09/20/2019

NECA 2019 Convention & Trade Show

NECA 2019 Convention & Trade Show Highlights

NECA Convention

The NECA Convention & Trade Show was held September 14 – 17, 2019 in Las Vegas.  The following are highlights of the Convention, featuring Chicago & Cook County Chapter events, as well.

Governors Meeting
The Governors Meeting was held on Saturday, September 14, 2019.  Larry Beltramo, NECA President addressed the assembly.  He mentioned that he was looking forward to the challenges ahead.  He mentioned that the industry has a premier Apprentice Training Program / electrical training ALLIANCE – NTI.   However, the industry needs to be prepared to increase apprentice numbers, as well as opportunities for leadership roles.  He emphasized that working together as contractors with the IBEW to keep the progression going is crucial.  He also emphasized that NECA must be the most widely accepted trade association and contractor aid in the industry.  He also commended the efforts of the NECA staff with their current transition efforts.

Traci Walker, NECA Chief Financial Officer reported that there are 118 active NECA Chapters, 35 Student Chapters and 13 International Chapters.  There are 85 full-time NECA staff; the NECA website is to be updated, soon.

David Long, NECA CEO reported that NECA recently completed an assessment of NECA resources to enhance services.  NECA is working to implement a re-alignment of NECA staff for best utilization.   A strategic plan has been developed.  NECA will move its office to Washington D.C., soon.

Lonnie Stephenson, IBEW International President commended the efforts of the NLMCC with the “We Power America” campaign.  He also emphasized the importance of working together to achieve the 1025 initiative (increasing market share by 10% by 2025).

Several Ordinary Proposals and a By-Law Proposal regarding NECA Codes and Standards, and term changes were voted on positively during the session.

Student Chapter Challenge
The NECA Student Chapter Green Energy Challenge finals were held on Saturday, September 14, 2019.   Iowa State Student Chapter received 1^st Place; Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) – NECA IIT Student Chapter received 2^nd Place and the Toronto Student Chapter placed Third.  The NECA IIT Student Chapter also received Second Place in the video competition.  Initially, the NECA IIT Student Chapter received Third Place in the preliminary competition. The students who were able to travel to the Convention for the competition were:  Nicole Amon, Jaslyn Otero, “Myka” Chang, Mike Hickey, Mike O’Brien and Ryan Schonken; the IIT Facilitator was Dr. Daniel Tomal.  Congratulations to the students, the IIT Facilitator and the Association membership for their assistance with the Challenge! 

ELECTRI Council Meeting
The ELECTRI Council Meeting was held on Sunday, September 15, 2019.  ELECTRI International continues to invest in the future of the industry through educational programming, studies and other initiatives.  Currently, ELECTRI is nearing completion with Electrical Management Training (EMT) Videos on Change Orders.  A brief presentation was given by Anthony Perrenoud, Oklahoma University.  The students from the California Polytechnic University NECA Student Chapter gave their final report concerning the 2019 Student Passport Initiative – Ghana Photovoltaic Project.

Safety Roundtable
The meeting provided guidance for developing and maintaining effective safety management strategies along with the latest information about safety regulations that directly impact electrical contractors and workers.  NFPA 70E panelists were on hand and answered questions and provided guidance on compliance.  Issues discussed concerned risk, mitigation of risk, proper risk assessment, decision making with field and supervision, consistency with safety policy/program, among other areas.

Government Affairs Update
James Farrell and Trevor Falk, NECA Government Affairs gave an overview of the political process, as well as NECA’s efforts on behalf of contractor members.  Issues discussed included the following:  balance of power / control of Congress over time, policy changes, Department of Labor interaction, legislative accomplishments, NECA Government Affairs education outreach efforts, mutli-employer pension plans, continuation of Davis-Bacon Act, among other areas. 

Project Excellence Award
The Chicago & Cook County Chapter, NECA would like to congratulate ECA member, Kelso-Burnett Co., as they were recognized during the NECA Convention on Monday, September 16, 2019 with a NECA Project Excellence Award in Green Buildings in the Energy Solutions category for the Flagship McDonald's in Chicago (formerly, The "Rock-n'-Roll" McDonald's).  The prestigious NECA Project Excellence Award was established to showcase the exceptional work that NECA's members perform throughout the United States.  Congratulations, Kelso-Burnett Co.!

