IEC Atlanta/GA Hosts Industrial Motor Controls Competition at SkillsUSA
By:Hance Joiner, IEC Georgia Workforce Recruiter
On February 20-22, high school students and post secondary students showcased their skills across multiple disciplines and industries like construction, health science, and leadership. For more than 25 years, the IEC hosted the Industrial Motor Controls competition, putting students’ wiring and conduit bending skills to the test.
IEC staff spoke with middle school students, high school students, post secondary students, instructors, parents, and administrators. We had the opportunity to create new partnerships, while reinforcing existing ones. Staff and instructors also led hands on activities where participants learned how to wire up single pull, 3-way, and 4-way switches, carrying on the IEC’s mission to train and educate the next generation of electricians. See pictures from this event below.
By: Niel Dawson, IEC Atlanta/GA Executive Director
In late January, a delegation of 15 IEC Atlanta & Georgia members headed to San Antonio for IEC’s annual Business Summit, where they joined over 270 other members nationwide. The summit included committee meetings, the election of national officers, plenty of training, and a few social events.
Members took advantage of some of the training, including the Use of AI in Construction, Innovative Workforce Solutions, Cyber Security Issues, Top Ten HR Issues, NEC Code Updates, and much more.
IEC’s Niel Dawson, Hance Joiner, Linda Smith, and Alex Stewart presented “Innovative Workforce Solutions” to a packed crowd of over 70 attendees (picture attached). Additionally, both Atlanta and Georgia Chapters were awarded the “Membership Growth Award” with membership growth of over 5% for each chapter.
The next IEC National event is the Apprentice of the Year Competition in Colorado Springs, where our Atlanta Apprentice of the Year, Jesse Bevins, with Georgia Central, will compete with over 30 other apprentices.
The IEC Power Show will be on April 8th at the Jim Miller Park, where our 2025 Apprentice of the Year will take place. Register now to attend and enjoy over 50 exhibitors and great BBQ, all for free!
IEC Training Creates ROI, Worker Retention and Customer Satisfaction
By: Todd Hawkins, VP of Education and Membership Development
IEC Training is good for your company, customers and employees. According to SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) training/ learning and development, 66% of 18–24-year-old employees see job training as one of the most important benefits offered by your company. Employee retention and new employee attraction are top reasons to train your current employee because employees are 67% more likely to recommend working at your company when they feel valued and productive.
Return on Investment – Many contractors ask what is the return on investment when training my employees? One way to answer that question is to ask, is the cost of training current employees less than the cost of hiring new employees? If the answer is yes then your ROI is good. There are even more important reasons to train your employees. Improving the skills, knowledge and understanding of your employees leads to improved customer satisfaction and less rework.
When considering training for your company you may want to ask employees, supervisors and managers what type of training would be most effective for them. The goal of training is to identify staff weaknesses and focus your training efforts on improving those weak skills. Look for skills that improve productivity, reduce installation errors and improves communication. A good way to evaluate the results of your training options is to measure the new skills acquired and how your employee is applying those new skills to completing their job. After all, you want to see results in performance that are observable and measurable.
IEC Atlanta & Georgia Chapters wants to be an integral part of training your employees. Choose one or more of our great training classes or Contact Todd Hawkins, VP Education and Membership Development with your requests for personalized training so we can develop and or find the training that helps your company succeed.
Pre-Apprenticeship Program – Helps new workers gain skills quickly. IEC Pre-Apprenticeship Certified applicants require less time to get to productivity – March 3 – March 26, Includes OSHA 10 and CPR First Aid Cards
Code by Article – Helps improve Code Knowledge – Tuesdays, Feb – April
Master Class in Prospecting for Federal Dollars – Prepare and Pursue Government Contracts – Feb 26
Macon Lunch and Learn – Code Changes for 2023 – Feb 28
Augusta Lunch and Learn – Code Changes for 2023 – March 7
DOT Approved EV Charging Course – March 11 – March 20
Mastering Financials for Foremen – Boost Profits and Job Performance – March 11
Essential Estimating Skills – Include all costs and boost profits when estimating – March 14 – March 16
Review NEC Articles in Kennesaw GA – A Code Review of Selected NEC 2023 Articles – April 14 – May 12
Foundations of Project Management – Practical Electrical Project Management Course – April 23-25
By: Marie Thornton, IEC Atlanta/GA Membership and Marketing Coordinator
IEC Atlanta and Georgia Chapters hosted its annual Christmas party at Maggiano’s Cumberland on Friday, December 6th from 11:00am to 2:00pm. This festive event catered to 170 attendees which included contractor members, partner members and guests. The annual Christmas party provides an opportunity to share the associations accomplishments and to thank its members who have helped IEC’s success along the way.
