Menu

#Coronavirus

AdobeStock_coronavirus

IEC ED Niel Dawson Update – May 15th

,

 IEC ED Niel Dawson Update – May 15th                                                  

One of my favorite authors, James Clear recently posted, “The more control you have over your attention, the more control you have over your future.”  This is now more true than ever, with all the attention, fear-based news that is constantly served up to us.  And Albert Gray, a life insurance executive, goes on to say that “Every single qualification for success is acquired through habit. People form habits and habits form futures.  If you do not deliberately form good habits, then unconsciously you will form bad ones.  You are the kind of person you are because you have formed the habit of being that kind of person, and the only way you can change is through habit.”  So if we are constantly focusing our attention on fear-based news, that habit will form into more fear, instead of looking for solutions.  Let’s focus our attention on solutions so that our future will be filed with results that benefit not only ourselves, but the people we come in contact with both personally and professionally.  Tell us how we can help you with solutions to your business issues – we’re here to help!
Niel and the entire IEC Team
 
Need to Hire, Loan, Borrow Workers?  Complete the WORKFORCE NEEDS FORM and return to Julie.gunter@iecatlantaga.org
 
SURVEY RESULTS ARE IN!
IEC Members across the country responded to a recent survey, with relatively positive results – see the details
To help with future data, please take the short 5 question survey here.
 

PPE SUPPLIES
IEC has a limited supply of hand sanitizer (2oz bottles) and vinyl gloves (medium and large) for the membership free of charge.  Let us know if you need either and we’ll get them shipped out to you. Contact Sylvia Velez at sylvia.velez@iecatlantaga.org
If you need masks (N95, surgical or cloth) or large quantities of hand sanitizer contact IEC Partner Member Better Safe Now – use this link and get your IEC 10%!
 
 
IEC CELEBRATES NATIONAL SAFETY MONTH
 
8 Ways CV19 is Changing Construction (the new norm)
In the span of two months, the coronavirus crisis has demanded sweeping changes from the U.S. construction industry, and experts say many of them will remain in place even after the outbreak recedes. (read full article)
1) Jobsites will be cleaner and safer
2) Distancing will be the norm, via technology
3) Projects will take longer
4) Telework will become more common
5) Union influence will grow – watch out for this one!
6) Demand for project types will change
7) Supply chains will recalibrate
8) Modular adoption will increase
 
Thank you for your continued support of the IEC Atlanta/Georgia Chapters!  Stay safe and have a great weekend!

 

AdobeStock_coronavirus

IEC ED Niel Dawson Update – June 12th

,

 IEC ED Niel Dawson Update – June 12th                                     

With so much unrest right now, I find it very helpful to turn to trusted and wise sages that I have come across through life.  One of my recent favorites is author James Clear and recently posted the following words of wisdom; I hope you will find them helpful.

“In times of uncertainty, your habits can ground you.  When you feel overwhelmed, practice 1 minute of mindfulness.  When you feel restless, do a 1-minute workout.  When the world seems uncontrollable, focus on what you can control.”

WELCOME NEW ATLANTA CONTRACTOR MEMBERS!
Glawson Electric – Glawsonelectric.com
Greg Glawson – greg@glawsonelectric.com
Flowery Branch, Georgia
 
PPP FLEXIBILITY ACT
 
On June 5th President Trump signed the Payroll Protection Program Flexibility Act. This bill provides businesses with more time and flexibility to use the PPP funds provided.
Here is a list of the changes that occurred with the passing of the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act:
  • You now have 24 weeks (or the end of the year) to use the proceeds of a PPP loan.  This is a change from just 8 weeks!
  • The amount that must be spent on payroll coast has been lowered from 75% to 60%. 
  • Provide a safe harbor from reductions in loan forgiveness based on reductions in full-time equivalent employees for borrowers that are unable to return to the same level of business…Read more
If you are one of the few contractors that has not applied for the PPP loan program, you have 12 business days, or until June 30th!  Apply Now
 
MEMBER BENEFITS
  • Get a 2% Home Depot Rebate on all purchases on top of your current discount levels!  All you need to do is sign-up and starting saving! Additionally, 1/2% of all purchases go back to our National Foundation that gives out grants to IEC Chapters! A win-win!
  • HERTZ 25 Car rental discount!  Use IEC’s CDP# 2197997  Make a reservation or call 800-654-2200
AT RISK – PRO ACT (Protecting Right to Organize)
 

Should the Senate flip, you can be sure that the Protecting Right to Organize (PRO) Act, a wish list of policies supported by organized labor, will become a serious threat to merit shop electrical contractors.   

