly Loeffler.  Senator Loeffler has represented the Georgia Senate office since January 2020, serving alongside Senator David Perdue.

Senator Loeffler was greeted by Executive Director, Niel Dawson, IEC Atlanta Board President, Bob Harmon of Harmon Electric and Associate Executive Director Todd Hawkins for a tour of IEC’s 10,000 square foot training facility.   Senator Loeffler received a first- hand view of IEC’s detailed lab set up, designed to give its apprentices hands-on training.  Mr. Dawson elaborated on the training model and its benefits of keeping apprentices employed and tuition structures that allow IEC students to graduate without incurring any debt. 

From touring the building, Senator Loeffler went on to address 30 business owners and managers.  IEC Contractors members came out to show their support and to hear the Senator speak on the concerns that affect the industry, their business and how the Senator supports the merit shop contractor.

IEC is honored to have a current United States Senator as a guest speaker for its monthly luncheon meeting.  IEC strives to give its members access to resources to operate their organizations at their highest potential.  A conversation with the Senator as we move through these uncertain times is one of the many resources IEC continues to provide its members.  

See pictures below…

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IEC Atlanta/GA 50th Apprenticeship Graduation Mission Accomplished

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IEC Atlanta/Georgia 50th Apprenticeship Graduation…Mission Accomplished


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

IEC did it!  IEC Atlanta / Georgia Chapter gave its graduates a grand night to remember.  IEC celebrated the accomplishments of 78 graduates.  Family members, contractors, graduates and guests were brought together and kept apart at the Evergreen Marriott hotel in Stone Mountain, Georgia.  A fabulous night of social distancing and celebration!  How does that happen with 200 guests you ask?  With 2 separate ballrooms, a digital thermometer, masks , space and a master plan.  It was a challenge, but IEC’s Executive Director and staff saw it through to make certain the Class of 2020 received a proper send off.

The event started at 6:00pm with a welcome form the Evergreen ballroom, from IEC’s Atlanta Board President, Bob Harmon of Harmon Electric while simultaneously IEC Executive Director Niel Dawson delivered his welcome in the Stone Mountain room.  This event was also livestreamed on IEC Atlanta/Georgia’s YouTube channel for those friends and family members who were unable to attend. Since this is the 50th annual graduation, additional guest speakers were brought in to make it extra special.  Graduates received heartwarming messages from keynote speaker Ms. Candy Branhm, CEO if Branhm Electric, Inc. and IEC National Board President,  Bill Bledsoe, CEO of Wisco Pen Electric, and Betsy Rich-Reed, President of Ritch Electric.  Each room enjoyed dinner, entertainment by keyboard and vocalist Gwen Hughes and awarding the top performing graduates during their time with IEC.

Awards given throughout the evening are as follows;

  • Perfect attendance – Edgar Davila of MG Electric and Justin Schader of Henderson Electric
  • 2020 Community Spirit Award – Edgar Davila of MG Electric
  • Extra Mile Award- Mr. Nytwan Fitch, 1st, 3rd, 4th year and PEP Instructor
  • Mike Gunter Achievement Award- 1st and 2nd year instructor Keith Haskell of Sole Source Electrical Contractors

Congratulations to the 2020 IEC award winners.  IEC is so very proud of them all.

The winner of the IEC Atlanta Chapter Apprentice of the Year Award was also announced during this spectacular night.  A special congratulation to Mr. Bentley Butler on winning IEC’s title of Apprentice of the Year!  Mr. Butler will represent us nationally in the Apprentice of the Year competition taking place in New Orleans, Louisiana.  Thank you to Federated Insurance and Milwaukee Tool for sponsoring the Apprentice of the Year Contest!

Thank you to everyone that came out to join the celebration and those of you that supported the graduates via YouTube livestreaming.  IEC appreciates the support!  Thank you to all the IEC graduates and congratulations on this wonderful accomplishment.  IEC is proud to celebrate you!

Take a moment to view pictures from this event here.  We look forward to next year’s celebration!

