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US Senator Kelly Loeffler Kicks Off IEC Atlanta’s Luncheon Meetings

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US Senator Kelly Loeffler Kicks Off IEC Atlanta’s Luncheon Meetings

IEC Atlanta Chapter held its monthly luncheon meeting August 11th after months of meeting virtually.  The guest speaker was United State Senator, Kelly Loeffler.  Senator Loeffler has represented the Georgia Senate office since January 2020, serving alongside Senator David Perdue.

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.  Mr. Dawson elaborated on the training model and its benefits of keeping apprentices employed and tuition structures that allow IEC students to graduate without incurring any debt. 

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.

IEC is honored to have a current United States Senator as a guest speaker for its monthly luncheon meeting.  IEC strives to give its members access to resources to operate their organizations at their highest potential.  A conversation with the Senator as we move through these uncertain times is one of the many resources IEC continues to provide its members.  

See pictures below…

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2020 Fishing Tournament

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2020 Fishing Tournament


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

– On Saturday March 21st, IEC/ABC co-hosted it’s annual fishing tournament at Lawrence Shoals Recreation area on Lake Oconee.  With over $3,000 in cash prizes, 27 boats took to the lake for a fun day of fishing. 

Congratulations to 1st place winners James Slaters and Brian Boree of Reinicke Athens with a 18.5 lbs catch.  2nd place went to Taylor Nielson and Ashton Slacks of Ardd & Winters with a catch of 14.95 lbs.  Joey Miller and Brady Whitehead of Atlantic came in 3rd place with a 14.18 lbs catch and 4th place winners Rene Leon and Zach Hall of Ardd & Winters with a 13.49 lbs catch.  Big Fish winners were Father/Son team Jeff and Samuel Davis of Ozburn with a bass weighing in at 9.10lbs!  Great job guys!

This event was sponsored by:

Platinum Level – Titan Electric of Georgia

Gold Level – Esse-Energy Sytems Southeast & Lighting Associates, Inc.

Silver Level – Mayer Supply & Smart Lighting Solutions

Supportive Level – ABB Installation Products, Atlantic Workforce, Commercial Truck & Van Equipment, Duvall Agency, Electrical Supplies Unlimited, Elliott Electric Supply, Federated Insurance, Harbin Agency, Lade-Danlar, Legrand, Lighting Associates, SelecSource Tradesmen Solutions, Smart Lighting Solutions & World Supply

Thanks to everyone who came out to enjoy the prizes and this event. 

See pictures below…

Contractors Head to the State Capitol

Contractors Head to Georgia State Capitol

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Contractors Head to Georgia State Capitol


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

On February 18th, IEC Atlanta / GA Chapters attended Contractors Day at the state Capitol.  Legislators encountered the presence of the electrical industry today and heard the concerns close to industry business. 

This event was free and offered a complementary lunch and the ear of legislators. 

IEC co-sponsored this event because it is important that our members are heard.  Thank you to all that attended this opportunity to bring voices to the industry.   This is the time to connect and let legislators know contractor concerns matter!

See pictures below…

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Things You Need To Know

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Things You Need to Know!
By: Niel Dawson, IEC Atlanta / GA Executive Director

2020 is off to a great start at the Atlanta, IEC State and National levels!  Having just come back from the National Business Summit, I wanted to share a few important things that I learned that are of value.

First, the US House passed the PRO-Act (Protecting Right to Organize Act), which has just about everything the union wants to more easily organize independent companies.  This went very closely along party lines and currently has no chance of passing the Senate, however, if the Democrats were to win the Senate and keep the House, along with winning the White House, then the PRO-Act would certainly pass.  This is why it is important to get involved at the National level and why you should consider attending the National Legislative Conference in DC on April 28-30 (IECI.org to register)

I also learned that the 529 Savings Plans that many parents use to save for their kid’s education can now be used for IEC’s Apprenticeship Program books and tuition.  This is a great selling points to parents when talking with them about their children’s education, and also gives more validity to our apprenticeship program.

The Secretary of Labor, Eugene Scalia, addressed the attendees at the conference and IEC Atlanta was the only chapter that he mentioned in his speech for our work with the local community and Goodwill Industries.  He also went on to provide very significant numbers regarding President Trump’s initiative regarding government regulations.  For every one new regulations, the Federal government has implemented they have eliminated seven, thus making it easier for small business to conduct business.

Serving on the National IEC Membership Committee, we were provided with the growth of IEC chapters over the last four years and I’m very proud to report that out of 52 chapters, Atlanta was number 4 with 46% growth and Georgia was 11th at 36% growth!  The national average growth of members by chapter was 13%, with a high of 100% and a low of -33%.

I’m also very proud of our member’s involvement at the National level and their service to our industry.

National Regional Board Member
Kristen Williams, Penco

Government Affairs Committee
Ralph Ireland, Ireland Electric
Niel Dawson, IEC Atlanta/Georgia

Emerging Leader Committee
Kristen William, Penco

Industry Recognition/Workforce Development
Todd Hawkins, IEC Atlanta/Georgia

Apprenticeship & Training Committee
Mike Gunter, IEC Atlanta/Georgia

Codes & Standards
Bruce Bowman, Fox Systems

President’s Advisory Council
Niel Dawson, IEC Atlanta/Georgia

IEC Foundation
Kristen Williams, Penco

Membership Committee
Niel Dawson, IEC Atlanta/Georgia

Professional Development
Todd Hawkins, IEC Atlanta/Georgia

 

Robbie Jones of Coastal Electric, Chris Caiaccio of Kilpatrick Townsend, Senator Mary Robichaux, Niel Dawson and Tom Lemay of Metropower.

IEC Legislative Reception Discusses New Lien Law and Contractors

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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.
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.
Robbie Jones of Coastal Electric, Chris Caiaccio of Kilpatrick Townsend, Senator Mary Robichaux, Niel Dawson and Tom Lemay of Metropower.
   

 

 

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