Time to VOTE! Early Voting … October 12th – October 30th Skip the Lines…VOTE Early! Find your Polling place. Need an absentee ballot click here.
IEC Atlanta is Holding Red Carpet Watch Party & Happy Hour FREE DRINKS, FREE FOOD, AWARDS! October 30th at 2:30pm. Attend a virtual pre-celebration to the President’s Gala & Awards Show! IEC will provide free food & drinks, including a Mardis Gras Style theme. Register to attend IEC’s Watch Party
Robbie Jones of Coastal Electric of Georgia is 2019 Georgia Contractor of the Year 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. More Info.
IEC Atlanta Contractors, Partners and Guests Golf in Perfect Conditions
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 9am. 19 teams were ready to go and made the most of this beautiful event.
Congratulations to tournament winners;1st Place More Info.
Time for the 2021 Resource Directory Update You will be receiving an email to update your company information. Please submit any changes by October 26th 5pm. Contact Marie.Thornton@iecatlantaga.org with any questions.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Full Onsite Classes Returning to IEC
Dear IEC Contractor Member,
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 More Info.
Mid-Year Classes Start January 2021 Applications are being accepted for Mid Year class starts week of January 11th.Deadline to register is November 20th! Have your workers complete the application online today! Apprenticeship Application
8 Things to Know about Vaccine Planning There is currently no authorized or approved vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the United States; however, the U.S. government’s Operation Warp Speed program has been working since the pandemic started to make a COVID-19 vaccine available as soon as possible. More Info.
Tips for Trick or Treating and Other Halloween Activities Traditional Halloween activities are fun, but some can increase the risk of getting or spreading COVID-19 or flu. CDC has a new webpage that features new ways of trick or treating and other Halloween activities. More info.
INDUSTRY
Milwaukee PIPELINE
Milwaukee Tool has made exciting strides in jobsite PPE and lighting systems. Find out more about how our safety and lighting systems will keep you safe and productive with our newest personal protective equipment and cordless jobsite lighting solutions. View November 12th at 5pm. Click Here.
View Webinar from Attorney Chris Caiaccio on HR Updates and Vaccine – Related issues. View Webinar Download PDF
NATIONAL
IEC Foundation Raffle Purchase a raffle ticket, or two and you could be the lucky winner of a Greenlee 855GX INTELLIBENDER, Greenlee’s most advanced, programmable bender. Winning ticket will be drawn at 4:00 pm on October 29th at the IEC Virtual Convention Happy Hour. Don’t miss our opportunity and click HERE to purchase your winning ticket today!
IEC Emerging Leaders Program Launches The IEC Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) is a six-month leadership development program for professionals in the electrical industry. Each year, six to ten individuals will be selected to form a cohort class that participates in skill development workshops, networking opportunities, leadership exercises, and project development training. Apply Here.
IEC’s Legislative Reception Discusses New Lien Law and Contractors
IEC Atlanta and Georgia Chapters held its 2020 Legislative Reception on January 15th at the Commerce Club in Atlanta Georgia. The event gives IEC and other Contractors an opportunity at the beginning of the new legislative session to meet with their State legislators in both the House of Representatives and the Senate and speak with them about issues that have a direct impact on the electrical industry and workers. The event also gives Contractors from different industries all over Georgia the chance to meet with one another and discuss strategies that can improve industry practices and that also benefit the workers in the industry.
This year, IEC’s top priority was to inform legislators about the Lien Law and the recent ruling regarding the law. IEC Board members were able to speak with numerous legislators on this issue and on behalf of the IEC members and attempted to gain their support for amending the law. The most important topic of discussion for IEC at the event was the reasons why the present Lien Law is unfair and unjust; as well as, the consequences the present law has on business and the industry as a whole. Almost all the legislators that IEC Board members spoke to were interested in the law and wanted to learn more about the individual cases related to the law. They agreed with IEC’s position that action needed to be taken in order to protect the industry and most importantly, the workers within the industry, so that the law does not negatively impact any business or contractor in the future.
IEC’s Atlanta/ Georgia chapter Executive Director Niel Dawson was in attendance and met with Senator Lindsey Tippens of the 37th District and Senator Elena Parent or the 42nd District. There were many more connections made on behalf of IEC contractors. Stay tuned for more updates on the Lien Law and any legislative changes affecting the electrical industry. Click here for Specialty Contractors Coalition Legislative Report #1
Niel Dawson, Senator Elena Parent and ED for Optomologist.
