New Keynote Speaker for Women In NECA Roundtable!

Women In NECA are delighted to announce that Diane Brown, Vice President of Organizational Development for ThomThe Roundtable is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 14, from 2-4 p.m. and all women attending the convention and trade show are invited to attend.

Diane Brown is known for providing steady leadership and innovative support for the company’s employees. She works primarily in human resources, but Diane is always thinking about the next generation of electrical workers and how to develop their talents.

She has been at T&B for almost 25 years and has spent roughly half of her tenure there in manufacturing or distribution operations in HR and the remainder in T&B’s corporate office in Memphis as the HR leader in several of their businesses.  Diane now has responsibility for a variety of HR-related services including leadership and employee development, talent and succession planning, talent acquisition, internal communication, HR technology and community relations.

Diane has spoken extensively on how women can develop their leadership skills in the electrical industry, including the National Association of Electrical Instructors Women in Industry Forum and the NAED Women in Industry Bootcamp. She also worked with Rutgers University and the University of Memphis to launch a new executive training program called AmpUp – Accelerating Management Performance University Program, an eight-month program focused on building deep, integrated but practice business skills while enhancing the participants’ executive presence and managerial confidence. She also serves as a director for Healthy Memphis.

Diane previously worked in human resources the financial services industry prior to relocating to Memphis and joining American Electric, which was acquired by T&B in 1992.  Diane is the mother of two adult children who live in Memphis and grandmother of six – a granddaughter, a grandson, and four grand dogs.

If you’re a woman working in the electrical industry, please join us for this year’s Women In NECA Roundtable on “Inspiring Leadership!”

Pre-Convention Workshops Give an Education Head Start for NECA 2013 DC

NECA 2013 Washington DC, the electrical industry’s largest convention and trade show, will include displays from 300 exhibitors, insightful speakers and 19 free technical workshops on the Show floor, Oct. 12-15 at Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

However, the educational opportunities start before the opening festivities on Saturday, Oct. 12. Special pre-convention workshops starting Friday, Oct. 11 through Saturday, Oct. 12 offer an in-depth look at the trends and technology shaping the electrical construction industry. Each workshop is led by the leading experts in the areas covered, and training materials will be provided with course registration. Continuing education units (CEUs) can be earned for each pre-convention workshop.

Pre-convention workshops are generally run longer than convention management seminars and technical workshops. Price varies based on the program. Check the full listing on www.necaconvention.org for prices, dates and times. Instructions for adding a pre-convention workshop to your current registration can be found on blog.necaconvention.org. Popular programs this year include in-depth forums, can-do technology demonstrations, and safety training.

FORUMS

2013 NECA Energy Forum – As our nation strives for energy independence and consumer demand for renewable power and energy conservation continues to rise, electrical contractors are constantly updating their expertise in green energy trends and technology. The NECA 2013 Energy Forum will bring electrical contractors together with leading policy-makers and industry leaders shaping the energy solutions market today.

The speakers and panel discussions at the 2013 NECA Energy Forum are the best source for practical information about the trends, technology, and economic factors affecting the energy market today. Discover the latest advances in emerging technologies, energy efficiency, renewables, energy storage, combined heat and power, and the projected abundance of natural gas can mean for the electrical construction industry.

The Energy Forum will wrap up just in time for the finalists’ presentations for NECA Green Energy Challenge, the annual NECA Student Chapter design competition.
Saturday, Oct. 12, 12-4 p.m. (lunch included)
$145/$75 with full Convention registration/Included with Weekend Package registration

Safety Forum – When it comes to electrical construction, safety is everyone’s job. However, it takes a real leader to make safety a company priority. If you manage a workplace or jobsite safety program, enforce or develop safety standards, supervise workers, oversee a facility, or simply strive for a safe work environment, you need to attend the second annual Safety Forum at NECA 2013 Washington DC.