IEC needs to make sure PRIDE PAC does its part to support candidates that understand the merit shop and support pro-business policies. 

A sample email to send to your friends and colleagues can be found by clicking here. The online donation site can be found here.

CV-19 LEGAL UPDATE FOR IEC CONTRACTORS – JUNE 15
 
Join IEC for this critical labor and HR legal update from expert Phillip Russell of Ogletree Deakins. This one-hour session has been designed for IEC electrical contractors throughout America to provide the latest insights and guidance during the pandemic, including issues around reopening and returning to work. Tune-in for this information-rich webinar to tune-up your policies and procedures. Register for this FREE Webinar
 
INDUSTRY NEWS

Construction Estimating Ethics for Success

Acquiring work is arguably one of the most important functions in a construction business. Without a consistent source of revenue, there is no company. If the Estimating Department is not set up to succeed, it can’t perform its vital role in creating new revenue. Read More

Construction has the highest suicide rate–Prevent Construction Suicide
According to the Centers for Disease Prevention, construction occupations have the highest rate of suicide, as well as the highest number of suicides across all occupational groups. To combat these statistics, contractors, unions, associations, industry service providers and project owners must work together to STAND up for suicide prevention.
 
WORKFORCE NEEDS

julie.gunter@iecatlantaga.org or use this form.   Don’t forget to check our list of available workers in our Dropbox – it’s updated every Wednesday! Contact Delast.Muhammad@iecatlantaga.org for login credentials.
Got a job in another state and need to network with another IEC member for workforce needs?  We’ve got you covered there as well.  Just email niel.dawson@iecatlantaga.org with your request.

Thank you for your continued support of the IEC Atlanta/Georgia Chapters!  Stay safe and have a great weekend!
Niel and the entire IEC Staff
AdobeStock_coronavirus

IEC ED Niel Dawson Update – April 17th

,

 IEC ED Niel Dawson Update – April 17th

Each week we discover new information, however we may be slowing the curve of dealing with CV19 not only in our work but our personal lives. Now more than ever, we need to maintain a balance in our lives. “Balance is timing, not intensity. It is not doing multiple tasks at 80%, but the developing the skill of turning it on and turning it off. Sleep fully, then work intensely. Focus deeply, then relax completely. Give each phase your full attention. Balance is ‘when to’ not ‘how to.’” –James Clear

Fantastic WEBSITE Information
If you have not visited our website lately, we are striving to not just put up a lot of regulations and guides, but links, guides and webinars that are useful to our membership – www.iecatlantaga.org/coronavirus For example, this is a great 2 minute video entitled “2 Tests for Getting Your PPP Loan Forgiven.” Today, we also hosted a live webinar on “HR Issues & CV19” where we had a panel of HR Experts both present and answer HR related questions – this was a super video that now is available on our website under webinars.

HIRE, LOAN, BORROW
Both the Atlanta and Georgia Board of Directors met this week, and concurred that some work is up, some down and some postponed. Our loan/borrow program is continuing to receive a good amount of activity. Please don’t forget to let us know if you are hiring, loaning or borrowing. Contact julie.gunter@iecatlantaga.org for your hiring needs.

APPRENTICESHIP CLASS UPDATES
The Board determined that the Apprenticeship classes will remain online through the end of the school year. Please help support your apprentices as they maneuver through this challenging time. We are currently recording virtual labs to assist students in the learning process.

NEW MEMBERS!
We have two new Atlanta Chapter contractors that joined the membership this week! 
Mike Mason of Mason Electric out of Douglasville does commercial and elevator related electrical.
Wilfredo Dunkers of Infinite Electric out of Lawrenceville does a wide variety of electrical work. Welcome to both Mason and Infinite Electric as they join the IEC family!