Robbie Jones of Coastal Electric, Chris Caiaccio of Kilpatrick Townsend, Senator Mary Robichaux, Niel Dawson and Tom Lemay of Metropower.
Whether it be COVID-19 vaccination, anticipated pro-union regulations or new OSHA standards coming in 2021, IEC is committed to keeping you informed. We realize there are plenty of sources that provide information that is constantly coming at you, however, our goal is to review the information and present it to you in a concise easy to ready format, yet provide you with the ability to do a deeper review.
Additionally, we will provide updates via webinars and at our luncheon meetings as we did in January for Atlanta and throughout February for locations throughout Georgia. If you would like to listen to “Preparing Your Business for the Biden Administration” by Attorney Chris Caiaccio that was recorded on January 12, click here – click here for the accompanying PowerPoint.
What is on most people’s minds now, is “when and where can I get the COVID vaccination?” Georgia is currently in Phase 1A+ which includes health care workers, long-term care facilities’ staff and residents, seniors 65+ and caregivers, and law enforcement. The next phase will be 1B and includes essential workers, which electrical workers are classified, which should be sometime in February.
Some of the changes coming with the Biden administration will have a direct impact, while others will take time to impact businesses, but they will affect your business. What will affect your business soon is the COVID-19 Emergency Temporary OSHA Standard – Learn More
For an overview of what to expect down the road, here is a good overview.
New Installer Program is Full! We have you covered in March. The Installer Program returns in March. This class prepares your new workers with the basic skills to succeed. Class is offered Mondays and Wednesdays from March 1st to March 24th. Only 13 seats are available for this program. Register your worker today.
Welcome New Member Brandon Zapata Electric – Georgia Chapter Contractor Brandon K. Zapata 4354 Riverwatch Parkway Evans, GA 30809 (706) 228-4488 bzelectric11@gmail.com Field Workers: 26-50 Member Since: 01/12/2021 Augusta
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
2021 IEC Atlanta Wage Survey is being distributed to IEC Atlanta Contractors. We need ALL Contractor members to participate. Click here to download, complete and submit survey by January 29th, 2021.
Fox Systems Class of 2022 Fox Systems’ newly promoted students start 4th year apprenticeship program at Georgia Northwestern Technical College in Calhoun Ga. Fox Systems owner Randall Fox recounted how important it is for employees to earn the title of Electrician from the US Department of Labor. His workers are skilled, educated and have the tools to take care of customers.
Virtual Career Fairs
IEC Contractors can interview candidates from your laptop with a series of virtual interview sessions. IEC’s Workforce Development Coordinator is organizing and preparing candidates for your needed workforce. Log in and interview! Choose your location.
Private Interview Sessions Private recruitment opportunities are available if your organization prefers recruitment focused on your company’s needs. Delast Muhammad organizes interviews just for the positions needed. Delast has also organized mock interviews and resume building workshops to better prepare candidates to meet with contractors. Reach out to her at delast.muhammad@iecatlantaga.org to schedule your interview sessions.
PEP( Professional Electrician’s Program ) Begins in March If you have electrical workers with experience and would like to receive professional training, PEP’s 2 year program is perfect for them. Not sure how PEP can work for workers and contractors, click here for more information. Workers can complete application online to begin. Register now to be ready for class in March.
SAFETY Obsoleting the Absence of Voltage Test For over a decade, thousands of users have deployed Permanent Electrical Safety Devices (PESDs) in order to reduce their risks in isolating electrical energy. This innovation greatly reduces the likelihood of dangerous electric exposure to workers, as they re-confirm “zero voltage” during absence of voltage testing. The cumulative experience end users have amassed by using PESDs inspired the creation of a new product specification for permanently mounted Absence of Voltage Testers (AVTs). As a result, the 2018 edition of the NFPA 70E 120.5(N) also included an exception allowing AVTs to be another way to create an electrically safe work condition instead of a portable voltmeter. More info.