The Safety Forum goes beyond the basics. It is your opportunity to network with your industry peers, share best practices, and hear directly from the leaders developing and enforcing U.S. safety practices.
Saturday, Oct. 12, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.– Sunday, Oct. 13, 8-10 .m.
$250 member/$599 non-member/Included with Weekend Package registration

TECHNOLOGY

The Crazy World of LEDs and Controlling Them – Light Emitting Diodes are the current darling of lighting efficiency experts, but LED lighting controls can get complicated. This two-hour workshop explains troubleshooting dimmers, wireless controls and sensors, as well as their integration into larger systems. Lighting expert Jim Benya will demonstrate some of the latest products from manufacturers and how to keep up with LED innovations that seem to move at the speed of light.
Saturday, Oct. 12
10 a.m.-12 noon
$95

Leveraging BIM to Drive Scalable Prefabrication – Two industry buzzwords for productivity, “Building Information Modeling” and “prefabrication” will join forces in a two-hour course on how BIM can be integrated into an electrical contractor’s prefabrication operation. See how BIM allows contractors to use a virtual 3-D prototype of the project and map options for prefabricated components, then work with supplier to increase job site efficiency.
Friday, Oct. 11, 1-3 p.m.
$95

SAFETY

OSHA Train-the-Trainer 10-Hour Course – Registrants must have current OSHA 500 or 501 certification to participate in this course on becoming an OSHA 10 Hour trainer. The OSHA 10 Hour is the foundation of safety training for the high-voltage line industry, and the growth in line work nationwide means more trainers are needed to help get all workers safety-ready. This course is offered in cooperation with the OSHA ET&D Partnership.
Friday, Oct. 11, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.– Saturday, Oct. 12, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.
$250

2014 National Electrical Code Significant Changes – NECA is an active participant in the NEC development process with representation on each of the 19 National Electrical Code (NEC) technical committees. This four-hour course is an extensive overview of significant changes to the National Electrical Code for the 2014 cycle. Learn what is new and revised, and how these changes may impact your business. Stay ahead of the game by catching a glimpse of some interesting and important NEC revisions in the next edition.
Friday, Oct. 11, 1-5 p.m.
$150

Additional pre-conference workshops are posted online. Instructions for registering adding a pre-convention workshop are posted on the NECA 2013 DC blog, blog.necaconvention.org.

All educational offerings above are fee-based. However, FREE admission to the Show is available. To receive FREE admission to the NECA trade show:

1. Go to www2.cmrreg.com/neca_c4
2. Use “PR6F” when asked for your SPECIAL ADMISSION CODE

It’s Not Too Late to Add a Pre-Convention Workshop to Your Registration!

Kudos to you for taking full advantage of the education and special opportunities available at NECA 2013 Washington DC! It’s easy to add a pre-convention workshop, Energy Forum or Safety Forum, additional Opening Reception tickets or a tour to your existing registration. Pre-convention workshops run Friday, Oct. 11 through Saturday, Oct. 12, and local tours are scheduled throughout NECA 2013 Washington DC.

You can easily add pre-convention workshops and tours to your existing registration online or call Katie at 301-215-4506 for help.

If you want to make the changes to your registration online, follow these steps:

1. Visit the 2013 Washington registration page: https://www2.cmrreg.com/neca_c4/. (Click on Attendee Registration button at the top right of the NECA Convention website.)

2. Scroll down to “Already Registered?” You will be prompted to enter the confirmation number and email address included in your registration confirmation you should have received by email. Click “Resend Your Confirmation” if you can’t locate your original confirmation email.

3. Click “Review or Change Your Registration.” Your registration contact information will be displayed.

4. Click through the pages until you reach “Pre-Conference Workshops.” Select any workshops you would like to add to your registration. Please note that not all workshops may be available at this time; class size may have maxed out, or the class may have been cancelled.

5. Click through the pages to see if you need to update any other information. The cart at the top of the page will display any items you have added.

6. Click “Update Registration” once you’re finishing reviewing. You will receive an email confirmation of your additional registration items and billing information.

That’s it!

What’s in a Weekend?

