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News

Electrical Contractors Flock to Nation’s Capital for NECA 2024 Legislative Conference

May 15, 2024

 

NECA hosted the single largest gathering of electrical contractors, industry professionals, legislative and economic experts and lawmakers in Washington D.C. from May 6-8, 2024, for the annual Legislative Conference. Focused on addressing pressing issues facing electrical contractors and discussing forward-looking policies, the conference was packed with presentations, panel discussions, networking events and Capitol Hill meetings with representatives.

Being an election year, the conference kicked off with opening remarks from Nathan Gonzalez, editor and publisher of Inside Elections to discuss the upcoming 2024 election landscape. Attendees were next informed by Chris Kuehl, chief economist at Armada Corporate Intelligence, who gave an in-depth look into 2024/2025 economic scenarios and projections. 

The second day of NECA’s Legislative Conference saw a slew of legislators address attendees about the importance of being involved in the advocacy efforts led by the association. A focus on infrastructure investment and how the regulatory environment is impacting the electrical contractors prepared many for a full day of meetings with their elected officials.

The conference included a "Legislative Strategy Briefing" providing valuable tips on effective communication with lawmakers, focusing on key issues like tax reform, safety regulations, and government contracting. The highlight of the day was the 164 organized visits to Capitol Hill, where conference attendees met directly with their elected officials. These meetings allowed participants to discuss industry concerns, share their business experiences, and advocate for industry-supported legislative measures.

As the conference concluded with a congressional reception at the Cannon House Office Building, the overarching sentiment was one of optimism and readiness to tackle the challenges ahead. The electrical trade association’s proactive stance on engaging with policymakers and shaping legislation is set to have a lasting impact on the industry. “We are immensely pleased with the outcomes of the 2024 NECA Legislative Conference,” said Marco Giamberardino, Senior Vice President of Government and Public Affairs at NECA. “This year, we had the privilege of hosting over 150 attendees, all who had the unique opportunity of engaging directly with legislators, ensuring that the voice of the electrical contracting industry is heard in Congress. Moving forward, NECA’s hope is that members are energized by the strong connections forged and the progress made during this event, so they continue advocating at their local levels.”

The 2024 Legislative Conference not only provided a platform for current issues, but a connection to policymakers to set the stage for future legislative engagements and industry growth. With such dynamic discussions and strategic planning, electrical contractors left equipped to steer their businesses through the complexities of modern infrastructure and workforce challenges, making this event a pivotal point in the 2024 industry calendar.

To learn more about the NECA 2024 Legislative Conference, watch the full NECANews Recap Video here!