PPE MASKS SHIPPED
Because so many members have been having trouble finding PPE, IEC ordered a bulk supply and are distributing to our members free of charge. PPE N95 masks arrived this week, and those members whom requested masks have already been shipped. We have a limited number of N95 masks left, so let us know if you need any – the maximum amount we are sending contractors at this time are 10. If you need bigger quantities, please contact IEC member William Kim at 201-776-4994.
We are still waiting on the shipment of gloves and hand sanitizer. If you need masks, gloves or hand sanitizer, contact Sylvia.velez@iecatlantaga.org

ONLINE CEU/SAFETY CLASSES LAUNCHED!
NEC Article 110 (pre-recorded)
NEC 2020 Significant Code Changes (pre-recorded)
LIVE Troubleshooting The Electrical System – April 22nd
LIVE NEC 2020 Significant Code Changes –Friday, April 24th only FREE for IEC Members!
LIVE Universal Safety Training – Saturday, April 25th
LIVE Incident Investigations on the Worksite – April 27th

Please let us know how we can assist you – we are here to help!
Niel Dawson & the entire IEC staff.

AdobeStock_coronavirus

IEC ED Niel Dawson Update – April 24th

,

 IEC ED Niel Dawson Update – April 24th

“The best way to get the attention and respect of exceptional people is to do exceptional work. Like attracts like.” James Clear  Our industry and electricians are considered essential workers, but I like to think of them as exceptional workers.  We hear all about the front line workers in hospitals and stores (not to diminish their value), but no one ever hears about the essential electrical workers!  Make sure you are letting them know that they are not only essential, but exceptional!  IEC is doing this now with our instructors that are teaching all of our apprentices online.

SEE ALL OF OUR RESOURCES FOR CV19 ON OUR WEBSITE

ALLEVIATING FEAR THROUGH LEADERSHIP – WEBINAR/TOWNHALL
Some workers are afraid to come to work because of their own health, others are fearful because of family members, yet others just don’t know the facts. Whatever their fear, business owners need to properly communicate to alleviate these fears and move their company forward. Author & speaker Brent Darnell who “wowed” the IEC membership at our August Luncheon meeting on how to boost your bottom line through leadership and communication, will lead us on this interactive webinar.  Bring your questions and concerns to this interactive discussion – REGISTER NOW

ESTATE PLANNING
In this time of uncertainty, families and businesses want to ensure that their financial affairs are in order. As a longstanding partner of the IEC ATL/GA, Federated Mutual Insurance Company is extending a unique opportunity to all association members: a complimentary review of business succession and estate plans by a member of their independent attorney network*. Whether you have a plan that is outdated, or no plan at all, a review via video conference with one of these attorneys can help provide you peace of mind. Referrals to this independent attorney network are normally reserved for Federated Insurance clients, but are available to all IEC ATL/GA members during this time of crisis. If you and your family and/or business partners are interested in scheduling one of these video conferences, contact DJ Hanlin by e-mail djhanlin@fedins.com or phone 614-395-6412.

NEW OSHA/CDC SAFETY GUIDANCE
OSHA Considers Employer’s Good Faith Efforts When Enforcing Compliance During Pandemic
OSHA’s new 19 Inspection Plan – What Employers Should Expect
CDC Issues New Guidance for Critical Infrastructure Workers

New Member
IEC welcomes another new contractor member, WK Industrial Services Corporation in Alpharetta. Michael Spegt is the owner and Brandon Boyher is the Service Specialist. They do industrial work nationwide – wkamerica.com

FALL APPRENTICESHIP CLASSES
Atlanta 1st year class application deadline is June 12th. Your apprentices should be applying online now
Georgia 1st year class application deadline is July 10th . Your apprentices should be applying online now

CEU CLASSES
We have a full line-up of code, estimating and safety classes available online. We also have onsite classes open for registration – See all the class offerings

PPP Application
If you did not receive funding during the first round of PPP loans, then you should contact your banker now and complete this application NOW.

EMPLOYMENT NEEDS
We have approximately 15 apprentices currently available for hire. Please continue to let us know your hiring needs – julie.gunter@iecatlantaga.org

Let us know how we can help. We still have a limited quantity of N95 masks available for our contractor members.

