The IEC/ABC annual Fishing Tournament was held on Saturday, March 25th at the Lawrence Shoals Recreation Area at Lake Oconee. Guests competed for prizes and trophies. With 29 teams, the day was gorgeous and the food was delicious. It was the perfect opportunity for networking. Winners took home trophies placing 1st through 4th place and cash prizes.
Congratulations to the following winners:
1st place, team #16, Donald Williams & Robert Williams of Rexel, with a score of 15.13
2nd Place team #6, Sean Duyvejonck and Jesse Hyde of TH Mize, with a score of 14.71
3rd Place team #4, Jarred Baker and Chase Hancock with a score of 14.46
4th place team #44, Alicia Clem and Andrew Dean scoring 13.34
Big Fish winner Carl Cothran with a 6.02 catch!
Fishing tournaments bring our members together, and our sponsors help make this happen. Thank you to our Platinum sponsors Coastal Electric of Georgia and Titan Electric of Georgia. Gold sponsors Atlantic Workforce, Equipment Share and Lade Electric Supply and so many more stepped up and supported this event. Click here for complete list of sponsors. See pictures from this event below.
By:Marie Thornton, Membership and Marketing Coordinator, IEC Atlanta, GA Chapters
On March 7th, IEC Atlanta Chapter held its monthly luncheon at Maggianos, Perimeter. In honor of Women In Construction (WIC) Week, there was a live panel discussion. Thank you to Christina Fraley, CEO of Media Genius, Mahsa Poorak, COO of Southern Electric Co. and Lisa Willis, Director of Business Operations at WWPS. They were excellent examples of Women thriving in the construction industry and a treasure of advice and experience to those in attendance looking to make more space for women in their organization.
There were over 100 guests in attendance from companies throughout Georgia. A packed house engaged with questions pertaining to their very own environment. The panelist were gracious and detailed with each scenario introduced. Details entailing recruitment, integration, development and retention were addressed.
With the workforce challenges that many contractors are facing, contractors can benefit from what women in the workplace bring. Professional, dependable and smart, women in construction should not be underestimated.
By: Niel Dawson, Executive Director, IEC Atlanta, GA Chapters
The solar industry has been ramping up for years across the country, though not as fast in Georgia, but we’re catching up, and quickly! One of the biggest drivers of the solar industry picking up steam not only in Georgia but across the country is the IRA – the Inflation Reduction Act.of 2022InflationReductionActLaborPolicies2. The IRA requires at least 15% of total labor hours on a project to be performed by a registered apprentice to be phased in by 2024. There are both tax credits for businesses and consumers, as well as penalties for failing to comply with registered apprentices on certain jobs. Here is a good InflationReductionActLaborPolicies2
Licensing varies by state, but Georgia has yet to enact any requirements. However, there has been a speculation of a bill being introduced in the Georgia General Assembly to regulate solar installations under the Public Services Commission. IEC is opposed to any type of regulation of this nature and believes that if any requirements are imposed, it should be under the Construction Industry Licensing Board. See the requirements by state.
Years ago, a low voltage license was enacted in Georgia and now electrical contractors must get a separate license to do low voltage work. We are watching this very closely to ensure something similar to this does not happen again. Electrical contractors must recognize that solar is another type of work that they should be not only aware of, but endorsing as another type of electrical work. IEC is currently working on a solar training curriculum and anticipates offering it later in 2023.
Best-In-Class Sessions Move IEC Members to Next Level in 2023
By: Marie Thornton, Membership and Marketing Coordinator, IEC Atlanta, GA Chapters
The Best-In-Class Luncheon/Networking series elevated IEC contractors, partners and guests. IEC along with guest speaker Michael Sauer set out on a three-day educational networking trek from Atlanta, to Columbus Georgia, Augusta Georgia, Macon Georgia and finally ending in Savannah. Over 120 guests experienced strategies to lead them to operate at the Best-In-Class level.
The speaker, Michael Sauer, is an Executive Coach, Strategic Planner, Corporate Trainer, Attorney and Leadership Development Professional of Harvard Law, just to name a few of his specialties. IEC is elevating its 2023 networking events, by offering high level business building resources to members.
IEC Atlanta Chapter Installs 2023 Board of Directors
By: Marie Thornton, Membership and Marketing Coordinator, IEC Atlanta, GA Chapters
IEC Atlanta celebrated its annual Christmas party at Maggiano’s Little Italy at Cumberland. A lot gets accomplished at these meetings, IEC’s 2021-2022 Board of Directors are thanked for a job well done and the new 2022-2023 Board of Directors are sworn in.
Thank you, IEC Atlanta 2021-2022 Board members:
Steve Askea, Ask-Kay Electric – President
Darren Lodge, Excel Electrical Technologies – VP
Nick Young, Putzel Electrical Contractors – Sec./Treas.
