IEC Atlanta/Georgia 50th Apprenticeship Graduation…Mission Accomplished
By: Marie Thornton, IEC Atlanta/ GA Membership and Marketing Coordinator
IEC did it! IEC Atlanta / Georgia Chapter gave its graduates a grand night to remember. IEC celebrated the accomplishments of 78 graduates. Family members, contractors, graduates and guests were brought together and kept apart at the Evergreen Marriott hotel in Stone Mountain, Georgia. A fabulous night of social distancing and celebration! How does that happen with 200 guests you ask? With 2 separate ballrooms, a digital thermometer, masks , space and a master plan. It was a challenge, but IEC’s Executive Director and staff saw it through to make certain the Class of 2020 received a proper send off.
The event started at 6:00pm with a welcome form the Evergreen ballroom, from IEC’s Atlanta Board President, Bob Harmon of Harmon Electric while simultaneously IEC Executive Director Niel Dawson delivered his welcome in the Stone Mountain room. This event was also livestreamed on IEC Atlanta/Georgia’s YouTube channel for those friends and family members who were unable to attend. Since this is the 50th annual graduation, additional guest speakers were brought in to make it extra special. Graduates received heartwarming messages from keynote speaker Ms. Candy Branhm, CEO if Branhm Electric, Inc. and IEC National Board President, Bill Bledsoe, CEO of Wisco Pen Electric, and Betsy Rich-Reed, President of Ritch Electric. Each room enjoyed dinner, entertainment by keyboard and vocalist Gwen Hughes and awarding the top performing graduates during their time with IEC.
Awards given throughout the evening are as follows;
- Perfect attendance – Edgar Davila of MG Electric and Justin Schader of Henderson Electric
- 2020 Community Spirit Award – Edgar Davila of MG Electric
- Extra Mile Award- Mr. Nytwan Fitch, 1st, 3rd, 4th year and PEP Instructor
- Mike Gunter Achievement Award- 1st and 2nd year instructor Keith Haskell of Sole Source Electrical Contractors
Congratulations to the 2020 IEC award winners. IEC is so very proud of them all.
The winner of the IEC Atlanta Chapter Apprentice of the Year Award was also announced during this spectacular night. A special congratulation to Mr. Bentley Butler on winning IEC’s title of Apprentice of the Year! Mr. Butler will represent us nationally in the Apprentice of the Year competition taking place in New Orleans, Louisiana. Thank you to Federated Insurance and Milwaukee Tool for sponsoring the Apprentice of the Year Contest!
Thank you to everyone that came out to join the celebration and those of you that supported the graduates via YouTube livestreaming. IEC appreciates the support! Thank you to all the IEC graduates and congratulations on this wonderful accomplishment. IEC is proud to celebrate you!
Take a moment to view pictures from this event here. We look forward to next year’s celebration!
See pictures below…