ECA Industry Update

Electrical Contractor Essentials: Business & Field Operations Virtual Classroom

November 7 - 9, 2023 | 1:00 - 3:30 PM ET

NECA has an upcoming Virtual Classroom that covers several key business and field operations elements that every electrical contractor needs to know! Designed to help contractors professionalize their business operations, this program will cover essential elements of finance, legal issues, insurance, bonding, risk management, material management, productivity, and construction technology.

Finance

David O'Brien, CPA

Mosley Glick O'Brien, Inc.

This session will discuss the key financial processes, facts, and figures that you need to be constantly aware of to keep the company running smoothly.

Legal

Jef Fagan

NECA

The legal issues that electrical contractors can face are diverse and this session will focus on three key areas: contracts, wages and allegations.

Insurance, Bonding & Risk Management

Federated Insurance

While you may have insurance policies in place, you may not be adequately covered. This session will discuss common coverage concerns and factors that affect business insurance premiums. Risk management culture, best practices for fleet/driving, as well as bonding, will also be discussed.

Material Management

Mike Carrol & Jessica Wilson

Graybar

The current state of the supply chain, the “digital thread concept,” industry-proven best practices, and useful tools to see more predictable, efficient, and profitable projects will be discussed.

Productivity

Mark Federle

Marquette University

Measuring and tracking productivity is key to being able to improve it. This session will discuss how to benchmark and identify field productivity and identify areas of waste. Methods to improve productivity among your staff, as well as subcontractors, will also be discussed.

Construction Technology

Tauhira Ali

NECA

Project delivery methods and building systems are growing increasingly complex. Owners and GCs continue to push tighter schedules and control cost, all while we are expected to adapt to their ever-changing expectations. This session will discuss what is driving these changes and what tools are available to help ECs shift from a low bid mindset to being seen as a trusted project consultant.

Click Here to Secure a Spot

NII 2024 Recruiting

The NECA Innovation Institute is actively building its 2024 – 2025 cohorts. Please refer to the attached information, program highlights, and interest form. We’re launching two cohorts in 2024 and would love to include your rising leaders in the mix.

Each cohort includes 10 innovative pioneers and is populated through a rolling admissions process. Our focus remains firmly on constructing diverse cohorts encompassing many backgrounds, leadership levels, industry experience, regions, company size, and services provided. All participants proudly represent NECA contractors and are devoted champions of our community.

The program's annual cost is $6,000, with every dollar channeled directly into delivering top-notch resources and experiences for each Institute candidate. This encompasses course materials, access to expert instructors, and full registration for two NECA Conventions.

Please reach out to innovation@necanet.org with any questions. The 2024 cohorts are filling up swiftly, and we’d love to have your organization represented in the Innovation Institute family.

NII Nomination Form and Brochure

Midwest Regional Conference

March 11 - 14, 2024

Mark your calendars for next year’s Regional Conference in the Bahamas! Midwest Region NECA is planning an exciting event and hope to see everyone there for great education, networking, and fun activities.

Passports are required, so make sure yours is up to date!

Please Note:

Midwest Region NECA invites Council Members and their spouses to attend the Vice President's reception on March 10, a day before the conference begins. Council members, please take this into consideration when making travel plans.

At the end of the registration process, you can link directly to the hotel’s website to reserve your hotel room at the Atlantis Resort.

Room rates are as follows:

The Royal Tower Run of House - $399 (Single & Double Rate)
The Royal Tower Run of House - $449 (Triple Rate)
The Royal Tower Run of House - $499 (Quad Rate)

The last day to book housing is February 9, 2024.

CEAEF Scholarship Applications Will be Accepted Through January 8, 2024.

The Chicagoland Electric Association Education Foundation is pleased to share the application period for the following seven academic scholarships:

· Electric Association Scholarship ($2500)
· The Kinander Family Scholarship ($2500)
· The Steiner Kerman Education Foundation Scholarship ($2500)
· The Joseph J. Archibald Jr. Memorial Scholarship ($2500)
· The Rosenstein Family Scholarship ($2500)
· The Anixter Family Scholarships (2 @ $2500)

Download the criteria and application to submit by January 8, 2024.

Electric Association members and their lineal descendants are eligible to apply. Please carefully review the scholarship criteria for complete details, deadlines, and a checklist of items to be included in each application.

If you have any questions regarding the scholarship program, please email: anovinger@eachicago.org.

NECA Emerge 2024: April 15-17, 2024

Las Vegas, NV

This groundbreaking conference consolidates specialized contractor areas and key business trends, streamlining efficiency and travel for NECA contractors and stakeholders. NECA EMERGE 2024 unites several industry-favorite meetings -- including Service & Maintenance and, Business Development, and low voltage and systems integration disciplines from the NECA-BICSI Summit -- merging them into one power-packed three-day conference.

