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IEC Skills Based Installer Program Puts New Workers to Work Faster!

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IEC Skills Based Installer Program Puts New Workers to Work Faster!

Close up shot of hand of aged electrician repairman in uniform working, fixing, installing ethernet cable in fuse box, holding flashlight and cable. Selective focus on hand and cable. Horizontal shot

Congratulations to IEC April IEC Skills Based Installer attendees, Corbin Thompson, Marlon Eason, who were hired by Tom Young of Penco, and Valentine Aza, who was hired by Mark Good of Good Electric!  These are just 3 of IEC’s Installer participants who are now employed with an IEC contractor. 

These now newly employed electrical workers also happen to be recipients of IEC’s GIFT Scholarship.  They each received a portion of the Installer program fees paid on their behalf.  Being new to the industry, you could say that the Installer program bridges the beginner gap and gives contractors extra reasons to give the new worker an opportunity with a company.  Reasons include that these workers show up on site skilled in hand and power tool usage, they know their numbers, measure accurately and are prepared day one to bend pipe, prep wire, install cable and more!  Who wouldn’t want these professionally prepared workers on their jobsite?

The Installer program is proving to be the answer to some of our contractors looking to build an experienced workforce. 

The next session begins on May 3rd running on Mondays and Wednesdays until May 26th from 5:00pm to 9:00pm.  This is a perfect opportunity for contractors with new workers needing to learn their way around and maintain productivity, or for the new person looking to enter the electrical field.  The Skills Based Installer Program is where you start.  Click here to register for May session now! 

Contact Sylvia Velez for information on upcoming June sessions.  She can be emailed at sylvia.velez@iecatlantaga.org.

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2021 IEC Fishing Tournament Offers $3,000 in Cash Prizes

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2021 IEC Fishing Tournament Offers $3,000 in Cash Prizes

IEC Atlanta hosted its 2021 IEC/ABC Fishing tournament, Saturday, April 17th at Lawrence Shoals Recreation Area in Eatonton, GA.  There were 23 teams setting out for a morning of healthy competition and networking.  This was a great opportunity to connect out in the fresh air.

We would like to congratulate the winners of the annual fishing tournament;

  • 1st place Anthony Moore and Tommy Cowart of Thunderbolt Electric with a catch of 14.25 lbs, winning $1,200 in cash prize.
  • 2nd place Michael Thornton of Gexpro and Rick Morris of Rexel with a catch of 11.03lbs, winning $700 in cash prize.
  • 3rd place Rick Smith and Steve Dobbs of JSR Heating and Cooling with a catch of 10.53lbs, winning $400 in cash prize.
  • 4th place Daniel Cook of J&S Electrical & Lighting Supply and Justin Chambers of Lin Rogers Electric with a catch of 10.28lbs, winning  $150 in cash prize.
  • Congratulations to Big Fish winner Travis Worn of Pat Murphy Electric with the biggest catch of 3.03lbs, winning $550 in cash prize.

Everyone worked hard and did a fantastic job!  See pictures from this event below.

Thank you to our sponsors for your support in making IEC events memorable.  Special thanks to IEC Platinum sponsors, Atlanta Electrical Distributors, Titan Electric of Georgia and Lade Danlar!  Gold sponsors, ESSE Energy Systems Southeast and Lighting Associates, Inc.  Silver sponsors, Mayer Supply and Smart Lighting Solutions.  See full sponsor list here.

IEC looks forward to creating opportunities to network with the electrical industry.  Being connected is a key quality to IEC’s success, and we are honored to host various events to achieve this goal.  Thank you to all who participated and we look forwarded to seeing you at the next event!

Upcoming IEC events can be found at IECAtlantaga.org/ Events. 

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IEC ED Niel Dawson Update – March 5th

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IEC ED Niel Dawson Update – March 5th

New Workforce Initiatives
With the economy still going strong, IEC is committed to evolving our services to meet the needs of the membership.  I’ve always said that workforce was the number one issue pre-COVID, it’s the number one issue during COVID, and will be the number one issue post-COVID. 

We have some exciting announcements and initiatives that we are rolling out, including our new Basic Skills Installer program, and are realigning staff and resources to more directly address finding new workers.  We just completed the first 32 hour installer program with 13 people in February and now have another full class that will complete the training and be ready for hire at the March 30 job fair (register here) we are holding.  We are now enrolling new workers in the April class. 
More info.