Thank you to our 2024 Board of Directors, and the 2025 – 26 Board of Directors were sworn in.
Darren Lodge, President Nick Young, Vice-President Greg Holloway, Secretary/Treasurer Jimmy Nall-VP of Partners Steve Askea, Past President Directors: Charlie Brooks John Flynn Lem Mathis BJ Thomas Mahsa Poorak
It’s IEC Atlanta’s 59th year and there have been some amazing accomplishments along the way. To show its appreciation, IEC has special awards that represent the recipient’s contribution.
Congratulations to the following;
Lifetime Achievement Award- Steve Askea, Ask Kay Electric
Industry Award- Derrick Jones
President’s Award- Mahsa Poorak, Southern Electric Company
Manufacturer Partner of the Year- John Flynn, Hubbell Wiring Solutions
Distributor of the Year- Colter Albritton, Mayer Electric
Specialty Partner f the Year- Chris Caiaccio, Kilpatrick, Townsend
Contractor of the Year- Charlie Brooks of Capital City Electrical Services
Our members make us who we are. It is only right that we honor those who are with us for the long run. We acknowledge 22 of 192 contractors who have been members for 5, 10, 20, 30 and 35 years as of 2024.
Those onsite to receive their awards are;
10 Year – Sole Source Electrical Contractors – Keith Haskell & John Morgan 30 Year – Craft Electric & Maintenance – Justin Mercer 35 Year – Georgia Specialty Constructors – Zach Melton & Amanda Strong
The afternoon wrapped up with a vigorous bidding game of Paddle Raffle with Tom LeMay as auctioneer awarding prizes to many in attendance. A final game of Heads or Tails determined the winner of the highly sought after 70 in television. It was a fabulous time. Many were awarded, and all celebrated. Thanks to the Overall Event Sponsor Federated Insurance. Your support is greatly appreciated. Additional thank you’s go out to 35 sponsors. See full list of sponsors here. See additional pictures from this event below.
National Apprenticeship Week Provides Opportunity to Celebrate the Future of IEC and the Electrical Industry
By: Marie Thornton, IEC Atlanta/GA Membership and Marketing Coordinator
IEC Atlanta and Georgia chapters participated in the 2024 National Apprenticeship Week, November 17th to the 23rd. Annually employers, industry representatives, labor organizations and more celebrate industry apprentices. IEC Atlanta and Georgia chapters joined in to let their apprentices know how valuable they are.
IEC apprentices were greeted with a welcoming banner hanging outside the building stating “We love our apprentices!” Fresh popcorn was popped for all apprentices at the main Winters Chapel location, and the satellite locations had their snacks sent to them. See highlight here. Weeks previously a TikTok contest was executed and participants submitted their videos showing how they get ready for the job site. The winner was awarded a $100 gift card from Home Depot. You can find his creative work on IEC’s TikTok page, @IECAtlGa. It was a pleasant surprise for the students.
In addition to treats and TikTok fun, dependable and high achieving apprentices were presented with perfect attendance and academic achievement certificates. National Apprenticeship Week is the perfect time to let the hard-working apprentices know that we see them.
Finally, IEC partner member Milwaukee Tool paid apprentices a visit with and informative presentation on the latest industry tools and then gifted them with Milwaukee sharpie pens. You can never have too many supplies when you are working toward your electrical career.
On the administrative side, Lana Frye, IEC’s Training Manager, participated in the 3rd Annual National Apprenticeship Week Apprenticeship Excellence Event. She was joined by IEC Georgia contractor Caroline Ireland of Ireland Electric Corp. for an engaging apprenticeship discussion. Ms. Ireland shared her experience as a 3rd generation contractor having actually gone through apprenticeship and how she has benefited from it. The event explored registered apprenticeship, the Department of Labor resources and the protections available. Information that allows IEC to better serve its apprentices.