 

See pictures below…

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IEC ED Niel Dawson Update – December 11th

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IEC ED Niel Dawson Update – December 11th

2020 Year In Review

2020ReviewEdt_1769878.jpgAs we all reflect back on 2020, there are a multitude of adjectives that we could, and have used to describe this year. These range from challenging (my personal favorite), exhausting, stressful, taxing, gross, stifling, profitable, and so on.

However, here at the IEC, what comes to my mind is thankfulness! I am thankful for our steadfast members – 196 contractors (142 ATL/54 GA), which is up 2% from a year ago, and 102 partners (76 ATL/26 GA). And in spite of this challenging year, I am thankful that we held 15 luncheon meetings throughout Georgia with over 300 attendees….More info. 

VOTE!
 

Excel Electrical Technologies is IEC Atlanta’s 2020 Contractor of the Year
ContractorOfYear_1770701.jpgIEC Atlanta Chapter congratulates Darren Lodge of Excel Electrical Technologies on being awarded 2020 Contractor of the Year.

Excel Electrical has been a part of the IEC family for 30 years and contributes to the IEC in numerous ways.  To be awarded the position of 2020 Contractor of the Year, Excel Electrical has supported the apprenticeship program with their workers, sponsored events and has been involved in IEC functions on multiple levels.  Even during changing times Excel was right with us participating on one of our Zoom discussions and spearheading the development of the new Installer program.  IEC is honored to award Excel Electrical Technologies the 2020 IEC Contractor of the Year.

2021 IEC Atlanta Board of Directors Sworn In
2021Board_1769890.JPGIEC Atlanta chapter swore in the 2021 Board of Directors at IEC’s annual Christmas Party on December 4th at Maggiano’s Little Italy at Cumberland.  Previous Past President, Tom LeMay of Metropower was present to usher in the new board who are anxious to step into 2021 with a positive outlook.
IEC’s 2021 Board of Directors consists of the following;
  • Steve Askea, President, Ask-Kay Electrical Contractors
  • Darren Lodge, Vice-President, Excel Electrical Technologies
  • Nick Young, Sec./ Treasurer,  Putzel Electrical Contractors
  • Chris Caiaccio, VP of Partners, Kilpatrick Townsend
  • Bob Harmon, Past President, Harmon Electric
  • Greg Holloway, EC Services, Inc.
  • John Waldrop, Titan Electric of Georgia, LLC.
  • Jerry Wartko, Capital City Electric
  • Tom Young, Penco Electrical Contractors, Inc.

 Thank you to outgoing board members Chad Brooks and Tom LeMay for serving IEC well in 2020.

2020 IEC Atlanta Christmas Party and Awards
ChristmasTree_1769896.jpgIEC Atlanta /Georgia Chapters celebrated and awarded members and guests with accolades and prizes while bringing the 2020 year to a close.  It was hosted at Maggiano’s Little Italy at Cumberland on December 4th.  This event normally caters to around 200 guests but was whittled to a ballroom of around 90 attendees due to COVID guidelines.  The smaller group did not damper the fun and festivities IEC’s annual Christmas Party always offers.

A delicious lunch was served while guests enjoyed an open bar, entertainment from comedian Sean Reynolds and raffle prizes delivered to some lucky attendees, throughout the afternoon!  IEC Atlanta’s Chapter Board President, Bob Harmon gave a welcome and jumped right to the acknowledgement of the contractors receiving membership awards.

Thank you to those members diligent within our association;

The 2021 Resource Directory Has Gone to Print
You should expect your 2021 directory around the 2nd week of January!

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

New Installer Course Prepares New Workers to Thrive in the Electrical Industry
InstallerPicture_1769979.jpegIEC Atlanta/GA chapter is offering a new Installer Course in February 2021.  This course is designed to prepare new workers with the basic skills to grow and succeed in the electrical field.  They learn hand and power tool usage, accuracy in measuring, identify work materials and more.  Students will be able to perform jobs with confidence and increase their productivity.  It helps new workers become ready for the jobsite and to perform the duties needed efficiently. 

When workers complete this course they earn an IEC recognized training certificate and an OSHA 10 card.  IEC believes in training and preparing workers to be the most skilled in the field.  With the challenge of workforce shortage, this helps to prepare and grow the new worker onsite.  For those hoping to enter the electrical field without experience, this will help to get them on the contractor’s radar. 