Attendees can customize their experience, choosing from diverse tracks that include Service & Maintenance, Green Energy Initiatives, Low Voltage & Systems Integration, Business Development, Emerging Opportunities, and more! Get ready for a NECA event like no other and emerge prepared to take on new opportunities!

Click on the video below to learn more!

2024 MEP Innovation Conference (Jan. 29 - 31, 2024)

Registration is Open!

Once again, NECA, MCAA, and SMACNA have partnered together to host the 2024 MEP Innovation Conference. Immerse yourself in educational sessions, collaborative roundtable discussions, and hands-on exhibitor demonstrations that spotlight cutting-edge technologies that can improve NECA contractor productivity and profitability. Register now to network with peers from multiple trades across the country and to learn about industry advancements and the future of the MEP trades, January 29-31 in Orlando, Florida.

CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Document Crunch

Contractors who sign up for the service will have exclusive access to an ELECTRI-specific solution through Document Crunch’s innovative platform.

Watch Demo Video

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Satyam Verma at sverma@documentcrunch.com.

Click for NECA Alert (7/19/23)

Click for NECA This Week (10/30/23)

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NECA eSafetyLine Update

Please click here for the most recent eSafetyLine Update (11/1/2023).

NECA Education / NECA Labor Relations Offer New Program,

"Union Relations for Project Managers."

NECA Education / NECA Labor Relations are excited to announce a new course in the NECA Learning Center: Union Relations for Project Managers.

The two teams worked in collaboration to produce a 30 minute on-demand class which helps:

Explain the importance of understanding the local Collective Bargaining Agreement
Identify Category I language to determine what provisions will vary between locals
Describe the important provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement
Summarize the PMs role and interactions with the union
Describe your company's policies and practices
Explain the importance of the superintendent and foreman in the union relationship
Identify the impact union relations will have on a job

This course is designed to provide foundational knowledge for new Project Managers and/or members of your company who will interact with union represented employees or union officials. To register for this course, click the link below.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

NECA Government Affairs Update (10/10/23) --

Please click the link for a recent update from NECA Government Affairs.

If you have any questions regarding the update, please reach out to NECA Government Affairs to: Hadlea Bender, Specialist at: (713) 870-8619 / Jared Karbowsky, Director, Government Affairs, National Electrical Contractors Association at: 443-975-2932

DOL Final Rule on Updated Davis-Bacon & Related Acts

Body Invite for NECA 700-202x

The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) is seeking to revise this National Electrical Installation Standard (NEIS™) as an American National Standard under the accredited Consensus Body method of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

Please complete the Online Consensus Body invitation form, no later than Wednesday, 11/29/23, 2023.

Federal Government Funding Announcements / Regulations

Compiled by NECA Government Affairs:

Please click the link for the latest funding announcements and regulations the Federal Government has posted.

Click Here for Update - 9/27/23

ECA Stipends Available for a Number of Events!

The Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) Executive Committee recently approved a number of educational stipends for various events throughout 2023. Please click on the link for the current listing.

The registrations will be reimbursed to the applicable companies after the Conference. After you have registered for the applicable event, please e-mail a copy of your completed registration transaction to the Association office at registration@ecachicago.com. This will allow us to have a record of your registration information, should you need any assistance after registering.

CLICK HERE FOR LISTING OF APPLICABLE STIPENDS

ELECTRI Updates

ELECTRI’s latest research report on Future Infrastructure Growth is available now! ELECTRI International has released its Future Infrastructure Growth assessment of the state-of-the-practice on emerging opportunities for the electric industry related to the ten-year $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). For ECs, the strongest opportunities within the IIJA are broadband, electric vehicles (EVs), and clean energy and power sectors. This ELECTRI report provides the EC community with an overview of the IIJA Act and areas closely related to their businesses, a survey, and structured interviews of electrical contractors. Researchers Anthony E. Sparkling, Ph.D., LEED AP BD+C and Kyubyung (Kyu) Kang, Ph.D. focused on understanding ECs’ perceptions of the IIJA, as well as identifying emerging business opportunities and threats to the industry. Download the full report (at no charge) by making a free account at www.electri.org.

This month’s ConTech & Coffee session focused on Change Management Techniques. Participants on the call discussed how to ensure a smoother transition into digitized workflows. Click here to stay ahead of the curve by listening to real-world examples and success stories of contractors who have successfully managed change in their businesses.

ELECTRI’s Think Like a Leader conversation with Redtop Electric’s Mike Curran is available. Mike pays a lot of attention to “powering what’s next”. To make sure the company has the best possible workforce in place both in the field and in the office, Mike and his co-leaders focus on attitude and trust. Learn more about Redtop’s approach to finding a better way every day. Click here for Mike’s Think Like a Leader conversation.

