Fall is in the air! SPARK is only a few weeks away and I look forward to being in Dallas. This year’s expo hall is the largest in IEC history and will feature more than 100 exhibitors including over 30 new exhibitors. I am looking forward to the many activities on the show floor like the Contractor Olympics and the National Apprentice of the Year (AOY) Competition. I am most excited to cheer on the award winners on the expo hall stage.
I am excited for the upcoming Workforce Development Institute (WFDI) reports. The WFDI will serve as a driving force behind the advancement of the electrical profession and the future workforce through cutting-edge research. This program will bridge the gap between research and practical application. This innovative program represents a significant step forward for IEC, as it will empower us to actively pursue Federal and Industrial Grants while simultaneously bolstering our recruiting efforts.
P.S. — The IEC Electric Vehicles Charging Station training program is now available for order on the IEC Store — take a look.
I am so excited for the many things to come! #WeAreIEC
Sincerely,
Cecil Leedy
2023 IEC National President
SPARK: October 16 – 18, Dallas, TX
IEC Business Summit 2024: January 28 – 31, Charlotte, NC
SPARK is Just Around the Corner
Don’t forget to register for SPARK. In a few short weeks, we will gather in Dallas, TX, for the premier event in the industry. There are plenty of opportunities to take advantage of like walking the expo floor with over 100 exhibitors, future ready forums, the National Apprentice of the Year (AOY) Competition, New Product Showcase, and more! View all the exciting activities at iecspark.com.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has begun the process for the consideration of a possible “Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings” rule. The possible rule would apply to employers whose employees are exposed to hazardous heat in the workplace and would require companies to devise specific heat-related plans. As part of this process, IEC’s Don Aragon of VA Electric in Alburquerque, NM, took part in a Small Business Advocacy Review (SBAR) panel, during which he expressed opposition to OSHA’s onerous proposal. The Department of Labor is required to convene a SBAR when writing a new regulation that will have a significant economic effect on a substantial number of small businesses.
Foundation Top Golf Tournament & Prize Party
Join the IEC Foundation at Top Golf Dallas on Sunday, October 15, 2023, from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM for a tournament and prize party.
Click here to learn more about sponsorships and ticket packages.
October is National Protect Your Hearing Month
October marks National Protect Your Hearing Month (#NPYHM), a crucial reminder that hearing protection is for everyone, and there is no cure for hearing loss. Safeguarding your hearing is simple: avoid loud noise, lower personal listening device volumes, and use ear protection when needed. If you suspect hearing loss, act early with a hearing checkup. Checkout the resources to use for you and your team to protect your hearing HERE.
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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.
Business Summit 2024
As the IEC Business Summit approaches, we would like to remind potential presenters to submit a proposal for consideration. The deadline for submission is 11:59 PM (ET) on October, 6, 2023. No late submissions will be accepted.
If you have any questions, please contact Paul Dolenc, at speakers@ieci.org.
The Conduit Bending Competition is a thrilling showcase of skill, precision, and speed, where electricians will demonstrate their expertise in bending conduits with accuracy. This competition, made possible by Milwaukee Tool’s sponsorship, promises to be a highlight of the event, attracting electricians from various backgrounds and experience levels to compete head-to-head.
Watch the Kojo Webinar
Kojo recently held a webinar to talk over the 7 Steps to Better Procurement. Within this webinar they explained the steps, how to identify inefficiencies and improvements, and discussed the overall benefits from implementing changes.