Well, if you’re a NECA member who wants a great educational value without a lot of time away from the office, then a NECA 2013 Washington DC Weekend Package could be the best choice for you. Decide what’s in your weekend from two package options, which can be customized with either registration for the Energy Forum or the Safety Forum, along with Sunday, Oct. 13 management seminars, trade show admission and the Opening General Session. You decide if you’d like to include the grand Opening Reception, A Night at the Museum, on Saturday, Oct. 12.

Hope to see you there!

Weekend Packages (Available to NECA Members ONLY):

Package #1 & #2 both include the Energy Forum OR Safety Forum, Sunday General Session, Sunday Management Seminars, Sunday Trade Show with Lunch and Prize Drawing Tickets, Sunday Technical Workshops and Showstopper Showcase.  Package #1 Also includes the Saturday evening Opening Reception.

Weekend Package #1     –     $619.00

Weekend Package #2     –     $519.00

Early Registration Closes Tuesday, Sept. 10!

There’s less than one week to save on your registration for NECA 2013 Washington DC! The NECA annual convention and tradeshow brings together all the best aspects of NECA in one location, once a year. NECA 2013 Washington, DC will also showcase for one of the association’s key benefits – the ability to grow electrical contractors’ businesses.

Today, all electrical contractors want to strengthen their companies. Successful ones make the annual NECA convention and trade show a part of their business development plans. So register today and save while there’s still time!

Remember, first-time attendees also receive a $100 discount as well! Our weekend pages are a great time- and money-saving option, too.

Energy Forum Keynote Speakers Announced!

Two champions for  smart energy policy, FERC Chairman Jon Wellinghoff and Karen Harbert, President/CEO of the U.S. Chamber’s Energy Institute, will offer keynote presentations at the 2013 NECA Energy Forum on Oct. 12.

Jon Wellinghoff, Chairman, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Jon Wellinghoff was appointed Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) was by President Barack Obama in 2009 after serving as a FERC Commissioner since 2006. The independent agency oversees wholesale electric transactions and interstate electric transmission and gas transportation in the United States.

Wellinghoff is an energy law specialist with more than 35 years of experience. Before joining FERC, he led a private law practice in Nevada, where he focused on cases pertaining to renewable energy and energy efficiency, causes he continues to promote as FERC Chairman. He was the primary author of Nevada’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), one of two state RPS programs to receive an “A” rating from the Union of Concerned Scientists.

Wellinghoff’s priorities at FERC were the integration of renewable energy sources into the electric grid; the implementation of advanced technologies aimed at making the use and distribution of energy more efficient; and the promotion of demand-side energy practices, including real-time electricity pricing and the use of electric cars. These priorities emphasize improvements to the overall efficiency of the nation’s energy infrastructure. Wellinghoff has pursued his priorities through the implementation of regulatory practices that ensure a fair and competitive energy market, pointing out that it is through competitive energy markets that consumers will reap the full benefits of new technology.

As Chairman he created FERC’s Office of Energy Policy and Innovation (OEPI), which is responsible for investigating and promoting new efficient technologies and practices in the energy sectors under FERC’s jurisdiction. Wellinghoff is co-chair of the Smart Response Collaborative launched jointly by FERC and the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) and is a member of NARUC’s Committee on Energy Resources and the Environment.

Although Wellinghoff submitted his resignation as FERC Chairman to President Obama on May 5, he will continue to serve in the post until a new chairman is appointed.

Karen Alderman Harbert, President and Chief Executive Officer, U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for 21st Century Energy 

As President and CEO for the U.S. Chapter of Commerce’s Institute for 21st Century Energy, Karen Alderman Harbert leads the Institute’s efforts to build support for meaningful energy action nationally and internationally through policy development, education, and advocacy.

The Institute’s mission is to unify policymakers, regulators, business leaders, and the American public behind a common sense energy strategy to help keep our country secure, prosperous and clean.

Under Harbert’s leadership, the Energy Institute has evolved into a premier national and increasingly international organization truly dedicated to advancing a constructive energy agenda and transforming the energy and environmental debate into a widely supported plan of action. Harbert frequently testifies in front of Congress and provides analysis to the media, policymakers and industry leaders.