Stay safe,

 

 

AdobeStock_coronavirus

IEC ED Niel Dawson Update – August 14th

,

IEC ED Niel Dawson Update – August 14th 

US Senator Kelly Loeffler Kicks Off IEC Atlanta Luncheons

IEC Atlanta Chapter held its monthly luncheon meeting August 11th after months of meeting virtually.  Senator Loeffler has represented the Georgia Senate office since January 2020, serving alongside Senator David Perdue.kelly3_1649879.jpg

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.  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.

September Apprenticeship Class has only 25 spaces left!  Have your apprentices register by the August 21st deadline.  Classes start September 21st.  Register here
 
Upcoming Virtual Job Fairs for IEC Members

PPP Loan Forgiveness
The Small Business Administration Opened its PPP forgiveness portal on August 10th, but many small businesses will have to wait, but why?  It’s because the potential for shifting guidance, new legislation and a desire to fully prepare for a flood of applications means bank have little incentive to launch right away.  To find out more details register for IEC’s Free Financial Challenges & Opportunities Webinar on Tuesday, August 18th at 11am.

COVID-19 Exposure Situations and Guidelines
There are three (3) basic exposure situations, and each has a different protocol.  IEC has developed guidelines for all of the exposure situations:  1) Employee exhibiting symptoms, 2) Employee tests positive, 3) Employee has close contact.  We want to share this document with you so that you can modify it for your business, and number two, so you are aware of the safety protocols we have in place for your students as they attend class and the IEC staff and instructors.  Please be aware, as with all documentation surrounding COVIC-19, it must be updated based upon the latest information from the CDC.  Download document

Need to Restock Your PPE?
Contact IEC Member Better Safe Now  They have masks (N95, KN95, Cloth, Paper) and other PPE.  For large quantity discounts contact William Kim at 678-608-2754 or 201-776-4994.

Welcome New Members
Holloway Power Company, Contractor
Mike Holloway
mholloway@hollowaypower.com
Holloway does mostly commercial work throughout central Georgia.

Welcome back Liberty National, Partner
Mark Warren
Mark@libnational.com
Liberty provides supplemental insurance such as, short-term disability, life and cancer.

Thank you for your continued support of the IEC Atlanta/Georgia Chapters!  Stay safe and have a great weekend!
Niel and the entire IEC Staff

AdobeStock_coronavirus

IEC ED Niel Dawson Update – June 5th

,

 IEC ED Niel Dawson Update – June 5th                                     

We recently held two Town Hall Meeting, one each for Atlanta and Georgia Chapters where we announced the reopening of IEC training and apprenticeship programs.  If you missed this meeting, one of the items covered was our safety protocol when entering the IEC building or Georgia Chapter locations.  We want you and your employees to both feel safe, and not have any surprises when entering our facilities.
Additionally, we covered an updated calendar, including when our CEU classes go live (June 16th), application deadlines for apprenticeship, Graduation details, Golf dates and much more! 
As we continue to move through this challenging time, IEC is diligently reviewing the mountains of information and providing you with only the most important significant updates, yet providing you access to more details when you want them.  One of these just happened this week on major revisions to the use of PPP – see the article below for the details.
Did you miss our Wire-off and Apprentice of the Year Competition?  It was held this week and IEC broadcasted it live on Face Book – See it here
 
WELCOME NEW ATLANTA CONTRACTOR MEMBERS!
 
Angel Electric – Angel Ocasio
Powder Springs, GA
 
E.F. Thomas & Sons Electrical Contractors – Earl “Chip” Thomas
Ball Ground, GA
 
PPP – SIGNIFICANT Changes Just Passed!
  • You now have 24 weeks (or the end of the year) to use the proceeds of a PPP loan.  This is a change for just 8 weeks!
  • The amount that must be spent on paroll coast has been lowered from 75% to 60%.  NOTE: The President must still sign the bill, but it seems assured.  Read more
SAFETY UPDATES
 
