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News

NECA had Successful Week in Nashville with Back-to-Back Conferences

May 31, 2023

NECA concluded the month of May with back-to-back events in Nashville where NECA members and industry partners gathered for the Business Development conference and the NECA Safety Professionals Conference (NSPC). With growing importance placed on business development efforts in corporations across the globe, NECA welcomed nearly 100 members, staff and partners passionate about moving the electrical construction industry forward.

A huge takeaway from the meeting was a presentation done by ELECTRI International’s Executive Director Josh Bone. He spoke to attendees about the impact of electrification on the future of construction and business operations. With the movement increasing over the last decade to push towards green energy and smart technology, this was a hot topic which provided great insight for participants based on ELECTRI research and trend studies.

A large portion of the Business Development Conference was centered around peer discussion and debate about current industry threats and opportunities. Collaborating amongst other electrical construction professionals from across the country allows business owners and managers to find possible solutions or anticipate certain trends.

Attendees also came away with a greater awareness of how intertwined business development is with political outcomes. NECA’s Senior Vice President of Government and Public Affairs, Marco Giamberardino moderated this eye-opening panel. In regard to the dialogue, he said, “Being able to inform our members about the importance of political advocacy and communication with government officials at every level, will improve our industry in so many ways.” When reflecting on the feedback following the panel discussion, Giamberardino said, “We are emboldening our members to have a say in what policies are pursued and how their companies could be affected. That is why relationships with elected officials are crucial for business development.”

 

One of the largest events that NECA hosts every year took place right on the heels of the Business Development Conference in Nashville, NSPC. The NECA Safety Professionals Conference is a three-day meeting that focuses on one of the association’s core values: workplace safety. Attendees learned procedures to ensure not only the wellbeing of workers but also the customers or people affected by job site activity. “This year's NECA Safety Conference was a huge success,” said NECA Executive Director of Outside Line Safety Mike Starner. “We received high praise for everything from the quality of presentations, cutting edge products and services in our trade show, and the invaluable opportunity to engage peers in current industry issues faced by all.”

Several educational tracks were offered at this year’s NSPC, ranging from inside electrical construction, leadership and risk management to NFPA 70E and electrical safety, outside line electrical construction and safety regulations. “The 2023 NSPC had the most diverse group of speakers to date,” reflected Wes Wheeler, NECA Executive Director of Safety. “The quality and level of these speakers helped NECA raise the content for our attendees to truly make it a memorable experience and provide new insights into managing safety for their organizations.”

NPCS is also a time where member contractors and companies from across the country are recognized through the Safety Achievement program for their elite safety initiatives. Member companies that consistently have OSHA recordable injury and fatality rates at levels lower than the industry standard and implement internal company safety practices above and beyond basic compliance received recognition. The Zero-Injury winners are those member-companies that have worked a full calendar year without recordable incidents. The Safety Excellence award acknowledges member-contractor safety performance and the winners are selected based on their comparison to BLS data and electrical contractors.

In Nashville the 2023 NECA Safety Ambassadors Medal, sponsored by Milwaukee, was presented to Eii, Inc., from the Northern New Jersey Chapter. The Director of National Environmental Health and Safety at Milwaukee Tool, Justin Azbill, recognized President John Guempel and Safety Director Robert Sagendorf for their roles in leading safety procedures at Eii, Inc.

​As NSPC continues to grow in size and attendance, the NECA staff strives to provide relevant sessions of interest to keep its members ahead of the curve and up to date with regulations. Wheeler said conference feedback was encouraging, “Many of the first-time speakers at this year’s NSPC had high praises for the efficiency of the NECA team in coordinating and scheduling their participation at the NSPC.”  The educational benefits in addition to industry networking opportunities and highlighting greater safety awareness are a few reasons why NPSC remains a sought-after meeting.

To experience the best that NECA has to offer, all industry professionals and construction enthusiasts are welcome to attend the 2023 NECA Convention and Trade Show in Philadelphia this September. For registration and event information please visit www.necaconvention.org or contact [email protected].