Harbert is the former assistant secretary for policy and international affairs at the U.S. Dept. of Energy (DOE). She was the primary policy advisor to the Secretary and to the department on domestic and international energy issues, including climate change, fossil, nuclear, and renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Harbert was also a member of DOE’s Executive Board as well as the Credit Review Board. She negotiated and managed bilateral and multilateral agreements with other countries and international agencies to further the nation’s energy security and research and development objectives.

In the private sector, Harbert worked for a developer of international infrastructure and power projects valued at more than $9 billion in countries in the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America. Harbert gained experience on issues associated with economic reform and privatization through earlier positions at the USAID, the Organization of American States, and the International Republican Institute.

National Energy Forum Brings Industry and Policy Leaders Together

How Electrical Construction is Shaping Renewable Power, Energy Conservation

Third Annual NECA Energy Forum

Saturday, October 12 
12-4 pm
$145 for NECA members
$75 with full Convention registration
[Lunch is included with registration]

As our nation strives for energy independence and consumer demand for renewable power and energy conservation continues to rise, electrical contractors are constantly updating their expertise in green energy trends and technology. The NECA 2013 Energy Forum will bring electrical contractors together with leading policy-makers and industry leaders shaping the energy solutions market today.

The speakers and panel discussions at the 2013 NECA Energy Forum are the best source for practical information about the trends, technology, and economic factors affecting the energy market today. Developers, engineers and building managers look to electrical contractors to provide solutions for their green energy goals. Discover the latest advances in emerging technologies, energy efficiency, renewables, energy storage, combined heat and power, and the projected abundance of natural gas can mean for the electrical construction industry.

The Energy Forum will wrap up just in time for the finalists’ presentations for NECA Green Energy Challenge, the annual NECA Student Chapter design competition. Also remember that energy solutions education at NECA 2013 Washington DC doesn’t stop with the Energy Forum and continue with management education and technical workshops. Register today!

“Inspiring Leaderships” at 2013 Women In NECA Roundtable

Women In NECA Roundtable

Monday, October 14 • 2:00–4:00 pm

“Inspiring Leadership” at the 2013 Women In NECA Roundtable will focus on leadership opportunities and strategies for industry women now and in the future. If you’re a woman involved within the electrical contracting industry, WIN wants you to join us for this once-a-year event!

The aim of “Inspiring Leadership” is for women to see that there is a rewarding place for them in electrical contracting and NECA, and they don’t have to change who they are to achieve it. They simply have to be true to their best self.  

Join us for three distinct discussions on leadership at this year’s WIN Roundtable:

• The Pathways for NECA Leadership

Frank Piatt, NECA Field Representative, Eastern Region
The basics of how NECA members move through leadership roles on the chapter and national level and the “gender-blind” characteristics that can help you serve as a NECA leader.

• Industry Influence

Carolyn Fazio, Chair & Chief Executive, Fazio International Ltd.
How women are shaping the business of electrical construction and inspiring students to consider careers in electrical construction.

• Keynote: Leadership and How it Differs from Management

Stephane McShane, Senior Consultant, Maxim Consulting Group
Women in construction have unique strengths suited to help them excel in both management and leadership roles.  We will explain how leadership and management differ, what effective leadership looks like, how to lead with greater success, and the benefits of great leadership to your career.

A joint reception with NECA Business Development and Future Leaders will be held immediately after the WIN Roundtable.

About Women In NECA: WIN supports the professional development of women working in the electrical contracting industry through educational and networking events; promotes diversity in the industry; and encourages women to explore careers in the electrical contracting industry. WIN works to make NECA and our industry stronger by advancing women’s goals for professional growth.

NEW! “Cogen” Business Opportunities Management Workshop Added

We’re pleased to announce the addition of a management workshop on cogeneration energy to the Tuesday, Oct. 15 course schedule.  Business Development Opportunities through “Behind the Meter” Cogeneration Projects: A Case Study Presentation will highlight the business opportunities that opened up for both the project owner and electrical contractor.

