Davis Electric, 77 Other NECA Members, Celebrated Major Milestones In 2009
Last month, a lengthy article in the News-Gazette recognizing Davis Electric’s 50th anniversary described a family-owned firm that has gone through many changes since Tom Davis and his older brother, Jerry, started Champaign County Electric in Urbana, Illinois, in 1959. Their first job: wiring a new laundromat. Later, they changed the name to reflect family ownership and spent some time selling Hotpoint kitchen appliances in addition to working as “rafter rats,” crawling through rafters to rewire old houses.
The company has grown considerably since then and has taken on a whole new customer base, including major corporations and institutions in East Central Illinois. Tom Davis, now 74, sold Davis Electric to his three children — Scot, Jeff and Carmen — 11 years ago. "When I gave it to the children, I told them, 'I'll help you when you're busy,' and they're busy all the time."
So, he's still often out at job sites, dealing with backhoes and helping crews start on new work. "I'm working my way up the corporate ladder," he quipped. "I'm the muddiest guy working here."
Click here to read the full News-Gazette article on Davis Electric’s 50th anniversary.
Every year, NECA’s national headquarters office presents member companies with a commemorative plaque to celebrate 25-, 50-, 75- and 100-year anniversaries. In 2009, a total of 78 plaques were distributed. For the complete list, click on the link under “Related Documents.”