Covid-19 Impact on Global Electrical Safety Analyzers Market Research Report 2020 The Covid-19 Impact on Global Electrical Safety Analyzers Market Research Report 2020 2020-2026 report is one of the most comprehensive and important data about business strategies, qualitative and quantitative analysis of Global Market. It offers detailed research and analysis of key aspects of the Covid-19 Impact on Global Electrical Safety Analyzers Market Research Report 2020. The market analysts authoring this report have provided in-depth information on leading growth drivers, restraints, challenges, trends, and opportunities to offer a complete analysis of the Covid-19 Impact on Global Electrical Safety Analyzers Market Research Report 2020. More info…
Key Things to Know About COVID-19 Vaccines Because COVID-19 is a new disease with new vaccines, information is rapidly emerging about how vaccines can help us stop the pandemic. CDC will update this page with more information about what we know—and what we don’t know—as it becomes available. Learn more facts about COVID-19 vaccines.
Currently, two vaccines are authorized and recommended to prevent COVID-19:
IEC Georgia Luncheons have been happening in Georgia. These events are a success thanks to our sponsors. We have a special thank you to;
Bobby Cox with Lowe Electric for sponsoring the Macon luncheon
Dennis Randall of Smart Lighting for sponsoring the Augusta luncheon
Tom Shellnut with Mayer for sponsoring the Columbus Luncheon
and Robbie Jones of Coastal Electric and Thomas Kobe of Legrand for sponsoring the Savannah luncheon. IEC appreciates your support!
Skills Based Training Program
Todd Hawkins, Associate Executive Director
IEC Atlanta & Georgia Chapters created the Skills Based Training Program to help member contractors improve the productivity of newly hired employees within weeks of their hire date. During February attendees participated in hands on installation activities, received OSHA 10 Safety Training and explored the many tasks they complete each day.
Comments from attendee Estuardo Jo, office manager for Arseal Construction include “This is great training coming directly from real people teaching real field skills. This class helps improve the shortage of skilled electrical help by preparing future employees to do the job right, be productive and safe in the field. We plan to send some of our new employees to the class in the future.”
The Skills Based Training Program covers:
The Jobsite – Safety, Environment and Typical Tasks
Performance Expectations of Merit Shop Contractors More info…
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Virtual Career Fairs
IEC Contractors can interview candidates from your laptop with a series of virtual interview sessions. IEC’s Workforce Development Coordinator is organizing and preparing candidates for your needed workforce. Log in and interview! Choose your location.
Private Interview Sessions Private recruitment opportunities are available if your organization prefers recruitment focused on your company’s needs. Delast Muhammad organizes interviews just for the positions needed. Delast has also organized mock interviews and resume building workshops to better prepare candidates to meet with contractors. Reach out to her at delast.muhammad@iecatlantaga.org to schedule your interview sessions.
PEP( Professional Electrician’s Program ) Begins in March If you have electrical workers with experience and would like to receive professional training, PEP’s 2 year program is perfect for them. Not sure how PEP can work for workers and contractors, click here for more information. Workers can complete application online to begin. Register now to be ready for class March 2nd and 3rd.
SAFETY Electrical Safety is Focus of 2021 National Burn Awareness Week National Burn Awareness Week is observed the first full week of February and promotes safety education and burn prevention. This year, the American Burn Association (ABA) dedicated the week to electrical safety from A to Z (from Amps to Zap). In a world driven by technology, Dr. Benson Pulikkottil, medical director of the Burn and Reconstructive Center at Swedish Medical Center in Englewood, believes you can never be too careful when it comes to handling electrical devices and appliances. More info.
IEC Government Affairs IEC, AGC Speak Up Against PRO Act Both the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) and the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) have come out with statements against the legislation that recently passed in the House of Representatives known as the PRO Act, or the Protecting the Right to Organize Act. The IEC stands in opposition to the reintroduction of the PRO Act, which claims to be a bill that advances the rights of the worker. According to the IEC however, the bill would “radically alter our nation’s labor laws in favor of organized labor at the expense of both employees and employers. More info.
INDUSTRY
Despite Rising Salaries, the Skilled-Labor Shortage is Getting Worse
There’s a shortage of skilled tradespeople throughout the American economy, and it is a persistent problem that started well before the pandemic. But what’s behind that gap and what can be done? Paul Solman reports for our series, “Work Shift”, which focuses on navigating the job market in a post-COVID economy. More info.
5 Key Employee Handbook Updates to Consider in 2021 With the onslaught of the pandemic in 2020, many employers were busy dealing with staffing issues, safety concerns, and COVID-19–related legislation. There may have been little to no time to address handbook policies. With many changes on the horizon in 2021 under President Biden’s administration and the adaptations in the working environment due to COVID-19, it may be a good time for employers to turn to the company handbook to ensure it is up to date. This article will highlight five areas to which employers may want to give special attention in 2021. More info.
