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 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
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.
5 Year Membership Award!
Steve Askea, Ask Kay Electric, 20 Year Membership Award
Ozburn Electrical, 30 Year Membership Award
Kristen Williams, Penco Electric, 35 Years Membership Awards
Metropower, 40 Year Membership Award
Pete Frey, A4, Inc. Industry Award
Chris Caiaccio, Kilpatrick Townsend, Specialty Partner of the Year
Darren Lodge, Excel Electrical Technologies, Contractor of the Year
Tom LeMay, Presidents Award
Jimmy Nall, Mayer Electric, Distributor of the Year
Brennen Sowell, Milwaukee, Manufacturer of the Year
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!
First Place winners, Larry McKinney of Lighting Associates, John Waldrop, Phil Huckaby and Bruce McCart of Titan Electric.
Highest Shooter, John Rinehart with a score of 91
2nd Place, Latham Moss, Chris Webb, Travis Kellum and Kyle Martin of Electrical Services Unlimited
3rd Place, Zac Melton, Gene Smiley, John Owen and Paul Darden (not pictured)
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.
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…
First Place Winners, Brian Marbut, Bryan Pike, Fletcher Vanyo and Tim Cox
2nd Place Winners, Bret Brown, Chad Kahn, Jarrett Morales and Robby Brown
3rd Place Winners, Bryan Lockette, Colter Albritton, Ryan Murphy and Tom Kobe
4th Place Winners, Allen Hooper, Greg Queen, Steve Henry and Tim Wilson
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.
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!
Ready for the Winners!
Prizes
Heading out to the course
First Place Winners! Blake Phillips, Tony Davis, Stephen Lebel and Jason Albritton
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!
3rd Year- Feliz Rodrigues, Perfect Attendance and Academic Achievement
3rd Year Perfect Attendance L- James Williams 2nd yr PA, Navid Heshmat 2nd yr PA, Cody Oliver 2nd yr PA, Collin Burnette 2nd yr PA, Ara Major 2nd Yr PA
Christiaan Boll 2nd Year PA
Taylor Mazarky 1st Year PA
2nd Academic Achievement
Theodore Whitaker 1st Year Academic Achievement
Christiaan Boil 2nd Year PA, Rafael Marcano 2nd Yr PA, Brayden Digsby 2nd yr PA
2nd Year Perfect Attendance
Timothy Martin 3rd yr Academic Achievement
Left Elijah Salim PEP 1 PA, Jamail Biscaino PEP 1 PA, John Dickerson Acacemic Achievement, Virilia Mendoza PEP 1 PA
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.
