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Methods for Improving Retention

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Methods for Improving Retention
By: Hance Joiner, IEC Georgia Workforce Recruiter

Conceptual hand writing showing Higher Retention. Concept meaning ability of an organization to retain its employees Male human with beard wear formal working suit clothes hand

The recruiting, hiring, and on-boarding process is no cheap task. Improving your retention rate will lead to reduced hiring costs, and overall productivity for your company. With the challenges of the current workforce, we are increasingly focused on how we can better recruit talent, but that is not enough to alleviate these symptoms. We must also be focused on how we can keep the talent we bring in. How do we convince a new employee to continue working for us? Below are a few examples of policies, practices, and procedures that have helped companies improve retention:

  • Electrical training: Apprenticeship, Skills Based Installer Program, and CEUs
  • Leadership classes.
  • Ensuring your employees are engaged with the work they are doing. Do they understand their contributions on the job site?
  • Benefits: Insurance, 401k, PTO, sick days, etc.
  • Financial aid resources for employees. 
  • Practices and policies that produce and maintain a clear vision for career progression.
  • Exit interviews (identify any core issues employees are having).
  • Be explicit about any Hidden Rules on the jobsite with new employees.
  • Family Day
  • Emphasized awareness of work-life balance and how it affects your employees.

Improving retention is no easy task. Buy in must be generated at every level, starting with your leadership. With these policies, practices, and procedures in mind, I leave you with a few questions:

What can you and your leaders do to ensure that your employees are eager to come into work?

Do your employees feel recognized for their contributions to the company?

What specific practices are you and your leaders doing to improve your retention rate?

Each business will have their own way of improving retention, feel free to let me know what methods work out for you. If you would like to learn or discuss more about recruitment and retention, join your IEC recruiters and contractor members at our monthly Workforce Zoom meetings, the last Friday of each month.

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2023 Columbus Golf Tournament

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2023 Columbus Golf Tournament
 IEC Georgia Chapter hosted its Columbus Golf Tournament on June 16th at the Maple Ridge Golf Club in Columbus. There were 92 golfers and 10 tournament sponsors ready to golf rain or shine.

Congratulations to the tournament winners;

  • 1st place Team Brumfield Electrical scoring 55
    Dwayne Morris, Shannon Lott, Ricky Wilson, Randy McDonald
  • 2nd Place Team Fuller Fire & Safety scoring 55
    Cain Fuller, Matt Waller, Dan Kirkland, Phillip Psalmond
  • 3rd Place Team Interstate Electrical scoring 56
    Tracy Hurst, Justin Gordon, Brandon Summers, Taylor Simpson

The day was perfect, especially with the Sponsors adding in their extra touch throughout the event.  Thank you to Tournament Sponsors Metropower, SM Ellis Company, Smith Gray Electric, Interstate Electrical, NetPlanner Systems, MarshMcLennan Agency, Mayer Electric Supply, Jordan Electric Company and Lowe Electric Supply.  Net Planner was onsite with brats, dogs and beverages at their hole.  BenSource and SM Ellis both provided drinks and snacks, Lowe Supply offered biscuits, subs, drinks, t-shirts and hats, Legrand and Federated provided goodie bags and IEC finished it off with raffle prizes and fireball shots!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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2023 IEC Atlanta/GA Graduation

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2023 IEC Atlanta/GA Graduation

 IEC Atlanta/GA chapters celebrated its 2023 Electrical Apprenticeship and Professional Electricians Program graduates on Saturday, June 24th with inspiring words from the keynote speaker, Commissioner of Labor, Mr. Bruce Thompson at The Crowne Plaza Atlanta NE in Norcross.  Graduated a total of 145 apprentices, 95 were onsite to accept their certificates and were honored in person by IEC at this pivotal milestone in their careers.

 After the classroom instruction, on-the-job training and labs, each graduate has earned the title of being a capable and qualified IEC Electrician.  The morning was theirs, with nearly 500 in attendance, which included our graduates, contractors, partner members, family, friends and IEC staff members. IEC was proud to celebrate each and every graduate. 

The morning began with a welcome from IEC Atlanta Board President, Darren Lodge of Excel Electrical Technologies, live music from keyboard/vocalist Gwen Hughes, and a moving acapella Star-Spangled Banner by Program Quality Coordinator, John Dickerson. Top apprentices received awards and recognition for going above and beyond, and each apprentice had their moment as they crossed the graduating stage.

Congratulations to the following IEC Atlanta/GA Apprenticeship graduates;

Perfect Attendance 4 Year Apprenticeship Award Recipients

  • Keisteria Battle- Lin R. Rogers Electrical Contractors
  • Curtis Clawson- H.A. Sack Co. Inc. (Savannah)
  • David Davis- Columbus Power (Columbus)
  • Juan Fernandez- Fusion Electric Services, LLC.

Academic Achievement Awards- A Average

  • Jason Brown- Lin Rogers Electric
  • Jose Cabrera Jr.- Relco Electric Company
  • James Cenobio- Meer Electrical Contractors
  • Gordon Cox Jr.- Alternative Energy Southeast
  • Zachary Peneguy- Excel Electrical Technologies
  • Eduardo Rodriguez- Excel Electrical Technologies
  • Sahand Shakeri- Meer Electrical Contractors
  • Samuel Shaver- Electrical Contractor, Inc.
  • Theodore Whitaker- Crown Electric
  • Chelsea Williams- Pat Murphy Electric

Academic Excellence- Highest overall GPA

  • Travis Adams- Phillips Electrical Technologies, LLC.
  • Scott Thompson- Pat Murphy Electric, Inc.