National Apprenticeship Week is the opportunity IEC Atlanta and Chapters use to make a big deal out of the future of the electrical industry. We are getting them ready with support, resources and guidance to be skilled professional electrical workers. None of these matters if you do not have the willing apprentices ready to take the steps to prepare for the industry. IEC Atlanta and Georgia Chapters appreciates its apprentices! Happy 2024 National Apprenticeship Week!
Members are Focused During the 2024 Annual IEC Sporting Clay Shoot
By: Marie Thornton, IEC Atlanta/GA Membership and Marketing Coordinator
On Friday, November 15th IEC Atlanta hosted its annual Sporting Clay Shoot at Garland Mountain in Waleska, GA. Garland Mountain is beautifully recently renovated and served as a perfect backdrop for one of IEC’s classic networking events. 18 teams consisting of members and guests had the opportunity to focus and go for their goal!
The day was beautiful and participants enjoyed a continental breakfast, lunch, beverages and prizes. Thanks to our overall sponsor Lighting Associations for supporting a spectacular Clay Shoot. You make these events amazing.
Congratulations to some really focused shooters hitting the mark and heading home with prizes!
First Place- Team ESU with Latham Moss, Chris Webb, Travis Kellum and Kyle Martin scoring 278
Second Place- Team Eckhart with Mike Drummond, Larry McKinney, Russell Shell and Scott Dukinski scoring 271
Third Place- Team Atlantic Workforce with Justin Ray, David Harden, Kirk Ellis and Joey Miller scoring 262
High Shooter goes to Kyle Martin of team ESU scoring 88!
A.L. Shooter was Chris Britton of team Infinity. Literally giving his best shot scoring 14!
See pictures of the winners and those who came out to join us below. Additional thank you to the Station Sponsors;
Station Sponsors: ABB Installation Products, Acuity Brands, Atlantic Workforce, BenSource, CED, Commercial Truck & Van, Duvall Agency, Elliott Electric Supply, EMT Electrical Service, Federated Insurance, GEA Integral Solutions, Harbin Insurance, Home Depot, Kojo Technologies, Lade Electric, Legrand, Lighting Associates, Smart Lighting Solutions, Southern Lighting Source, Southwire, WESCO, and World Electric. It was great having you along!
A special thanks to Excel Electrical Technologies for providing the ammo bag, Milwaukee for the warm-up Sponsor and Hubbell for the Drink Sponsor.
Thank you to everyone who came out to the annual sporting clay shoot and we look forward to seeing you next year.
2024 IEC Atlanta Golf Tournament Connects Over 100 Attendees
By: Marie Thornton, IEC Atlanta/GA Membership and Marketing Coordinator
On November 1st IEC Atlanta hosted its 2024 Golf Tournament. The event was a success with 27 teams and over 108 golfers. This competitive networking opportunity connected and challenged IEC contractors, partners and guests. The morning started with a continental breakfast to fuel participants and then on to the greens. While on the course, golfers were greeted by 12 different hole sponsors who handed out beverages, snacks prizes and good times. After teeing off and making rounds through each hole, the day concluded with lunch and awards to the top players.
Let’s congratulate the tournament winners;
1st place- Team McGriff with Kenan Knight, Franco Castro, Blake Cone and John Thomson
2nd place- Team Milwaukee with Kyle Buis, Kolby Dudek, Eric Wilson and Parker Thelen
3rd place- Team SESCO with Luke Koda, Charles Tipton, Wes Donnelly, and Fletcher Vanyo
Congratulations to special awards winners;
Closest to the Pin winner Fletcher Vanyo
Longest Drive winner Kolby Dudek
Thanks to the following tournament sponsors for supporting the 2024 IEC Atlanta Chapter Golf Tournament. Tournament sponsors, Proforce, Legrand, B&S Electric Supply, Milwaukee, SESCO Lighting and Smart Lighting Solutions, you made this event happen. A total of 59 hole sponsors were also scattered throughout the course. A special thanks to the following sponsors; Drink Cart sponsors On-Site Electrical and Critical Components; Food sponsor, Metropower and also a big thanks to Milwaukee for balls for the golfers and Legrand for goodie bag items.