You Can Compete in the NEC Code Deathmatch
The Stallcup Training Institute will be hosting the National Electrical Code Deathmatch on their state of the art Learning Management System, the brackets will be posted at this link on the Facebook group: NEC Code Deathmatch/Facebook
Brackets will be made at the end of February. If you miss this cut-off, the opportunity to take the test is still available, but not for the bracket.
Test your knowledge on the National Electrical Code. The questions will not be extremely hard the first 5 months, in the later rounds the questions will be amped up a few notches.
The winner will be awarded a free course for their continuing education state license and NFPA 70E – Electrical Safety in the Workplace online courses, If you state does not allow online training for continuing education, there are other courses to choose.
To enter, you must create an account on the learning management system if you do not already have an account. A passing grade of 70 will be required to advance. In the later rounds, the passing score will 80.
Creating account >place the course in your cart (free course)> view shopping cart > proceed to checkout > sign up or log-in > proceed to checkout > fill out account information > view course and start answering questions.
Two attempts for the first three test, after that, one and done. Good Luck!
IEC Foundation Raffle Grand Prize: Maxis MXB2000 2IN. Bender Two winning tickets will be drawn Monday, March 1,2021. Purchase tickets online here.
Time to VOTE! Early Voting has begun… October 12th – October 30th Skip the Lines…VOTE Early! Find your Polling place. Need an absentee ballot click here.
A true highlight of convention each year, the IEC National Apprentice of the Year Competition brings together top apprentices from across the nation for an exciting head-to-head skills competition in conduit bending, ladder diagram, productivity, written test, and hands on wire off challenge.
Though you won’t be able to see the competition in person this year, you can watch it live!
Tune in on October 21 & 22 for a live stream of the competition from the IEC of Greater Cincinnati Chapter. Watch the competition, hear from those in attendance, follow #IECAOY20 on social media, and much more.
Time for the 2021 Resource Directory Update You will be receiving an email to update your company information. Please submit any changes by October 26th 5pm. Contact Marie.Thornton@iecatlantaga.org with any questions.
Over 34,000 Health Experts Sign Declaration Against COVID-19 Lockdowns, Petition by Epidemiologists Claims More than 34,000 medical doctors and health scientists from around the world have signed a declaration against lockdowns put in place to curb the spread of COVID-19, saying the measures are causing “irreparable damage,” according to an online petition initially created by three epidemiologist from Harvard, Oxford, and Stanford.
As of Oct. 14, close to 25,000 of the signatories signed as medical practitioners, and around 9,500 as public health scientists. They have joined more than 440,000 members of the general public in signing the petition. More Info.
Tips for Trick or Treating and Other Halloween Activities Traditional Halloween activities are fun, but some can increase the risk of getting or spreading COVID-19 or flu. CDC has a new webpage that features new ways of trick or treating and other Halloween activities. More info.
INDUSTRY
SBA & Treasury Announce Simpler PPP Forgiveness for Loans of $50K or Less The U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the Treasury Department, released a simpler loan forgiveness application for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans of $50,000 or less. This action streamlines the PPP forgiveness process to provide financial and administrative relief to America’s smallest businesses while also ensuring sound stewardship of taxpayer dollars. More info.
UL Releases Outline for Germicidal Lighting Systems- Underwriter Laboratories (UL) recently released “UL 8802 Outline for Investigation of Germicidal Systems” in response to the increased use of ultraviolet (UV) radiation for germicidal purposes in the lighting marketplace. Addressing the need for safe evaluation of germicidal systems, this document establishes requirements for permanently mounted, or fixed, germicidal systems for unoccupied, nonresidential spaces. The outline defines the safety considerations and criteria for evaluating germicidal systems that include UV emitters, switches, sensors, and other controls acting as site or equipment safeguards. More Info.Informational sheet.
COVID-19 and OSHA- View Webinar from Attorney Chris Caiaccio on HR Updates and Vaccine – Related issues. View Webinar Download PDF
NATIONAL
IEC Atlanta is Holding Red Carpet Watch Party & Happy Hour
October 30th at 2:30pm. Attend a virtual pre-celebration to the President’s Gala & Awards Show! IEC will provide free food & drinks, including a Mardis Gras Style theme. Register to attend IEC’s Watch Party
First of all, let’s make a clear distinction between the two. Passion is when you’re excited to see a new episode of your favorite show. Passion is when you’re getting goosebumps listening to a song. Passion is when you’re doing things for the sake of doing them.
