October 6, 2007

Daily Cable - NECA 2007 San Francisco

Steve Young Kicks Off NECA Convention With Rousing Talk

Steve Young, the record-setting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, has also set a record with NECA—as one of the most entertaining and inspirational opening general session speakers ever. 

His lighthearted and metaphorical presentation compared the role of a quarterback on a football team to the role of an individual dealing with diverse people in typical work-a-day challenges. Taking accountability for one's own mistakes, and then working to fix them without finger-pointing was just one of many points Young made about how to effectively work on a team.

"It was marvelous," said Robert Graether of Graether and Oross, Trumbull, CT. "What he spoke on was just so relevant to the challenges we all face in our businesses, and I think we can take his comments home with us."

Along with amusing and inspiring the audience, Young also entertained by showing off his three-time Super Bowl winning arm. Five lucky attendees who correctly answered Steve Young trivia questions were thrown autographed footballs from the stage by the former San Francisco 49er quarterback. 

Mike Moconyi shows off his football autographed by Steve Young

The longest throw was caught by Connecticut Chapter Executive Mike Moconyi, who answered correctly the question, "What town—not traditionally known as a football town—is Steve Young from?" Proudly holding his prize, Moconyi said, "It was fun!" We're sure everyone who attended would agree.  

What was the answer to Moconyi's trivia question? Greenwich, Connecticut.

Trade Show Opening Huge Success

The NECA 2007 San Francisco trade show opened today with crowds of electrical construction industry leaders filling the aisles and visiting the booths of the 300 exhibitors decorating the show floor. 

Young NASCAR racing phenom Alli Owens has taken time out from the track to visit the NECA trade show floor, sign autographs and meet with the leaders of an industry she is helping to promote.  Owens is the spokesperson for ElectrifyingCareers.com, a website geared toward getting young people energized about careers in the electrical industry. The site lists descriptions of nearly 60 different electrical jobs and provides information about educational and training opportunities.

Alli Owens at the NECA Show

Among the other exciting trade show features is the first-ever Green Alley section of the show floor, which hosts exhibitor companies dedicated to solar and renewable energy technologies.   

Jonathan, Bob, and Jay Bruce at the 2007 NECA Show

According to show attendee Jay Bruce of Bruce & Merilees, the Green Alley exhibitors were a welcome edition. Bruce commented, "Solar energy hasn't completely taken off in some parts of Pennsylvania, but green construction is the wave of the future. We're here learning more about it so we'll be ready when it takes off."

Tomorrow, the NECA Show will host "Think Green" Day, with special technical sessions focused on Green Construction. 

NFPA 70E Compliance Made Easy for NECA 2007 San Francisco Attendees

Understanding and complying with the NFPA 70E guidelines are a challenge for every electrical contractor. But today, one management seminar made these complex and important guidelines a little easier to comprehend. 

Joe O'Connor

The well-attended seminar, NFPA 70E Compliance Made Easy gave students a more thorough understanding of NFPA 70E basics, and valuable information on how to comply with the important guidelines. The seminar also highlighted the various resources available through NECA, attended to simplify compliance.

Joe O'Connor, Vice-President of INTEC, led this informative session. O'Connor has served on various work groups for OSHA's Advisory Committee for Construction Safety and Health, and has developed safety programs for associations, private industries and government agencies, including the American Public Power Association, Edison Electric Institute, and NECA.

 

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