I hope your summer is off to a good start! It’s been an exciting but busy few weeks. I have had the honor of attending various apprenticeship graduations and meeting so many of our wonderful members.
Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the Workforce Development and Policy Conference in Washington D.C. with so many of our members and industry leaders. It was wonderful to get the opportunity to sit down with government officials and discuss the regulations and policies that affect our members, while continuing to advocate for the industry as a whole. We heard from some fantastic speakers and even got the opportunity to network with several senators and their staffs! I feel confident about the impact our organization made while we were there and am looking forward to the continued advocacy efforts on behalf of the IEC.
If you didn’t hear – registration for our annual event, SPARK, is open! I can’t wait to attend this year’s event in Dallas. I want to encourage each and every one of you to come to this event as it has a monumental impact on your business, professional relationships, and value of your IEC membership. You can’t afford to miss it.
There are more developments coming down the pipeline as our various teams and committees are hard at work to bring you the best opportunities. Prospective new chapters, innovative product modules, and partnership benefits are just a few things that lie ahead for IEC.
It’s hard to believe that we are already halfway through 2023, but we have so much to look forward to as we power into the second half of the year. #WeAreIEC
Sincerely,
Cecil Leedy
2023 IEC National President
2023 IEC Awards Applications Close Soon
IEC Awards applications close soon! Don’t miss out on your chance to be part of a group recognized for being best in the industry. Submit your nomination by July 17 here.
IEC National Safety Awards
This year, the winner of the IEC Safety Professional of the Year Award will receive an all-expense paid trip to Dallas for SPARK 2023 including registration, airfare, and lodging courtesy of Milwaukee Tool! Learn more about IEC Safety Awards and submit a nomination by July 17 at this link.
Instructors Conference: July 13 – 15, Orland Park, IL
American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Conference: July 15 – 18, Atlanta, GA
SPARK: Empower. Energize. Evolve: October 16 – 18, Dallas, TX
Virtual Membership Meet & Greets
IEC is looking to expand and grow the chapter network! We are having several virtual meet and greet meetings to explain to new contractors the many benefits of having a chapter in their backyard for their company and industry. If you know anyone in the following areas, share with them the following links so they can register to attend.
Arkansas Virtual Meet & Greet: Wednesday, July 19 at 1:00 PM (CT) REGISTER HERE
Nebraska Virtual Meet & Greet: Wednesday, August 16 at 12:00 PM (CT) REGISTER HERE
IEC Raleigh Meet & Greet
You’re invited to join IEC for a free Meet & Greet event in Raleigh, North Carolina! We’ll be sharing with everyone how developing an IEC Chapter in the Raleigh area can help merit shop electrical contractors succeed in today’s industry, and we want your input. Enjoy food, drinks, and be entered to win amazing door prizes! Learn more about one of the our most beneficial tools, the IEC Apprenticeship Program. Learn more HERE.
Operation Graduation
Hundreds of IEC apprentices have graduate across the U.S. over the past several months. IEC is celebrating their hard work, accomplishments, and bright futures through Operation Graduation. Find the remainder of the chapters participating and more information HERE.
Be sure to share all of your graduation photos and tag IEC!
SPARK Registration is Open!
We are headed to Dallas! This year’s event is sure to be the biggest and best yet. With even more vendors, education sessions, and chances to grow your network, this is an event you can’t afford to miss.
IEC Members Return to Washington for Workforce Development & Policy Conference
Nearly 70 members were on hand during last week’s Workforce Development and Policy Conference. For the first time in four years, IEC members went to Capitol Hill and lobbied their legislators in person. With over 80 Hill meetings, members focused discussions primarily on the JOBS Act, which expands short term Pell grants, and the Fair and Open Competition Act, which overturns the Biden administration’s project labor agreement mandate. Between sessions addressing career and technical education, workforce investment boards, and a panel discussion focusing on industry best practices, attendees left with additional insight into bolstering their labor force. Participants were also provided analysis into last year’s election and what may be in store for 2024 from keynote speaker, Nathan Gonzales. Associated General Contractor’s economist Ken Simonson provided an assessment of the economy as it relates to the construction industry and Deputy Assistant Secretary for OSHA, Mandy Edens, for OSHA provided a glimpse into what the agency has in store for future rule makings. Finally, attendees heard from this year’s Legislator of the Year Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC) and Rising Star Rep. Burgess Owens (R-UT).
Foundation Top Golf Tournament & Prize Party
Join the IEC Foundation at Top Golf Dallas on Sunday, October 15, 2023, at 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM for a tournament and prize party.
Click here to learn more about sponsorships and ticket packages.
Prevent Heat Illness this Summer
Working in the electrical industry can be physically demanding, especially when combined with high temperatures and intense sunlight. It is crucial for IEC members to understand the risks associated with heat exposure and take proactive measures to prevent heat-related illnesses. This July, IEC is partnering with OSHA for their Heat Illness Prevention campaign to educate workers and employers on the dangers of working in the heat. Visit the IEC Safety page for more info.
Providing Input on OSHA Leading Indicators Research
To improve safety and health management programs and establish safety as a core value in American workplaces, OSHA is creating a new Leading Indicators Resource for employers. This resource will cater particularly to small- and medium-sized employers, equipping them with the knowledge and tools necessary to integrate leading indicators into their safety and health program.
For additional leading indicators information, please visit the links listed below:
Check out the Vertical IQ Industry Insight on Electrical Contractors. Learn about data center spending to surge support of AI, contractors facing uncertainty over new Florida immigration law, industry forecast, employment, and wages. Read it all HERE.
CCWA To Launch IEC Chesapeake Electrical Apprenticeship Program
Congratulations to IEC Chesapeake for its partnership with The Community College Workforce Alliance (CCWA). This partnership will deliver training and other services in a fully accredited, Year 1 electrical apprenticeship!
CCWA is a partnership between J. Sargeant Reynolds and Brightpoint Community Colleges serving the economic development and workforce needs in four cities and twelve counties of Central Virginia. The organization provides non-credit training, customized instruction, consulting, skills assessments, and educational programs.
Sean Hendry, safety director at APG in Clearwater, FL, knows that putting safety first across the board means that being an electrician will continue to be a great career path for many in years to come. “I’m fortunate to have access to the best curriculum in the business through IEC,” he says. “I am then free to add a little bit more to take it to another level for our work circumstances.
But knowing that locally and nationally, there are dedicated people making sure material is up-to-date, interesting, energizing, and creative in terms of labs for example, makes my job that much easier.”
The Home Depot Pro is your partner to help get the job done. That includes getting your full order delivered where you need it. Check out all the delivery options.
Our Milwaukee® 9” Lineman’s Pliers (USA) deliver the easiest cuts and a lasting edge for the professional user. Our pliers are designed with an optimized pivot point to provide the best leverage for tough cuts through materials like ACSR, hard wire, and soft wire.
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