Purpose is the opposite of that. Purpose is when you’re *not* eating that box of doughnuts because you want to look good after the pandemic is over. Purpose is when you’re so anxious you’re going to be sick, but you still get on that decisive video call. Purpose is when you’re doing things you sincerely hate — because you have a good reason to. More info.
IEC Atlanta/GA Chapters and Coastal Electric of GA National Awards
2020 IEC Sporting Clay Shoot is a Success See Pictures Here 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…more info.
Time for the 2021 Resource Directory Update Thank you to those of you that responded to the Resource Directory Update. Contact Marie.Thornton@iecatlantaga.org with any last minute updates by November 23rd.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Atlanta Chapter, November 12th Career Fair
IEC’s Workforce Development Coordinator, Delast Muhammad organized 2020’s final Career Fair for IEC Atlanta/Georgia Chapters. 26 applicants were onsite to be interviewed by IEC contractors from Putzel, 5 Points Electrical, Metropower, Masters Generator and Techno. 6 applicants were hired on the spot.
Private recruitment opportunities are available if your organization prefers recruitment focused on your company’s needs. Delast Muhammad organizes interviews just for the positions needed. Reach out to her at delast.muhammad@iecatlantaga.org to schedule your sessions.
Recruitment is at the top of the list for IEC contractors. IEC works for you to assist with the resources needed. More career fairs are scheduled for 2021. The schedule will be coming out soon!
Mid-Year Classes Start January 2021 Today is the last day to register for Mid Year class starting the week of January 11th. Have your workers complete the application online today! Apprenticeship Application
Georgia Chapter Lunch & Learns Come to a Close
Georgia Chapter lunch and learns came to a close on November 6th. Luncheon events started in Columbus, Georgia on October 2nd and went on to Macon, then Augusta and finally Savannah, Georgia.
The topic was the Top 10 Code Changes for NEC 2020. There were close to 70 contractors, partners and guests in attendance throughout the Georgia Lunch and Learn Sessions. IEC will continue to update its members and the industry on changes that impact the electrical field.
New Pfizer Results: Coronavirus Vaccine Is Safe and 95% Effective The company said it planned to apply for emergency approval from the Food and Drug Administration “within days.” The drug maker Pfizer said on Wednesday that its coronavirus vaccine was 95 percent effective and had no serious side effects — the first set of complete results from a late-stage vaccine trial as Covid-19 cases skyrocket around the globe.
The data showed that the vaccine prevented mild and severe forms of Covid-19, the company said. And it was 94 percent effective in older adults, who are more vulnerable to developing severe Covid-19 and who do not respond strongly to some types of vaccines. More info.
Turn to ESPN 2 this Sunday ( the 22nd) at 4:00PM Eastern to see the IDEAL Nationals “2020 Style Invitational.”
Listen to Top NEC 2020 Code Changes with IEC Instructor, Mike Gunter Mike discusses major changes with the 2020 Code in both commercial and residential areas. These changes affect both contractors and suppliers. The State of Georgia will adopt the 2020 in less than 90 days and you must be ready! Listen now.Download PDF
NATIONAL
Share Your Talents with IEC…Join a Committee in 2021
Every great organization is shaped by its members and those willing to lead by sharing their time and talent for the betterment of the community.
Now is your chance to help shape the future of IEC by joining a committee. IEC’s committees lead the organization in several different areas, including events, safety, industry recognition, advocacy, professional development, and more.
Choose a committee whose work interests you and get on board today!
Take a few moments to review the committee descriptions and indicate your 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choices. Join a Committee
IEC Emerging Leaders Program Launches The IEC Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) is a six-month leadership development program for professionals in the electrical industry. Each year, six to ten individuals will be selected to form a cohort class that participates in skill development workshops, networking opportunities, leadership exercises, and project development training. Apply Here.