Chris Caiaccio, Kilpatrick Townsend–VP of Partners
Bob Harmon, Harmon Electric – Past President
Greg Holloway, EC Services, Director
Mahsa Poorak, Southern Electric Company, Director
John Waldrop, Titan Electric Georgia, Director
Jerry Wartko, Capital City Electrical Service, Director
Tom Young, Penco Electrical Contractors – Director
Bob Harmon, John Waldrop, Jerry Wartko, Chris Caiaccio and Tom Young have completed their terms. Thank you for your dedication to IEC
Welcome to the 2023 -2024 Board of Directors:
Darren Lodge, Excel Electrical Technologies – President
Nick Young, Putzel Electrical Contractors – Vice President
Greg Holloway, EC Services – Secretary/Treasurer
Steve Askea, Ask-Kay Electric – Past President
Jimmy Nall, Mayer – Vice President of Partners
Charlie Brooks, Capital City Electrical Service – Director
John Flynn, Hubbell – Partner Director
Lem Matthis, MetroPower – Director
Mahsa Poorak, Southern Electric Company, Director
BJ Thomas, E-TEC Electrical Contractors – Director
Congratulations to new Atlanta Board members Jimmy Nall, Lem Matthis, John Flynn, Charlie Brooks, BJ Thomas and to President, Darren Lodge and Vice President Nick Young.
IEC’s Annual Christmas Party and Awards Luncheon Highlights 2022 Contributors
By: Marie Thornton, Membership and Marketing Coordinator, IEC Atlanta, GA Chapters
On December 2nd at Maggiano’s Little Italy at Cumberland, IEC Atlanta GA chapters wished its members a Merry Christmas with its annual Christmas party and awards luncheon. This year IEC celebrated 57 years as an association. There is no doubt that membership growth and association connection account for IEC’s longevity.
Nearly 200 guests celebrated with family style Italian dishes, scrumptious deserts and an open bar. Guests mingled before lunch with hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Laughed during lunch with Comedian Carlos Rodriguez, and tables had a few fun gifts along with a raffle ticket for the afternoon finale of prize drawings.
The 2023 Board of Directors was sworn in and dinner and awards commenced.
IEC Atlanta has 160 contractors and 22 were awarded for their length of membership. Congratulation to IEC’s membership awards winners for 2022;
5 Years Membership Award – Absolute Electric, Inc., Britebox Electrical, Fusion Electric Services, LLC, Georgia Central Electrical, Inc., IES Residential, Inc., J & C Electric, Inc., Quality Electric, Southwest Electrical Contracting, Titan Electric Georgia and Vision Electric, LLC.
10 Years Membership Award– J.R Electrical, LLC.
15 Years Membership Award– Capital City Electrical Services, Luca Electric, Inc., Stangood Electric, Inc. and Stanton Electric, Inc.
25 Years Membership Award– Data Power Source and Gold Star Electric, Inc.
30 Years Membership Award– Excel Electrical Technologies
35 Years Membership Award– Donaldson Electric Co., Inc., Meer Electrical Contractors, Pat Murphy Electric, Inc., R.J. Haynie & Associates, Inc.
In addition to the membership awards, there are key members and partners that made major contributions to the IEC association in 2022. IEC and members have benefitted tremendously from these 2022 award winners. Congratulations and thank you for your commitment to the IEC.
2022 Award Winners;
Industry Award– Alex Stewart, Ladder
Manufacturer of the Year– Cole Roberts, Schneider Electric
Distributor of the Year– Jimmy Nall, Mayer
Specialty Partner of the Year– John Wadsworth, Strawn & Co. Insurance
President’s Award– Chris Caiaccio, Kilpatrick Townsend
Contractor of the Year– John Waldrop, Titan Electric of GA
IEC has shined brightly in 2022 because of its members. It is only right to shine the spotlight on those who helped to make 2022 a successful year. See pictures from this event here.
IEC’s Awards celebration went great due to the commitment of its sponsors. Special thanks to the Christmas Party Overall Event Sponsor Federated Insurance. IEC appreciates your partnership! Additional sponsors follow:
Prize Sponsors: CED, MetroPower, Inc., Titan Electric Georgia,
Entertainment Sponsor: Hubbell, Vision, Electric, LLC
IAEI Scholarship Recipient Hampton Rushing, IEC Georgia’s Rising Electrical Star
By: Marie Thornton, Membership and Marketing Coordinator, IEC Atlanta, GA Chapters
IEC Georgia is proud to have apprentice Hampton Rushing of Coastal Electric of Georgia as a rising electrical star in the IEC Georgia Chapter.
Congratulations to Hampton, a 2nd year apprentice in Savannah who is the 2022 recipient of a $1,000 IAEI Scholarship. On Tuesday October 11th Hampton was honored at the IAEI Southern Section meeting.
Who is Hampton? He is a BC Cadet graduating from the all-boys Catholic, Benedictine Military School in Savannah, GA. After graduation he entered the electrical field for a couple of years and then started at Coastal Electric in August of 21. At Coastal, Hampton would shine in the IEC apprenticeship program with his commitment to excel in class as well as in the field. In August of 2022, only 1 year after joining the Coastal Electric team, he received an opportunity to become a mechanic and expectations were once again exceeded. Hampton’s punctuality, professionalism is stellar in conjunction with his patriotism, as he currently serves our country with the 165th Georgia Air National Guard!
