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OSHA Signing

IEC Atlanta/Georgia Signs Historic OSHA Alliance Agreement

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IEC Atlanta/Georgia Signs Historic OSHA Alliance Agreement

By: Niel Dawson, IEC Executive Director

OSHA Signing

   
On Wednesday, March 4th IEC Atlanta/Georgia Chapters signed our first OSHA Alliance agreement during our luncheon meeting.  Present for the signing was Therese Stawowy, Acting Atlanta-East Area Director of OSHA and Robin Bennett, OSHA Compliance Specialist.

Forming an Alliance with OSHA is a meaningful step forward for IEC and, more importantly, for the electrical contractors we serve. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening workplace safety, improving training, and supporting compliance across the merit shop electrical industry.

Through this Alliance, our contractors will gain enhanced access to OSHA resources, including safety guidance, training materials, and industry best practices tailored to electrical work. This can help companies stay ahead of regulatory requirements while reducing the risk of workplace incidents. With clearer insight into OSHA standards and expectations, contractors can operate with greater confidence and consistency across job sites.

Another key benefit is the opportunity for increased education and outreach. The Alliance allows us to collaborate with OSHA on developing safety campaigns, hosting training sessions, and sharing critical updates that directly impact our members. This proactive approach helps ensure that safety is not just a requirement, but a core part of each contractor’s culture.

Additionally, this relationship helps give merit shop contractors a stronger voice. By working alongside OSHA, IEC can help communicate real-world challenges and provide feedback that may influence future safety initiatives and resources relevant to our industry.

Ultimately, this Alliance reinforces our commitment to protecting workers, supporting our contractors, and elevating the professionalism of the electrical trade. It’s not just about compliance—it’s about building safer job sites, stronger businesses, and a more resilient industry.

 

                          

 

Career Ready Expo

World of Electrical Contractors at the 2026 Construction Ready Career Expo

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World of Electrical Contractors at the 2026 Construction Ready Career Expo

By: Jeff Rogers, IEC Atlanta and GA Deputy Executive Director

On February 19–20, 2026, Construction Ready hosted its 2026 Career Expo & SkillsUSA State Championships at the Georgia World Congress Center. The event provided hands-on learning opportunities for more than 6,000 Georgia K–12 and college students, connecting them with thousands of professionals in the skilled trades. This year marked the 20th anniversary of the Career Expo.

Construction Ready partnered with SkillsUSA to bring together students, educators, and industry leaders to highlight the many opportunities available in construction and skilled trades careers.

Independent Electrical Contractors Atlanta & Georgia Chapter has been there every step of the way, sponsoring the “World of Electrical Contractors” and numerous electrical trade competitions throughout the years. This year’s World of Electrical Contractors was the best event to date. The theme for the world was “Light Up Your Future…Become an Electrician,” highlighting the different sectors within the electrical industry: residential, commercial, industrial, and low voltage.

IEC was joined by ten of its member contractors: Ace Electric, Electrical Contractor Incorporated, MetroPower, Penco, Power Design, RavenVolt, Sole Source Electric, Titan Electric, Wiring Solutions, and ZERP. IEC and its contractors filled their exhibit spaces with attractive company logos and banners, promotional giveaways, and interactive display boards that engaged students throughout the event.

The “World of Electrical Contractors” was a huge success. One contractor shared that “by engaging students with visual and hands-on activities, we were able to give them a better perspective of the many specialties within the electrical trade.” See pictures of this event below!

Companies interested in participating in next year’s event are encouraged to contact IEC Atlanta for more information.       

                          

 

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2026 Construction Ready Career Expo, Industrial Motor Controls Competition

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2026 Construction Ready Career Expo, Industrial Motor Controls Competition

By: Jeff Rogers, IEC Atlanta and GA Deputy Executive Director

As part of the 2026 Career Expo hosted by Construction Ready at the Georgia World Congress Center, students showcased their technical skills during the Industrial Motor Controls Competition.

Eight contestants representing high schools and technical colleges participated in the competition, demonstrating their knowledge of electrical controls and installation techniques. Each contestant was required to follow a ladder logic diagram and complete a hands-on wiring project that included installing and wiring two motor starters, timing relays, and multiple indicator lights.

In addition to the controls portion, contestants were tested on their conduit-bending skills. Participants were required to complete a conduit project consisting of a four-point saddle and two box offsets, demonstrating precision and practical field skills commonly required in the electrical trade.