 
COVID Data Tracker- COVID-19 Vaccinations in the United States
Overall US COVID-19 Vaccine | Deliveries and Administration; Maps, charts, and data provided by the CDC, updated daily by 8 pm ET  Click Here
 
IEC Atlanta/Georgia is determining if there is enough interest from the membership to offer low voltage installer training.  Please take our short 2 minute Low Voltage Training Survey.
 
What’s Slowing Down the Vaccine Rollout Where You Live?
vaccinedistr_1841011.jpgMore than two months after the first COVID-19 vaccine was approved in the U.S. and healthcare workers began getting shots, only around 14% of the population has gotten at least one dose. At the current rate of around 1.5 million jabs per day, it will take until next February for 90% of Americans to be vaccinated. 
More info.
 
 
New Easy Apprentice Enrollment …Coming June 2021
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This new enrollment program gives IEC contractors complete control of the apprentice enrollment process.  This is streamlined for your convenience and time! 
 
Watch for more information soon!
 
 
 
 
 
Trained and Ready to Work!

PowerDrillTraining_1840672.jpgIEC completed its first group of skill based training program for workers and applicants.  The February session ended February 24th with 13 individuals trained and knowledgeable in tool identification and usage, pipe bending, wire pulling, 3 way switching installation and more. 

We currently have 11 individuals in the program that are available for hire when they complete the program March 24th.  You can interview them at our job fair on March 30th.  Click here for registration. 

The Skills Based Installer Program is only one of IEC’s answers to the contractor’s need for experienced workers.  IEC is actively recruiting experienced workers from the small workforce pool in the electrical industry.  IEC contractors can enroll new workers in this monthly program and have them ready to be productive on the jobsite!  Click to Enroll.  The next session begins April 12th!    Click here and see what they learn.  

 
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Career Fairs 
VirtualFeb2021_1801533.jpgIEC Contractors you can either interview candidates from your laptop for Savannah interview sessions or sign up for Atlanta Inp-person interview sessions at the Atlanta Training Facility.  IEC’s Workforce Development Coordinator is organizing and preparing candidates for your needed workforce.  Sign up, Log in and interview! 

Savannah– (Virtual) March 11th, 11am – 12:30pm Register here.

Atlanta Career Fair- (Onsite) March 30th, 11:30am – 2:00pm 
Register here.
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.  Delast has also organized mock interviews and resume building workshops to better prepare candidates to meet with contractors.   Reach out to her at delast.muhammad@iecatlantaga.org to schedule your interview sessions.


SAFETY

Toolbox Talks- Law and Conditions Dictate Top Speed

 
IEC Government Affairs
Action Alert
Help Defeat Radical Labor Legislation
Congressional Democrats will be considering the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act on the House floor next week (the week of March 8), completely bypassing the committee process. The PRO Act would completely overhaul our country’s labor laws at the expense of employers and employees. The legislation is a virtual ‘wish list’ of organized labor. Among the radical policies included in the bill are:
    Elimination of the Secret Ballot in union elections by implementing ‘Card Check’; More info.
 
Georgia House Passes Omnibus Election Reform Bill
Georgia’s House of Representatives passed an omnibus bill that would reform a range of election rules, including over absentee voting, voter ID for absentee voting, time limits for voting, and more.

The 66-page bill, HB 531 (pdf) passed the Republican majority chamber on a party line vote of 97-72 and is headed to the state Senate for further debate.  More info.

 
IEC National Webinar: Practical Guide to Union Organizing in 2021
March 11th,2021 11:00am- 12:00pm
An overtly pro-union administration and Congress not only means an increase in the number of policies aimed at bolstering big labor, it also means emboldening unions to ramp up their organizing efforts. Don’t let your operation fall victim to the union’s efforts to upend your business. Hear about your rights and the steps you should take to remain union-free.  Register to attend.
 
 
INDUSTRY
Not to worry, Georgia is one of 31 states who are not taxing the income on the PPP loan.  See full list here.
 
Webinar: Visual Controls Design Software Overview, March 11th, 12pm
Acuity Brands
Interested in learning how to confidently design lighting controls systems? Join Acuity Brands for a one-hour webinar to learn more about Visual Controls a comprehensive software tool developed for industry professionals to easily create lighting controls designs. Register here.
 
Video – How to Achieve True Sustainability In Lighting Renovations
Sustainability has grown to be a major focus within the lighting industry, which influences the mission statements and purchasing decisions of many businesses. Hear some of the factors that not all buyers recognize when they decide to pursue sustainability in lighting renovations. Watch this 15-minute video now to learn more!