Pivoting – a term that is being used frequently during the pandemic. As a business, how quickly are you pivoting, meaning you are changing your business processes to keep up with the myriad of CV19 issues that are being presented? The entire IEC staff is here to help you pivot more quickly during this time and hope you are taking advantage of our offerings, including these weekly updates, weekly Zoom webinars, website resources, online live and demand CEU classes, loan/borrow program, and virtual job fairs. This week we also launched a new worker recruitment campaign to find new employees for our members. Please let us know your hiring, loan, borrow and other workforce needs. Contact julie.gunter@iecatlanga.org, or use this form.
Return to Work Considerations? Webinar offers insights on key issues and challenges – Tuesday, May 19, 1pm – Register
Key Takeaways from IEC Safety Panel Discussion on May 7, 2020 (Please consult your own council for legal advise) A host of safety experts joined the hour long discussion on the latest issues on safety as it relates to CV19. Attorney Chris Caiaacio from Kilpatrick Townsend provided a terrific overview with this slide presentation that includes numerous tips for employers. Takeaway #1 – OSHA’s PPE Standards requires use of gloves, eye & face protection and respiratory protection when job hazards require it. Takeaway #2 – Do NOT retaliate against workers for raising concerns about safety and health issues! (OSHA Section 11(c)) Takeaway #3 – Communicate to your workers continually like you would a Toolbox talk regarding CV19 and DOCUMENT it! Takeaway #4 – Train your workers on how proper hygiene, how to use PPE, respiratory etiquette and social distancing. Train your supervisors on dealing with safety issues. Takeaway #5 – If someone has symptoms associated with CV19, ask them to get tested, and only after (and if) they test positive, send them home and inform other employees of someone (no names) testing positive Takeaway #6 – Flexibility is key! Information on CV19 changes constantly. DAILY check the CDC website for updates
Apprentice of the Year Wire-off Competition – June 1st & 3 The competition will be onsite with only apprentices and judges present, but we’ll be sending it out on FaceBook Live. If you don’t follow up on Facbook, click here
Fall Apprenticeship Deadlines Atlanta Program onsite and online, June 12th – Register here Georgia Programs, June 12th – Register here
Please stay safe and take care of yourself this weekend!
Check your Absentee and Mail-In Ballot click here.
Wall Street Watching Election Results So now we wait. Like long-term investing, this election has required perseverance, persistence and patience. If you’re anything like us, you have anxiously awaited the outcome of this seemingly unending election cycle. And truth be told, all elections appear more crucial than the one before – this one in particular as we deal with the ongoing pandemic and seek answers to uncertainty surrounding the global markets and economies, taxes, monetary policy and further fiscal stimulus. More info.
Election polling is facing yet another reckoning following its uneven-at-best performance in this year’s voting.
Although the outcome in the 2020 presidential race remained uncertain the next day, it was evident that polls collectively faltered, overall, in providing Americans with clear indications as to how the election would turn out. Read more
IEC Atlanta & Georgia Chapters Win National Awards at its First Red Carpet Watch Party & Happy Hour On October 30th IEC hosted a virtual celebration to the President’s Gala & Awards Show! Thank you to those of you who attended and celebrated with us.
IEC Atlanta is the 2020 Chapter Excellence of the Year Winner.
Coastal Electric of Georgia wins the National Contractor 2020 Excellence in Construction Award.
Congratulation to IEC Apprentice of the Year, Bentley Butler, who came in 4th place out of 21 during National’s Apprentice of the Year Competition
Time for the 2021 Resource Directory Update Thank you to those of you that responded to the Resource Directory Update. Contact Marie.Thornton@iecatlantaga.org with any questions.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Full Onsite Classes Returning to IEC
Students are returning to class in person November 30th. We have a new space to adhere to COVID19 safety guidelines.
Mid-Year Classes Start January 2021 Applications are being accepted for Mid Year class starts week of January 11th.Deadline to register is November 20th! Have your workers complete the application online today! Apprenticeship Application
Listen to Top NEC 2020 Code Changes with IEC Instructor, Mike Gunter Mike discusses major changes with the 2020 Code in both commercial and residential areas. These changes affect both contractors and suppliers. The State of Georgia will adopt the 2020 in less than 90 days and you must be ready! Listen now.Download PDF
NATIONAL
IEC Foundation Raffle Purchase a raffle ticket, or two and you could be the lucky winner of a Greenlee 855GX INTELLIBENDER, Greenlee’s most advanced, programmable bender. Winning ticket will be drawn at 4:00 pm on October 29th at the IEC Virtual Convention Happy Hour. Don’t miss our opportunity and click HERE to purchase your winning ticket today!