Guide for Desinfecting Electrical Equipment
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) recently published NEMA GD 4-2020 COVID-19 Cleaning and Disinfecting Guidance for Electrical Equipment. Since managing the COVID-19 virus requires proper cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, NEMA members have developed specific guidelines to answer common questions on how to maintain cleanliness while preserving the functionality and integrity of electrical equipment.  The contact there is Chuck Bull at  800-286-9601
 
OSHA Issues Updated Covid 19 Guidance for Construction Industry
On May 27, 2020, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) updated its guidance for employers performing construction work of all types. The agency’s guidance is not a standard or regulation, so it is not legally binding.  Read the full article
 
INDUSTRY NEWS
We’re continuing to hear about pricing pressures within the market place, whether it be residential contractors moving to the commercial market or a GC pressuring an electrical contractor to rebid work, we are getting squeezed between that and an ever increasing demand on a shortage of labor.  One solution is improved productivity.  This is were our manufacturer and distributor partners can help us.  Here is a webinar on “8 Practical Steps to Productivity Improvements.“
 
Prefab is another solution to pricing and productivity pressures
If you have not explored prefab yet, or maybe you think you’re too small to do pre-fab, one solution is “Rough n’ Ready.”  They provide prefabricated wiring systems that are built for electricians by electricians.  IEC recommends you reach out to them and see how they can help improve your productivity
 
WORKFORCE NEEDS

Are you adjusting your workforce levels?  Let IEC help you by utilizing our Loan/Borrow Program for short-term adjustments.  We currently have quite a few members needing to borrow workers.  Or, if you need to reduce your workforce, please refer your laid-off workers to the IEC where we can help get them placed with another IEC member who is hiring.  Either email direct to julie.gunter@iecatlantaga.org or use this form.   Don’t forget to check our list of available workers in our Dropbox – it’s updated every Wednesday! Contact Delast.Muhammad@iecatlantaga.org for login credentials.
Got a job in another state and need to network with another IEC member for workforce needs?  We’ve got you covered there as well.  Just email niel.dawson@iecatlantaga.org with your request.

  • IEC is currently running a recruitment campaign for the membership and are receiving over 10 new applications a day – let us know if you’re hiring!
  • Onsite Atlanta Job Fair, June 12th @ IEC Training Center- Register
  • Summer School – June 22-July 2 for Apprentices Not Passing
    IEC will hold our first summer school for Atlanta apprentices who did not pass 
Marketing Consultation
Do you need assistance in marketing your company?  IEC can assist you both with basic marketing and uping your market game plan.  IEC’s Marketing Consulting is a new member benefit that’s included with your membership.  Contact niel.dawson@iecatlantaga.org to find out more details.
Thank you for your continued support of the IEC Atlanta/Georgia Chapters!  Stay safe and have a great weekend!
Niel and the entire IEC Staff
AdobeStock_coronavirus

IEC ED Niel Dawson Update – July 24th

,

Previous Executive Director COVID Updates
March 20th, 27th, April 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th May 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th June 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th

IEC ED Niel Dawson Update – July 24th       

“You cannot hope to build a better world without improving the individuals. To that end, each of us must work for his own improvement, and at the same time share a general responsibility for all humanity, our particular duty being to aid those to whom we think we can be most useful.”  – Marie Curie   If you believe you can be useful by teaching or volunteering for the IEC, contact todd.hawkins@iecantaltanga.org
 
CONSTRUCTION BACKLOG INDICATOR UP IN JUNE;  CONTRACTOR OPTIMISM GROWS
Construction Backlog Indicator (CBI) rose to 8.1 months in June, an increase of 0.2 months from May’s reading. CBI is down approximately 8% from its June 2019 level. Every region except the Middle States experienced an increase in backlog in June compared to May,  Additionally, the survey indicates that confidence among U.S. construction industry leaders increased regarding staffing levels, profit margins and sales in June. Construction sales and staffing levels are expected to expand over the next six months, while profit margins are expected to decline.  Read More
 
WE’RE READY FOR YOUR APPRENTICES!
With 1st classes in Atlanta starting on Monday, books are waiting, instructors are prepped and staff are ready for a great year of apprenticeship classes!  Upper classes with join the first year classes the week of August 10th.  However, if your apprentices missed this start date, we will be starting another 1st year class in Atlanta on September 21st, so have them apply now here.
Georgia Apprenticeship Programs begin the week of August 24th – have your apprentices apply now
staffbooks_1630413.JPG
A&T Staff from left to right, Dee Waltower, Todd Hawkins and Julie Gunter.
 