Registration for ELECTRI’s January Meeting will open on November 1! The meeting will take place January 16-18 in Amelia Island, Florida and will feature a tour of Miller Electric in Jacksonville, along with lots of education sessions and networking. Mark your calendar for the other 2024 ELECTRI meetings:

· Summer Council Meeting: July 15 – 17, 2024 – Boston, MA

NECA Convention- September 28 – October 1, 2024 – San Diego, CA (ELECTRI Council meeting details TBD)

WHAT WE ALL LEARNED – Last week’s Council Room highlighted driving productivity and motivating the workforce. There were many excellent ideas and comments and you can watch it here and share it with your team.

THINKING AHEAD – ELECTRI has several key meetings each year. Here’s an advance notice for the places and dates for our 2024 Council meetings.

January 16 – 18, 2024 – Amelia Island, Florida

July 15 – 17, 2024 – Boston

September 28 – October 1, 2024 – NECA Convention, San Diego (ELECTRI Council meeting details TBD)

GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES - ELECTRI International has released its Future Infrastructure Growth assessment of the state-of-the-practice on emerging opportunities for the electric industry related to the ten-year $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). For ECs, the strongest opportunities within the IIJA are broadband, electric vehicles (EVs), and clean energy and power sectors. This ELECTRI report provides the EC community with an overview of the IIJA Act and areas closely related to their businesses, a survey, and structured interviews of electrical contractors. Researchers Anthony E. Sparkling, Ph.D., LEED AP BD+C and Kyubyung (Kyu) Kang, Ph.D. focused on understanding ECs’ perceptions of the IIJA, as well as identifying emerging business opportunities and threats to the industry. Download the full report (at no charge) at www.electri.org

WHAT WILL THE IMPACT BE? - Join ELECTRI’s Council Room on November 8 @ 3:00 PM Eastern for a deep-dive into ELECTRI’s recent research: The Impact of our Future Infrastructure Growth—Opportunities for Electrical Contractors. The panel will focus on the key findings of this research, how contractors and industry partners can benefit from the information and data provided by this project, and how EC contractors can take advantage of the influx of infrastructure work across the country from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Speakers will include the lead researcher, Anthony Sparkling, Ph.D. (School of Construction Management Technology, Purdue University), Research Task Force member Mike Emery (BreezeEV’s Director of EV Charging) and Kerri Stewart (Chief Strategy Officer, Miller EV Solutions, Miller Electric). Click here to access the full research report on the ELECTRI web site (no charge).

ELECTRI is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: The Impact of our Future Infrastructure Growth—Opportunities for Electrical Contractors

Time: Nov 8, 2023, 03:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84181587330?pwd=RAT5CtqD8zKc3jy53lfklIt3RA5MBH.1

Meeting ID: 841 8158 7330

Passcode: 212666

Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/ki9WecCxH

NEVER TOO EARLY – Mark your calendar for the next ELECTRI Council meeting – January 16 – 18, 2024 on Amelia Island, Florida. The closest major airport is JAX – Jacksonville, FL, approximately 30 miles from Amelia Island. Registration for the Council meeting, activities, and hotel accommodations will open November 1^st. Watch for the link next week. For more information about Amelia Island, check out this official website.

OUR SINCERE THANKS – Research projects often require a significant number of survey responses in order to reach meaningful findings and conclusions. The response to ELECTRI’s requests for EC industry participation in the research survey process has been outstanding this year. We appreciate your interest in helping the industry by sharing your experiences and data.

All ELECTRI Council members: Help steer the future of Electrical Contracting (EC) research by joining one of our task forces. Each of our research projects is assigned a task force of industry experts to work with the researcher. Your expertise will shape valuable outcomes for the industry. Let's advance the EC landscape together!

Fair Outcomes for Electrical Contractors for Schedule Compression and Out of Sequence Work- Timothy Becker, ASU
Managing Rework with an Early Warning System, Proactive Remedies, and Proper Documentation - Hala Nassereddine, NCM Consulting
MEP Contractors and GCs: What is the Cost of Inexperience? - Amelia Celoza, University of Colorado Boulder

If you want to participate in one of these new projects, please contact Amanda Harbison at Amanda@electri.org .

The Council Room panel reviewed the updated Change Order Guidelines and their importance. Attendees shared their process for pricing change orders more effectively and ways to communicate the update to many more contractors across the country. Click here to watch the Council Room session. Click here to download the full Updated Change Order Guidelines report.

ELECTRI International Quick Links

ELECTRI Meetings ELECTRI Research Council Room Sessions Prefab 101 Videos ConTech & Coffee/ITea & Coffee Think Like A Leader