This course is $295 for Non-Member, $265 for Members and meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from February 2nd to the 25th, 5pm to 9pm.  Attend in person at the Atlanta Training Location at 4500 Winters Chapel Rd. Atlanta, GA.  Register Now!

 
Private Interview Sessions

Private recruitment opportunities are available if your organization prefers recruitment focused on your company’s needs.  Delast Muhammad organizes interviews just for the positions needed.  Reach out to her at delast.muhammad@iecatlantaga.org to schedule your sessions.

Recruitment is at the top of the list for IEC contractors.  IEC works for you to assist with the resources needed.  More career fairs are scheduled for 2021.  The schedule will be coming out soon!

 
Columbus 1st Year Apprenticeship Start January 21st
If you have workers needing training in the Columbus, GA area, you have until December 22nd to have them registered.   Have your workers complete the application online today!  Apprenticeship Application                 
 
IEC BENEFITS
 
SAFETY
Webinar: OSHA and the New Administration – Employers are anxious to know what plans the Biden administration has for the agency in 2021 and beyond. Who will lead OSHA? Will the agency revise or implement new COVID-19 requirements? Join Ogletree Deakins on December 10 at 2 p.m. EDT for a glimpse into the future of OSHA. Register now. 
 
 
Toolbox Talks-  Electrical Safety
 
INDUSTRY
Tell Congress to Act on PPP Legislation Immediately!
Only a few short days remain before the end of the year and the end of the 116th Congress. IEC is asking you to help once more by asking Congress and the Trump administration to come to an agreement and pass long overdue COVID-19 relief legislation. Contact your members of Congress and urge them to pass a bill that includes the following:
  •     Second Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Draw
  •     Simplified PPP Loan Forgiveness
  •     Full Tax Deductibility for PPP Loans
  •     Liability Protection Against Unwarranted Lawsuits
  •     Non-Profit Eligibility for PPP Funds
 
Make Your Voice Heard Today!
 
SBA to Release PPP Loan Information
For those IEC members who took out loans through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) earlier this year, the Small Business Administration (SBA) will release the identities of those that borrowed $150,000 or less as of November 24, 2020. The release of this information will take place today and is in response to a court order.
 
The SBA will release the names, addresses and precise loan amounts of all individuals and entities that obtained COVID-19-related loans under the PPP and the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). The Washington Post, The New York Times, and the Center for Public Integrity sued the SBA after the agency initially denied their Freedom of Information Act requests. 

 

 
 

 

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2020 Fishing Tournament

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2020 Fishing Tournament


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

– On Saturday March 21st, IEC/ABC co-hosted it’s annual fishing tournament at Lawrence Shoals Recreation area on Lake Oconee.  With over $3,000 in cash prizes, 27 boats took to the lake for a fun day of fishing. 

Congratulations to 1st place winners James Slaters and Brian Boree of Reinicke Athens with a 18.5 lbs catch.  2nd place went to Taylor Nielson and Ashton Slacks of Ardd & Winters with a catch of 14.95 lbs.  Joey Miller and Brady Whitehead of Atlantic came in 3rd place with a 14.18 lbs catch and 4th place winners Rene Leon and Zach Hall of Ardd & Winters with a 13.49 lbs catch.  Big Fish winners were Father/Son team Jeff and Samuel Davis of Ozburn with a bass weighing in at 9.10lbs!  Great job guys!

This event was sponsored by:

Platinum Level – Titan Electric of Georgia

Gold Level – Esse-Energy Sytems Southeast & Lighting Associates, Inc.

Silver Level – Mayer Supply & Smart Lighting Solutions

Supportive Level – ABB Installation Products, Atlantic Workforce, Commercial Truck & Van Equipment, Duvall Agency, Electrical Supplies Unlimited, Elliott Electric Supply, Federated Insurance, Harbin Agency, Lade-Danlar, Legrand, Lighting Associates, SelecSource Tradesmen Solutions, Smart Lighting Solutions & World Supply

Thanks to everyone who came out to enjoy the prizes and this event. 

See pictures below…

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