NECA This Week

NTW 4/20: Bold Ideas, Field Leadership for Outside Line & More

Apr 20, 2026

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Industry News

What to know about Trump’s tariff refund process

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is set to launch a claims portal Monday to process tariff refunds tied to recent court rulings, with potential repayments totaling an estimated $166 billion. Finance leaders are expected to play a central role in steering their organizations through the process, with success hinging on documentation quality, cross-functional coordination and how companies account for any eventual refunds.

Remodeling Lights up Housing

High prices have hindered the housing market, but the lack of affordable options has encouraged more owners to stay put and remodel their own homes. The trend can be seen in the jump in profits for remodelers.

NECA News

Big Crowds, Bold Ideas: EMERGE 2026 in Atlanta

Last week, EMERGE 2026 delivered an energizing and forward-looking experience, bringing contractors together to explore new opportunities. With 5 dynamic tracks, attendees dove into niche markets, innovative project approaches, and new avenues for growth. A highlight of the event was the contractor prefabrication shop tours, which gave participants a firsthand look at real-world operations. The exhibit hall kept the momentum going with cutting-edge solutions and valuable industry connections. From start to finish, EMERGE showcased the depth, innovation, and future potential of NECA contractors. Thank you to our attendees, sponsors and exhibitors for making EMERGE such a success!

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Just Launched: Field Leadership Essentials for the Outside Line

Field leaders are critical to every electrical contractor’s success—especially in the outside line, where storm response, emergency work, and remote environments demand quick decision-making under pressure. Leaders must assess risk in real time, prioritize effectively, and maintain clear communication in high-stress situations. NECA’s Field Leadership Essentials for the Outside Line is designed to build these skills before they’re tested in the field.

Interested in learning more? Contact [email protected]. The first train-the-trainer will be held May 12–13, 2026, at the Missouri Valley JATC.

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Upcoming Free Webinar

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR magazine is hosting a free webinar, sponsored by Champion Fiberglass, for contractors, engineers, and project managers working on large industrial projects. The session will present a labor-first approach to evaluating how conduit material selection impacts installed cost and schedule stability. Attendees will also see workflow comparisons for GRC, PVC, and fiberglass to help improve efficiency and reduce rework. The webinar will be held Friday, May 8 at 10:30 a.m. CST.

125 Years of NECA: Shop the Anniversary Collection

Celebrate a milestone year, NECA’s 125th anniversary, with exclusive, limited edition apparel featuring our commemorative logo! For 125 years, NECA members have shaped the industry and built a legacy worth celebrating, and this collection is a tribute to that shared history. Don’t miss your chance to be part of it. These special items are only available for a limited time and ship directly to you in 3 to 4 weeks!

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