17 APPRENTICES AVAILABLE FOR HIRE!
We have 2nd, 3rd and 4th year experienced apprentices available for hire who are looking for employment and sponsors for fall classes that start August 10th in Atlanta and Augusta 24th in Georgia.  Need to know more about them?  Contact julie.gunter@iecatlantaga.org

Upcoming Virtual Job Fairs for IEC Members

 
IMPORTANT CDC HOME ISOLATION UPDATE!
The CDC has revised its Discontinuation of Isolation for Persons with COVID-19 Not in Healthcare Settings interim guidance which employers rely on to determine when employees are safe to return to work after being sick with or testing positive for COVID-19. The CDC now requires that a person be fever-free for 24 hours versus the previous requirement of being fever-free for 72 hours.
 
UPCOMING WEBINARS & PODCASTS- FREE
 
 
Motion is Money – July 28, 2pm
 
 
Thank you for your continued support of the IEC Atlanta/Georgia Chapters!  Stay safe and have a great weekend!
Niel and the entire IEC Staff
AdobeStock_coronavirus

IEC ED Niel Dawson Update – May 22nd

,

 IEC ED Niel Dawson Update – May 22nd                                             

I find it very interesting that all the chatter right now is about reopening, when electrical contractors have never closed!  Some of our office workers have worked from home, but by and large, it has been business as usual (other than safety protocols) for the construction industry.
As stay at home orders relax, the IEC will begin to reopen to live classes beginning in June.  Our BIG 50th Graduation is July 10th and apprenticeship classes will begin July 27th, all with strict safety protocols in place.  Register for the live Zoom town hall meetings below to hear all the details and the great lineup of events we have planned for you!
As we continue to monitor work levels, delays and supply chain issues, it is somewhat of a mixed bag, but the biggest theme we have heard from our membership is the delay of jobs that have been awarded and then put on hold.  There is also pressure on job pricing, even when the cost of doing business has gone up due to safety protocols, supplies and lower productivity from workers.  Please keep us updated on issues as they arise so that we can better serve you!
 
IEC Atlanta Town Hall Meeting – June 2nd @ Noon
Register Here for this important update to the Atlanta Chapter contractors and partners as we begin to offer on site classes and events.
IEC Georgia Town Hall Meeting – June 4th  @ Noon
Register Here for this important update to the Georgia Chapter contractors and partners as we begin to offer on site classes and events
 
Need to Hire, Loan, Borrow Workers?  Complete the WORKFORCE NEEDS FORM and return to Julie.gunter@iecatlantaga.org
 
PPP Loan Forgiveness Application ReleasedThe application includes step-by-step instructions on how to perform the calculations required by the CARES Act to confirm eligibility for loan forgiveness. However, the SBA has not yet released regulations and guidance on loan forgiveness that will ultimately impact how borrowers complete the application in a more educated manner.  Learn more/application form  The Chamber of Commerce also released at step-by-step guide.
 
Announcing the 2020 Apprentice of the Year Competition!
The Atlanta 4th year graduates will compete on June 1st & 3rd.
Online 4th year graduates will compete on June 13th and are still being qualified.  All of these events will be sent out on Facebook Live Feed.  Watch for the details, but you must follow us on Facebook  to see the feed!  For those watching, we will be raffling prizes, so be sure to watch!  These will be virtual events.
Here’s the Atlanta Competitors:
Madison “Maddi” Bledsoe
Penco Electrical Contraactors
Bentley “Nathan” Butler
Waddy Electrical Enterprises
Andrew Crooks
MetroPower
Edgar Davila
MG Electric
Christopher LewisRelf
Electrical Contractor, Inc
David Macias Montes
Electrical Contractor, Inc
Kelby Smith
Titan Electric of Georgia
Milton Zavala
Gene Lynn Electric
 
Thank you for your continued support of the IEC Atlanta/Georgia Chapters!  Stay safe and have a great weekend!
Niel and the entire IEC Staff