You can find pictures from the golf tournament below. If you missed it, the 2024 Clay Shoot is November 15th and we hope to see you there.
By: Todd Hawkins VP of Training and Membership Development and Marie Thornton, Membership and Marketing Coordinator
Have you considered the cost of training company Foremen? More importantly, have you considered the cost of NOT training company Foremen. The inherent cost of time, money and productivity impact your customer relationships, employee performance and the productivity of your electrical installation team. Invest in your workers, or not, either way you pay. Loss of time, money and productivity while you figure it out, or the gain of time, money and productivity as you intentionally prepare your Foreman to make the best decisions for your business. IEC’s Foreman Training, “The Art of Creating Superior Field Leaders” accomplishes just that.
Let’s take a look at this key managerial position in electrical contracting. It is imperative that your Foremen have the ability to listen to customers and problem solve. When an organization communicates with their customer, documents work flow, reporting, safety and material management, it delivers a valued, trusted and consistent service. For the company, the task of perfected job planning leads to an inspired and motivated team which in turn leads to higher job satisfaction for employees through reduced errors and rework.
It’s time to consider your costs. Your investment in training your leadership team develops the skills that inspire improved job performance, dedication and the ability to resolve conflict on the job site. Or not should you choose not to train. The cost you decide to pay is yours. Register your foremen to attend the upcoming Foremen Training courses starting in Savannah on November 11th, or Atlanta, starting November 14th and train your Foremen to lead your company to success.
IEC FALL Events Coming Up! “FALL” Events are in the Air!
Marie Thornton, Membership and Marketing Coordinator
Get ready to learn, lunch and network with IEC. IEC has a lot to offer you this Fall. Our Georgia luncheons are happening with information on growing your business with expert guidance. Are you ready to achieve strategic growth? The upcoming sessions are in Columbus on October 11th, Savannah on October 25th and in Augusta on November 8th. If you are up for a game of golf, you can join us for the Atlanta Fall Golf Tournament at the City Club Marietta golf course on November 1st. Register and tee off with other IEC contractors. In addition to Lunch, Business Strategies and Golf, IEC has a lot more in store for you this Fall. See classes and events listed below, and we look forward to a productive season! Columbus Lunch and LearnOctober 11th Savannah Lunch and LearnOctober 25th
IEC’s “Foundations of Project Management for the Electrical Trade” Equips Your Leaders
Todd Hawkins, VP Education & Membership Development & Marie Thornton, Membership and Marketing Coordinator
From Wednesday, September 25th to Friday, September 27th, IEC held it’s “Foundations of Project Management for the Electrical Trade” course. This course was developed by IEC National and is 24 hours of detailed duties and functions of project management.
Attendees were immersed in project acquisition and initiation, planning, execution, close-out and more. A popular topic involving the “Bucket” proved to be extra engaging and beneficial to a majority of the attendees. How to stop the bucket from leaking profits, productivity and non-productive time? Brian Brinkman of Tutor Electric demonstrated many of the challenges that a PM faces on a daily basis, and provided group exercises, discussion and examples on how to begin resolving the leaks. This course provided some great information.
Project Manager, Nykeba Walker of Wiring Solutions shared that her experience during the course was great. She goes on to say, “The instructor was great and I left the course with an increased confidence!” IEC understands that a confident project manager is a strong project manager!
Additional comments from some other attendees were, “Solid Class, will be registering for other classes offered by IEC”, “The instructor was awesome … able to explain everything to help understand the process”, and “Yes this course really opened my eyes to what is expected of a Project Manager and what it entails to be a confident and effective project manager”. 25 attendees have leveled up their project management skills and are ready to apply them on the jobsite.
Overall, attendees said they would use their new skills to drive profit, profitability and leadership in their jobs. Your team will benefit from this IEC management training, and you are in luck because it will be returning April 23rd to the 25th, 2025. Watch the calendar and make sure to sign up early for the next “Foundations of Project Management for the Electrical Trade.” Give your leadership the confidence, skills and tools to succeed with IEC!