All contestants performed exceptionally well and represented the future of the electrical industry. Participants were awarded prizes provided by Milwaukee Tool, while the competition winners received scholarships from the Independent Electrical Contractors Atlanta & Georgia Chapter to support their continued training and education in the electrical field.

The competition highlighted the importance of hands-on learning and provided students with an opportunity to demonstrate the technical skills needed for successful careers in the electrical industry.

     

 

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IEC 2025 Christmas Party & 60th Anniversary Celebration: An Event to Remember

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IEC 2025 Christmas Party & 60th Anniversary Celebration: An Event to Remember


By: Marie Thornton, IEC Atlanta/GA Membership and Marketing Coordinator

The 2025 Christmas Party and 60th Anniversary Celebration of IEC Atlanta and Georgia was an event of reflection, recognition, and joy. As the organization marked six decades of excellence in the electrical contracting industry, attendees were reminded of the hard work, dedication, and collaboration that has shaped IEC’s success.

Hosted by IEC Atlanta Board President, Darren Hodge, the evening kicked off with gratitude toward the generous sponsors, including Federated Insurance, the Overall Event Sponsor. Their support, along with many others, made the event possible.

The heart of the celebration was the recognition of outstanding individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to IEC and the industry.

Award Winners:

  • Lifetime Achievement Award: Tom LeMay for his extensive service, including his role as Board President, instructor, and committee member.
  • Industry Award: Joel Wiggins of the Southern Group, for leading the successful passage of SB 180, resulting in a $50,000 grant for IEC.
  • President’s Award: Greg Holloway, Secretary/Treasurer of IEC and President of EC Services, for his crucial work in renovating IEC’s new building.
  • Manufacturer Partner of the Year: DeWalt and Sean McGuiness for providing 125 backpacks for graduating apprentices, supporting the next generation of electricians.
  • Distributor of the Year: Lade Electric Supply and Adam Aspinwall for their 20 years of support, including a $10,000 donation for training materials.
  • Specialty Partner of the Year: On Electrical Services and Andres Hernandez for their consistent support and involvement in IEC events.
  • Contractor of the Year: Dan Lareau for his contributions to IEC’s classrooms and his role as an instructor at the Kennesaw location.

The evening also included the Length of Membership Awards, recognizing 27 contractors for their long-term dedication, including companies with 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 years of membership.

See pictures of these winners below.

As the event drew to a close, the crowd enjoyed a 60-year video montage and participated in a lively Paddle Raffle, raising funds for IEC’s ongoing initiatives.

The 2025 Christmas Party and 60th Anniversary Celebration was truly an event to remember, highlighting the remarkable achievements of IEC members and partners. With the same commitment to excellence, IEC looks forward to another 60 years of success and collaboration.

Here’s to the next 60 years of success at IEC!

                                       
 

Macon Golf (1st Place) - Team Metro Power (Howell, Anthony, Williams, & Kierce) enhanced

IEC Georgia Chapter Takes Golf and Networking to Macon, GA.

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IEC Georgia Chapter Takes Golf and Networking to Macon, GA.


By: Marie Thornton, IEC Atlanta/GA Membership and Marketing Coordinator

  On Monday, October 20th, IEC Georgia Chapter held its 1st annual Macon Golf Tournament at the Southern Landing Golf Club in Warner Robins, GA.   This course offers five sets of tees with up to 7,000 yards.  Let’s see how the greens worked out for competitors.

Team Metropower came in 1st place with a score of 53.  Congratulations to Duane Howell, Brandon Anthony, Scott William and Bubba Kierce.

2nd place went to Team CED/ Legrand with a score of 63.  John Chirpetta, Shannon Gilstrap, Tony Morales and Tom Kobe hold this rank.

Finally, 3rd place was Team Mayer/ Legrand coming in close with 6

3 as well.  Ricky Mixon, Tom Gorman, Ronnie Adkins and Dan Lulicucci put up a great battle.

There are always a couple of golfers who stand out in this team sport, with an impressive individual performance.  Congrats to Duane Howell on getting closest to the pin at hole #9 and Brandon Anthony on making the longest drive all the way to hole #18.  Excellent job gentlemen!  See pictures of winners below.