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2021 IEC Atlanta Board of Directors Sworn In

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2020 Year In Review from Executive Director Niel Dawson

IEC 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 year review text on a napkin with a cup of coffee, end of year business concept

2020 Year In Review

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2020 Year In Review from Executive Director Niel Dawson

2020 year review text on a napkin with a cup of coffee, end of year business concept

As 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.

Additionally, we hosted a fishing tournament, two golf tournaments (over 200 players), graduation with 200 guests, a clay shoot for 60 and Christmas party for 100 members. A highlight at our August luncheon was guest speaker Senator Kelly Loeffler who also toured our training center.

Earlier in the year we were able to get a bill passed that allows contractors to sue a customer for lack of payment when you miss the filling date for your lien rights. The courts had ruled earlier that if you missed filing for you lien rights you could not sue for lack of payment.

Supporting our members though COVID became a top priority, and we did the following:

  • Provided 10 Zoom webinars on safety, PPP, PPE, HR, supply chain and OSHA
  •  Issued weekly COVID updates and advisories
  •  Sent free masks, hand sanitizers and gloves to members
  •  Provided a COVID resource page on the IEC website
  •  Offered online and live interview sessions
  •  Provided pre-recorded & live online CEU classes
  •  Distributed safety protocols for the membership to follow

In March all of our classes went online. Then our Georgia apprenticeship classes started back fully in person in July while our Atlanta apprentices started back using a hybrid approach. Then in November,
we added 3,500 square feet of classroom space in Atlanta and all classes returned to in person training.

Now with over 700 apprentices in training in four locations, as well as online, are adding a Program Quality Coordinator to assure that the quality of training in the apprenticeship program continues to
improve. If you know of someone who may be interested in this position, please contact todd.hawkins@iecatlantaga.org.

Finally, I am proud and thankful for the IEC staff and our 31 instructors who have continued to adapt, come to work for the membership and pursue excellence through this challenging year. It is also great to see this acknowledged by receiving the 2020 National IEC Chapter of the Year Award, as well as the Chapter Growth Award for both Atlanta and Georgia Chapters.

We look forward to a fantastic 2021 and wish all of our members a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  Download our 2021CalendarEvents-Combined

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Awards and Good Cheer At IEC’S 2020 Christmas Party and Awards Celebration

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Awards and Good Cheer At IEC’S 2020 Christmas Party and Awards Celebration

IEC 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;

  • 5-Year Membership – D&L Electric, Electrical Communications, Electrical Contracting Services, GL West Electric, J.D. Gaddis Electrical Contractors, North Cobb Electrical Services, Rogers Electric and Schebler
  • 10 Year Membership- Donnelly Electrical Services
  • 15 Years Membership- ATS Electrical Enterprises, Phillips Electrical Technologies
  • 20 Years Membership- Ask Kay Electrical Contractors, EWM Electric, Fife Electric
  • 25 Years Membership- Gaines Electric Company
  • 30 Years Membership-Ace Electric, Ozburn Electrical Contractors
  • 35 Years Membership- Penco Electrical Contractors
  • 40 Years Membership- Metropower
  • 45 Years Membership- Henderson Electric Company

Partner and Contractor members are awarded based on their commitment and impact to the electrical industry and IEC.  Congratulations to the 2020 IEC award winners.  Members awarded are as follows;

  • Industry Award- Pete and Pam Frey of A4, Inc.
  • Manufacturer of the Year- Brennen Sowell, Milwaukee
  • Distributor of the Year- Jimmy Nall, Mayer Electric Supply
  • Specialty Partner of the Year- Chris Caiaccio of Kilpatrick Townsend
  • President’s Award- Tom LeMay of Metropower
  • Contractor of the Year- Darren Lodge of Excel Electrical Technologies

The new 2021 Board was sworn in and retiring board members Chad Brooks and Tom LeMay were acknowledged to make room for new members.   Executive Director, Niel Dawson gave a year-end review of IEC Atlanta/ GA chapters.  It was a great event enjoyed by all in attendance!  Thank you to all the sponsors for helping to give 2020 a positive send-off!  Thank you to Overall Event Sponsor, Federated Insurance, Prize Sponsor Titan Electric of Georgia, Entertainment Sponsor, Excel Electrical Technologies, Drink Sponsors Bensource, Graybar Electric, Southwire, and Appetizer Sponsors AED, Burndy, Harmon Electric, Mayer Electric, Outsource, Smart Lighting Solutions and The Home Depot.    View pictures from this event below.

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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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