Abraham Lincoln Leadership Award
The Chicago & Cook County Chapter, NECA would like to congratulate James McGlynn, Sr., McWilliams Electric Company, Inc. as the recipient of NECA's 2019 "Abraham Lincoln Leadership" Award. He received the award during NECA Convention on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 in Las Vegas.  The Chapter held a special Open House reception for Mr. McGlynn on Monday, September 16, 2019 at the Foundation Room on the Mandalay Bay property.  Congratulations, Jim!

Chapter Special Events
The Chicago and Cook County Chapter held two special events for the members in attendance.  The main event was held on Monday, September 16, 2019 at the Foundation Room.  60 attendees enjoyed dinner and a spectacular view from the Foundation Room roof deck of the Las Vegas Strip.  Also, the final event prior to the Closing Celebration was held on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 at the Four Seasons Press Patio.  The weather cooperated with this outdoor event.

We hope all can attend next year’s Convention in Chicago!

^{Pictured below are highlights of the NECA 2019 Convention!}

^{Pictured above at the NECA Governors Meeting from left to right are:
David Hardt, NECA Academy of Electrical Contracting Chairman, Hardt Electric, Inc. and
Richard Jamerson, ECA President, Jamerson & Bauwens Electrical Contractors, Inc.} 

^{Larry Beltramo, NECA President, Rosendin Electric,
as he addressed the NECA Governors Meeting.}

^{Traci Walker, NECA CFO as she addressed the NECA Governors Meeting.}

^{Lonnie Stephenson, IBEW International President,
as he addressed the NECA Governors Meeting.}

The NECA IIT Student Chapter representatives pictured from left to right are; 
Ryan Schonken, "Myka" Chang, Jaslyn Otero, Dr. Daniel Tomal, IIT Facilitator,
Nicole Amon, Mike Hickey and Mike O'Brien.

Pictured above are the students on stage presenting their Challenge results.

^{Pictured above are the Students receiving the Second Place designations.}

^{Pictured above is David Long, NECA CEO,
as he addressed the ELECTRI Council Meeting.}

^{Pictured above is Stefan Lopata, Kelso-Burnett Co.,
as he was called up to receive the NECA Project Excellence Award.}

^{Pictured above are more of the Project Excellence Award winners, 
as Kelso-Burnett Co.'s project was announced.}

^{Pictured above from left to right are:
David Hardt, Academy of Electrical Contracting Chairman, Hardt Electric, Inc. and
Steve Diamond, Malko Communication Services, LLC (Academy member) just before
Mr. Hardt addressed the Convention attendees.}  

^{Pictured above is David Hardt, Academy of Electrical Contracting Chairman, Hardt Electric, Inc.
as he addressed the Convention attendees.}

^{Pictured above is James McGlynn, Sr., ECA Legislative Committee Chairman, McWilliams Electric Company, Inc.,
as he thanked the attendees at the special "Abraham Lincoln Leadership Award" Reception.}

^{Guests at the special Reception: 
Jack Battel, Chapter Manager, Northern Illinois Chapter, NECA with guests from his Chapter (left to right) and
Richard Jamerson, ECA President, Jamerson & Bauwens Electrical Contractors, Inc. (far right).}

^{Pictured at the special Reception from left to right are:
Marco Giamberardino, Executive Director NECA Goverment Affairs and
James McGlynn, McWilliams Electric Company, Inc.}

^{Pictured above is James Farrell, NECA Manager Government Affairs,
as he presented Mr. McGlynn with a special Congressional recognition letter.}

^{Guests at the special Reception.}

^{Guests at the special Reception.} 

^{Pictured from left to right are:
Larry Beltramo, NECA President, Rosendin Electric as he presented
James McGlynn, Sr., McWilliams Electric Company, Inc. with the
Abraham Lincoln Leadership Award.}

^{Pictured above is Richard Jamerson, ECA President,
Jamerson & Bauwens Electrical Contractors, Inc., 
as he welcomed the Chapter attendees and guests to the
Chicago & Cook County Chapter Dinner at the Foundation Room.}

^{Guests at Chapter Dinner.}

^{Guests at Chapter Dinner.}

^{View from Chapter Dinner at the Foundation Room.}

^{Guests at Chapter Pre-Closing Event Reception at Press Patio - Four Seasons Hotel.}

^{Guests at the Chapter Pre-Closing Event Reception from left to right are:
Thomas Rivi, G & M Electrical Contractors Company,
Thomas Pedergnana, Malko Communication Services, LLC,
Scott Block, Block Electric Company, Inc,.
Kyla Pedergnana and Michael Block, Block Electric Company, Inc.}