As always, IEC is appreciative of the sponsors who support IEC networking events.  Coastal Electric of Georgia shines bright as the Master Level Sponsor for the tournament.  Thanks to Electrician Level Sponsor CED and Apprentice Level Sponsor, Eaton.  Ace Electric sponsored drinks and Copperweld Building Wires sponsored the Longest Drive.  See full list including the hole sponsors here.

Our 2026 schedule of events is out with a great line up for next year.  Watch for details!

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IEC Atlanta & GA Chapters 2025 National Awards

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2025 IEC Atlanta & GA Chapters National Awards
By: Marie Thornton, IEC Atlanta/GA Membership and Marketing Coordinator

 
 IEC Atlanta & Georgia Chapter is honored to be the recipient of multiple IEC National Awards during the 2025 SPARK conference.

Let’s take a look at what IEC Atlanta & Georgia Chapter and its members have accomplished this year!

 

 
 
Industrial Construction
Excel Electrical Technologies, Inc.

Category C: Electrical Contract Amounts Over $7,000,000.

Big Creek Water Reclamation Facility, Atlanta Chapter IEC

 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Grand Achievement Award
                                                                 Ace Electric,Inc. and Penco Electrical Contractors
Grand Achievement
Contractor Impact Award

 

 

 

                                                                                                                Individual Award
                                                                                                             Contractor Impact Award
                                                         Robbie Jones, Coastal Electric of Georgia, IEC Georgia

 

 

CHAPTER AWARDS

Apprenticeship Impact Award
Atlanta Chapter IEC
 

 

                                        Legislative Impact Award
Atlanta Chapter IEC 

 

                                                                                                                                                   Chapter of the Year Award
                                                                                                                                                                                            IEC Georgia                                               

 You Can Win in 2026!  Contact Jeff.Rogers@iecatlantaga.org 

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2nd Annual Georgia Clay Shoot on Target for IEC Networking

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2nd Annual Georgia Clay Shoot on Target for IEC Networking
By: Marie Thornton, IEC Atlanta/GA Membership and Marketing Coordinator

1ST Place: Team Ace

On Friday, October 3rd at the 17 South Rod and Gun Club in Fleming, GA; IEC Georgia held its second annual Sporting Clay Shoot. 13 teams of IEC contractors, partners and guests met in southeast Georgia for a continental breakfast, lunch, clay shooting and prizes.

An engaging sporting clay course with tactical bays, trap fields, skeet fields and more, created a competitive outdoor networking adventure!  Everyone vying for the prize, but only a few reached their goal.  Congratulations to the winners!

1st Place: Team Ace Statesboro division scoring 140!  Jonathan Taylor, Josh Pevey, Matt Purvis & Michael King

2nd Place: Team Gaskin Electric Company scoring 136.  Suttle Payne, David Dixon, & Chris Gaskin

3rd Place: Team Bob Cat scoring 128.  Brent Martin, Ashley Sittle, Chelsey Dixon and Ray Webb

High Shooter: Matt Purvis of Ace Statesboro Division.  His shooting accuracy gained Matt a high score of 42.

Dead Ass Last: Nikkie Kaufman walks away with this honor scoring a 7.

The event wrapped with raffle prizes, awards and lunch.  See pictures of shooters, winners and more below. 

Thank you to all the competitors for participating in an amazing event, and to our event Sponsors, because spectacular IEC events do not happen without you.  Our Gunslinger Sponsors are Coastal Electric of Georgia and Lowe Electric Supply, getting top billing during the clay shoot.  Thanks to CED/ Legrand for coming aboard as Drink Sponsors, and to SoleSource for the Station Sponsor.

Foreman Training

Trained Foreman Lead to Greater Profits

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Trained Foremen Lead to Greater Profits

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.

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IEC Fall Events Coming Up! “FALL Events are in the Air!”

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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 Learn October 11th                            Savannah Lunch and Learn October 25th 

Augusta Lunch and Learn November 8th                       Atlanta Fall Golf Tournament November 1st

OSHA 10 Safety Training November 1st                      Pre Apprenticeship Program November 4th

EV Charging  November 5th      Essential Estimating Skills November 8th

Savannah Foreman Training November 11th                               Foreman Training November 14th

Sporting Clay Shoot November 15th                                                        GA License Prep November 22nd

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IEC’s “Foundations of Project Management for the Electrical Trade” Equips Your Leaders   

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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!