IEC Emerging Leaders Program Launches The IEC Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) is a six-month leadership development program for professionals in the electrical industry. Each year, six to ten individuals will be selected to form a cohort class that participates in skill development workshops, networking opportunities, leadership exercises, and project development training. Apply Here.
New Web Page on How to Select, Wear, and Clean Your Mask This is helpful information as you stay safe during COVID19. Click Here.
The Secretary of State has launched its Live Paperless Portal You can submit your application to vote-by-mail. The application will automatically be forwarded to your local elections board. Click Here.
September 1st Luncheon- Improving Productivity During COVID-19,Click Here to View
Are You Ready for Augmented Reality The use of 3D modeling in combination with digital construction data is finally breaking down some of the industry’s long-standing barriers to efficiency and productivity, especially the problem of siloed teams and disconnected workflows. AR and other related technologies like virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR)—collectively known as extended reality (XR)—are building upon this momentum. Find out more.
Is your PPP Loan Tax Exempt? Check With an Accountant. Unless congress intervenes, the IRS will not sllow businesses to write off wages…Click Here.
Stay Safe at the Pool and Beach Staying six feet apart, wearing a mask and washing your hands are just a few ways you can help slow the spread. Click here.
Official Notice to Entry to the Building Post this notice at the entry of your building for protection. Georgia law allows you protection from COVID related litigation. Click here for notice.
Georgia Lien Waiver Bill Becomes Law and Takes Effect on January 1, 2021 On August 5, 2020, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp formally signed into law Senate Bill (SB) 315 to restore statutory lien and bond waivers to their original intended purpose of waiving lien and bond rights only and to resolve the confusion caused by ALA Construction Services, LLC v. Controlled Access, Inc., in which the Georgia Court of Appeals held that Georgia statutory lien waivers can also waive breach of contract claims. More info
CORE- Community Organized Relief Effort- FREE COVID-19 Testing Free COVID-19 testing in select locations throughout Georgia. Locations for mobile sites change weekly. Click here.
Explore project labor – the part of every project with the most risk and the least control. Labor cost management is typically what defines a project as a success or a failure. Budgeting, forecasting and managing the other costs on a project (materials, subcontracts and general conditions) is fairly straightforward, but labor is usually what makes or breaks a job. More info.Download PDF here.
Enhancing Productivity by Adopting New Products
Keep up with the latest products that will save you time and money on the job site. Some of these included pre-wired raceway, basket tray, evolution floor boxes, plug tail and Ezefab. Let Legrand show you how to improve your job site productivity and increase your bottom line in this free webinar. Free Webinar Tuesday September 15, 2020. Register
Are You Using All of Your IEC Benefits? IEC trains and more. Health Benefits, 401K. Legal adivice and more. See how some of IEC’s members have benefited from IEC. Click here.
Senate Dems Ready Arsenal of Delaying Tactics, but Strategists Say GOP Has Votes to Confirm Barrett Refusal of multiple Democratic senators, including Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), to meet individually with Supreme Court nominee Judge Amy Coney Barrett is the first move of many they’re planning in hopes of delaying her Senate consideration past the November election. Read More
IEC Has Negotiated Exclusive Member Savings at Shell Stations across the Nation.
Exclusive Fuel Savings from Shell. Fill out the form and a Shell Fleet Solutions representative will be in touch shortly. Start saving even MORE with Shell Fleet Solutions. Click Here
The Office of Inspector General recognizes that we are facing unprecedented times and is alerting the public about potential fraud schemes related to economic stimulus programs offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration in response to the Novel Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19). The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the largest financial assistance bill to date, includes provisions to help small businesses. Fraudsters have already begun targeting small business owners during these economically difficult times. Be on the lookout for grant fraud, loan fraud, and phishing. Scams and Fraud Schemes
Grants
SBA does not initiate contact on either 7a or Disaster loans or grants More info
INDUSTRY
COVID-19 and OSHA- View Webinar from Attorney Chris Caiaccio on HR Updates and Vaccine – Related issues. View Webinar Download PDF
NATIONAL
IEC Atlanta is Holding Red Carpet Watch Party & Happy Hour
October 30th at 2:30pm. Attend a virtual pre-celebration to the President’s Gala & Awards Show! IEC will provide free food & drinks, including a Mardis Gras Style theme. Register to attend IEC’s Watch Party