IECX: November 2023

November 2023

Hello IEC Nation!

IEC participated in National Apprenticeship Week November 13-19. I enjoyed seeing all the participation from our chapters and encourage everyone to continue the work into your local high schools.

I want to remind everyone that Business Summit is happening in a few short months in Charlotte, NC. Economist, Steven Moore, will be our closing speaker and I look forward to hear his insights. I hope you take the opportunity to join us for networking, collaboration, and learning. View the schedule, speakers, education sessions, host hotel, and register using the link here.

The Workforce Development Institute has produced a research report, Understanding Barriers to Entry in the Electrical Trade. In this report, you can find information about exposure of the trades in high schools, costs of becoming an apprentice, labor shortage, and more. I encourage you to read more about the Workforce Development Institute here.

I am very excited for the new curriculum coming your way! Congratulations to our Apprenticeship & Training Committee with all the hard work on producing the new curriculum to our members. The Fire Alarm and EV Charging courses are now available for purchase by your chapter. Contact your local Chapter Executive Director to see if they are offering this course and for more information.

Our Emerging Leaders committee is continuing their efforts and looking for new applicants for the 2024 cohort. I can guarantee you will get back twice as much as you put into it. Get involved – submit an application before December 22 and pass the word around.

The November/December Insights Magazine is now live! Take the time to read the new articles and share with your network.

It has been an absolute pleasure to serve this past year as president of IEC. From the executive committee to the National Staff to our Chapters, it has been a pleasure working with you all

It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish!

Cecil Leedy
2023 IEC National President

IEC Business Summit 2024: January 28 – 31, 2024, Charlotte, NC
Skills USA: June 19 – 23, 2024, Atlanta, GA
ASCA: July 13 – 16, 2024, Kansas City, MO
SPARK 2024: October 14 – 16, Tampa, FL

Register for Business Summit 2024

Register now for the IEC Business Summit 2024 and secure your spot at the premier event for the electrical and systems contracting industry. Don’t miss the chance to join leading business experts in Charlotte for a unique opportunity to network, collaborate, and gain insights into the latest trends and strategies shaping the industry. Explore the impressive lineup of speakers and education sessions designed to elevate your business acumen. View the schedule, book your hotel, and ensure you’re part of this invaluable experience.

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Upcoming Webinars

McCormick Systems: The Benefits of Integrating Your Estimating and Accounting Software. November 30, 2023, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM CT. Register HERE
The Contractors Plan: Prevailing Wage – Top Tips for Public Work Project Compliance. December 6, 2023, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM CT. Register HERE.

IEC Submits Comments Opposing Two DOL Proposals

IEC recently submitted comments opposing proposed rules issued by the Wage and Hour Division and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), both of which fall under the U.S. Department of Labor. The first letter rejects Wage and Hour’s proposal to increase the salary level for determining overtime from $35,568 to $60,209. The second letter opposes OSHA’s proposed rule, known as the Walkaround Rule, which would permit an individual that “may be an employee of the employer or a third party” to join an OSHA Compliance Safety and Health Officer as part of a job site inspection. This makes it possible for a safety-focused inspection to turn into something that would become a tool for a union organizing campaign. Final versions of each will likely be released sometime next year. IEC will continue to work with allies in Congress to push back on both proposals.

2024 Grant Dates

IEC Foundation Scholarship

Application period will be Monday, January 8, 2024 – Thursday, February 1, 2024 at 5:00 PM EST. References from employers and IEC chapters will be accepted through Friday, February 2, 2024 at 5:00 PM EST.

IEC Foundation Equipment Grant

Tuesday, February 6, 2024 – Thursday, March 7, 2024 at 5:00 PM EST.

The IEC Foundation Home Depot Pro Xtra Grant

Friday, March 8, 2024 – Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 5:00 PM EST.

For all grant and scholarshop applications and more information about IEC grants and programs visit: iec-foundation.org.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

This December, the focus is on understanding what PPE is, its importance, and available resources. PPE, including specialized clothing and equipment, serves as a crucial barrier against occupational hazards in electrical work. While PPE is the last line of defense according to OSHA, its significance for electrical contractors lies in protecting against electric shock, injuries, and reducing exposure to electrical hazards, ensuring compliance with regulations.

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New Training Advantage Programs

Explore our latest programs designed to enhance your skills and career prospects. Connect with your local chapter’s Executive Director about the new Fire Alarm Course, EV Charging Program, and the Foundations to Project Management Program. Elevate your professional journey with these valuable opportunities.

Find My Local Chapter

Emerging Leaders

Do you have an upcoming leader or rising star at your organization? Encourage them to apply for the Emerging Leaders Program. The IEC Emerging Leaders Program is a six-month leadership development experience for professionals in the electrical and systems contracting industry.

Applications for the 2024 cohort are now being accepted. The deadline to apply is December 22, 2023. Click here to find more information about the program or click here for the application.

Interested in being a mentor which entails sharing your experiences in the industry? Apply to become a mentor by clicking here.

Expand Your Understanding

Electrical contractors across the United States face similar challenges and may have developed solutions from which you could benefit. Head over to Insights online to hear their stories and learn!

Read about IEC Pennsylvania’s Cara Herbstritt whose career path led her back to the family business in Erie, PA; IEC of Oregon’s father and daughter instructor team of Ralph Williams and Haley Downer; IEC Rocky Mountain second year apprentice Jerren Reyes; Workforce Development Spotlight on Weifield Group Electrical Contracting;

federal government regulation updates from Phillip Russell; key person insurance and buy-sell agreements from Jesse Abercrombie; and more!

Do you have topics you feel should be addressed in Insights or make us aware of contractor members in your area doing amazing things? Let Managing Editor Lynn Valastyan know.

The Home Depot App

Get in and out of the store faster with The Home Depot app. With Store Mode you can see what’s in stock – and where – as soon as you step in one of our stores. You can also use your Virtual ID to check out faster and earn towards your annual rebate.

See all that you can do!

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