Excellent job Hampton Rushing, and congratulations to Coastal Electric of Georgia for recognizing the talent in Rushing Hampton and investing in him!
By: Marie Thornton, Membership and Marketing Coordinator, IEC Atlanta, GA Chapters
IEC Atlanta held its annual Sporting Clay Shoot on Friday, December 9th at the newly renovated Cherokee Rose Gun Club in Griffin, Georgia. With 14 teams and nearly 60 shooters, the clay shoot targeted a great networking experience!
Registration and warm ups started at 9am and the tournament began at 10am. The competition, lunch and prizes made for an excellent IEC event. Here’s who came out on top!
Congratulation to 1st place winner’s team 9, Latham Moss (85), Chris Webb (88), Travis Kellum (92) and Mo
lly Moss (85) with a total 350 points. 2nd place went to team 7, Joey Miller (79), Justin Ray (90), Cody G
ooden (60) and Grant Belk (87) with 316 points. 3rd place winners were team 2, Darren Lodge (75), Tim Cox (79), Sonny Bonner (74) and Blake Landrum (79) with 307 points. Las
tly, 4th place went to team 10, Eugene Smiley (90), Avery Vasily (57), Paul Darden (70) and Steve Hooks (88) with a total 305.
A special award went to the
highest shooter, Jeff Brewer with a high score of 98! The final award went to the “Dead-Ass Last” shooter, Larry Lambert with a score of 29! We appreciate your effort, Larry!
Thank you to the overall event sponsor, Lighting Associates.
There was so much fun and connection. This was the event to attend and blow off daily stresses with great compan
y. If you missed it, make sure to join us in 2023!
Do You Know The Difference Between Electrical Certification and Electrical Licensing?
By: Niel Dawson, Executive Director, IEC Atlanta, GA Chapters
Certification and licensing are two terms that are misunderstood and used interchangeably in error. Adding to the confusion, there are different types of certifications and licenses, and they vary by state. Even within state licensing boards, there are inconsistencies from one trade to another.
First, a certification is generally given to someone who meets a set of criteria that is established by an accrediting organization or industry. These can be both for profit and non-profit organizations or government agencies. A license is generally issued by a government entity, such as a state or jurisdiction. A driver’s license is a good example of a license that is issued by a government entity. If you are licensed in one state and go to another, you may need to get licensed in another state.
Many times, a certification leads to licensing, such as in the electrical industry. The IEC provides an electrical apprenticeship program that leads to certification as a journeyperson by the US Department of Labor. A graduate of the program can then take this certification and apply to become licensed as an electrician in any of the 50 states. However, not all states require licensing to become an electrician; in fact, only about 50% of the states require licensing for electricians – more confusion!
In Georgia for example, there is no licensing for an electrician, only an electrical contractor. And there is no master electrician’s license in Georgia, though many people refer to it. In the plumbing trades, there is a master plumber, along with a licensed plumber and plumbing contractor.
The best advice for anyone wanting to enter the trades is to seek out a professional association like the IEC of the trade you are wanting to pursue. You can also search for the professional licensing board in your state.
On October 28th, IEC Atlanta’s annual Fall Golf Tournament was a blast at the Heritage Golf Links in Tucker, GA. Golf Digest magazine proclaims it to be one of the “Best New Golf Courses in America!” It was such a great experience; many members will agree.
The course lay host to our 23 teams and almost attendees. It was the perfect opportunity for IEC contractors, partner members and guest to connect, and have a little fun competition. When IEC hosts a golf tournament, it is always a recipe for good times and winners!
Congratulations to the winning teams!
1st Place- Team Tower Sales, Inc. – John Gurniewicz, Andy Wendel, and Drew Wendel (52)
2nd Place- Team Southwire- Andy Smith, Josh Masters, Kirk Alexander, and Jason Crew (54)
3rd Place- Team Graybar-Spence Warren, Raylen Cowart, and Grant Myers (57)
4th Place- Team Lighting Associates- Chad Kahn, John Hand, Tyler Gilbert and Gary Samuelson (57)
Additional winners:
Longest Drive- Drew Wendel
Closest to the pin- Jasen Armstrong
Thanks to the organizations that support IEC events and help to make each one a special experience. A huge thanks goes out to Tournament Sponsors, Legrand and Putzel. Longest Drive sponsored by GEA Integral Solutions and Closest to the Pin sponsored by Graybar. Drinks were on Southwire as the Drink Ticket Sponsor. There were over 50 hole sponsors, and goodie bags and prize doners! See full list of all golf tournament sponsors here.
IEC is excited to bring the industry together and we look forward to seeing you at the Clay Shoot on November 11th for more networking! You can click here to register for the Clay Shoot.