About the Project

Fort Hays State University went live in 2013 with a 4 MW Renewable Cogeneration system that produces up to 40 percent of their net electricity load. The project was designed to improve the campus’s bottom line by using of one fuel source to simultaneously produce both electricity and heat. The university’s Akers Energy Center operation includes two 900 kw peak-shaving generation units, 4160vac distribution system and the Staefa digital control system used in over 95 percent of the university buildings.  The power plant generates steam to heat campus buildings and serves as a distribution center for electrical service to the university.

About the Presentation

The project owner, Fort Hays State University, and the owner’s representative will present the case study of how the business case was developed, sold, and implemented.  During this case study presentation, best practices will be outlined for NECA contractors to replicate and generate incremental revenue through similar “behind the meter” projects.

Meet the Presenters

Tim Speno is President of E2E Summit™.   E2E Summit ™ are  industry specific, Executive- to-Executive meetings and peer groups, that connect industry Visionaries, Innovators, and Pioneers (VIPs).  The purpose of these executive connections is for the VIPs to engage one another and to execute innovative programs that address the most critical opportunities affecting their organizations and their industry.  Tim began his career with the DeWALT Industrial Tool Division of Black & Decker and for over seven years held various management positions in sales, product development, and manufacturing. From 2004 to 2006 Tim joined Cooper Industries, Bussmann Division, where he was involved in  Product Management and  New Business Development.  In 2007, Tim joined the Executive Management Team of Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation. For six years he was Vice President of Service and Demand Creation with an emphasis in Strategic Planning, New Product Development, Project Leadership, and Executive Management.

Mike Steinke is an Executive Managing Partner of WECC LLC and directly responsible for sales and project development.  He has personally acted as a wind business consultant on 300 plus projects ranging from 50kW “behind the meter” projects to large wind farms.  He is qualified as an expert witness in the litigation involving wind farms, acted as a guest instructor in Wind technology at Autry Technical Center (Enid, OK).  Mike has testified before the Oklahoma legislature on wind energy issues, made numerous renewable energy presentations at Energy Industry Conferences, Universities, and routinely speaks to community groups through the West.  He has also assisted the Oklahoma legislature in crafting “ wind friendly” legislation and is published in a variety of journals and newspapers regarding the wind industry.

Michael Martin is an Assistant Professor of Management and Marketing at Fort Hays State University. Mr. Martin recently completed his doctoral dissertation on service quality in Industrial Products return and repair process through Capella University. He received his MBA from Fort Hays State University after graduating with a BS in Marketing from Kansas State University. Previous to his arrival at Fort Hays State University, Mr. Martin delivered training programs to store level employees and managers in inventory control and customer service for Checkpoint Systems. His current research interests include customer service in manufacturing and student engagement in higher education.  He has presented at the Southwest Business Symposium and published in the Journal of Business: Research, Teaching, and Practice and Southwest Business Administration Journal.

Safety Forum Sessions Schedule

Second Annual Safety Forum at NECA 2013 Washington DC

Saturday, Oct. 12 – Sunday, Oct. 13

$250 member/$599 non-member/Included with Weekend Package registration

Here’s the finalized schedule for both the inside and outside sessions at the 2013 Safety Forum on Saturday, Oct. 12 and Sunday, Oct. 13  at NECA 2013 Washington D.C. The Safety Forum kicks off with pre-convention workshops of Friday and Saturday, including the popular OSHA 10-Hour Course, led by James McGowan, Director, Safety Training for Quanta Services Inc, and chairman of the training task team (Task Team II) for the OSHA Electrical Transmission & Distribution (ET&D) Partnership. He helped develop the ET&D Partnership 10-Hour OSHA course and the ET&D Partnership Supervisory Leadership Skills Outreach Training course and is excited to bring this course to this year’s Safety Forum.

Sunday sessions at the Safety Forum will follow inside and outside tracks. Check out the table below to find the courses that will help you be a safety super-hero!

Safety Forum – Saturday 8/12 and Sunday 8/13

NOTE: The ET&D 10 hour course has an additional fee – to learn more click here >