Special congratulations to IEC Instructor, Jason Schmittou of North Cobb Electrical, on receiving the Mike Gunter Achievement Award.

Our 2023 IEC Atlanta Apprentice of the Year is Kevin J. Sosa of Wiring Solutions.  Kevin will be representing our chapter at the IEC National Spark Convention in Dallas, Texas in October, to compete in the National Apprentice of the Year Competition.

Congratulations to the graduating Class of 2023.  To those wondering if this is a possibility for you, Apprenticeship is open until July 13th for July classes start date.

To see more pictures from this event click here 

http://www.lorikayphotography.com/IECgraduation2023

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IEC Members, Guests and Golf in Savannah

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IEC Members, Guests and Golf in Savannah

IEC Georgia Chapter held its Seventh Annual Savannah Golf Tournament on May 19th at The Club at Savannah Harbor Westin golf course.  The course, which has been called an 18-hole masterpiece, was the perfect backdrop for IEC’s networking and golf experience.  85 golfers entailing IEC members, partners and guests were in for a beautiful, and competitive day.

With a tee off of 9am, by the end of the tournament, four winning teams prevailed.  Congratulations to the teams and golfers that came out on top!

  • 1st Place- Team South Way Crane, with Shan Crosby, Trey King, David Koneman and Lyn Leebern scoring a 59.
  • 2nd Place- Tied by team Eaton with Steven Huppe, Capers Martin, Trey Storm and Aaron Von Lehmden and team 5 with Charlie Burkett, Steven Crout, Tom Kobe and Tommy Rushing. Both teams scored 60.
  • 3rd Place- Team ACE with Kevin Cowart, Greg Ferrar, Dale Flyth and Cole Young scoring 62.
  • Closest to the Pin- Congratulations to Greg Farrer of Ace Electric.
  • Longest Drive- Congratulations to Trey Storm of Eaton.

Great work by all the golfers! 

IEC is honored to work closely with those who are invested to make IEC and IEC events a success.  A huge thank you goes to the Presenting Sponsor, Coastal Electric of Georgia and thanks to Tournament Sponsor Ardd & Winter.  Additional sponsorships include the following;

  • Drink Tickets Sponsor- Ace Electric/ CED/Legrand
  • Longest Drive- Coastal Electric of GA
  • Closest to the Pin- Energy Systems Southeast
  • Driving Range- CED/Legrand
  • Hole Sponsors- Ardd & Winter, BenSource, Capital Electric, Coastal Electric of GA, Eaton, SESCO Lighting, Southway Crane & Rigging, Yancey Brothers

Thank you for creating the environment to network and connect on and off the golf course!  Partnering with our sponsors create successful events and these events keep members engaged. 

Thanks to everyone participating and we hope to see you in Columbus on June 16th for the next Georgia golf tournament.  See pictures of winners and golfers here!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Indoor, Outdoor Power Displayed at IEC Atlanta’s 2023 Power Show

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Indoor, Outdoor Power Displayed at IEC Atlanta’s 2023 Power Show

– IEC held its annual Power Show at the Jim R. Miller Park and Convention Center on April 18th.  This year offered over 25,000 square feet of indoor vendors, outside display trucks, Barbecue, Apprentice of the Year competition, raffle prizes and everything electrical.

As anticipated, there were over 800 attendees and over 60 vendors on display with the latest tools, techniques and services in the industry.  A live auction was onsite with some pretty awesome items.  In fact the 2nd chance bidding is open now until April 28th at 5 pm.  Be sure to take a look and see if there is something in the auction just for you.  Click to bid here.  If you are interested in learning about what the electrical field has to offer, or if you are in business owner in operation mode in need of resources to help grow your business, the 2023 Power Show had it all.

Once again, we had a special experience for our contractor members, our VIP Experience gets early upfront time with vendors, lunch served before general attendees arrive, exclusive seating and an IEC Swag bag filled with special gifts.  If you are an IEC contractor that hasn’t had the VIP experience, you really want to RSVP to that invite for April 16, 2024 at Jim R. Miller Park!

IEC’s Apprentice of the Year competitors always take center stage to demonstrate what IEC instructors have taught them for the last 4 years.  It is always exciting to watch this competition as their skills determine who will represent the Atlanta chapter during the national competition in Dallas.  The winner will be announced during the 2023 graduation on June 24th at the Crowne Plaza Atlanta NE. 

Thank you to the vendors and sponsors for coming out, setting up and educating the attendees. Special thanks to our beverage/ bar sponsors Sesco Lighting, Milwaukee, B&S Electric Supply; bag sponsors Graybar and Elliott Electric Supply and Lanyards sponsored by WESCO.  To the grill masters who created the barbecue masterpiece, much thanks to Chad Brooks, Mike Sasser, Mike Disharoon and Justin Mercer!  Superb job on the grill.  We hope to see everyone next year at the April 16, 2024 Power Show!  See pictures from this event here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2023 IEC/ABC Fishing Tournament

2023 IEC/ABC Fishing Tournament

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2023 IEC/ABC Fishing Tournament

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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IEC All Women Construction Discussion Panel

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IEC All Women Construction Discussion Panel

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. 

 

 

 

 

 

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Solar is Here!

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Solar is Here!

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.

 

 

 

 

 

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Best-In-Class Sessions Move IEC Members to Next Level in 2023

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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. 

The next luncheon is March 7th, “Women In Construction Luncheon and Discussion Panel” , it would be great if you joined us for the next session.  See pictures from the Best In Class sessions below.

 

 

 

 

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IEC Atlanta Chapter Installs 2023 Board of Directors

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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 is excited to work with you!

 

 

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