Guest Post: Green Energy Challenge Finalists Offer a Glimpse of the Future

by Russ Alessi, President, ELECTRI International

Competition is a great way to learn and focus student careers on electrical construction.  So it was a real a nail-biter when we convened the first round of judging for the Green Energy Challenge last month to select the three finalists teams that will present their designs at NECA 2010 Boston.

Last year, University of Washington took first place. UW will be returning as a finalist this year, but they will be joined by two teams new to the competition — Milwaukee School of Engineering and Youngstown State University.  We had 13 teams enter the competition this year — nearly double the number of teams that entered the 2009 Green Energy Challenge!

Teams were asked to conduct an energy audit of a local a manufacturing facility. They had to do provide information for everything from a PV analysis to a financing plan.

It’s so great to see the kind of work and attention to detail that the students put into their reports. I am fortunate to get to see first hand what kind of talent we have entering the industry.

Now that we know who the three finalists will be, I can hardly wait to hear what they have to share about their projects in Boston. The suspense and enthusiasm is great for the industry. I hope you’ll make plans to hear what these talented young people are planning for their future in it!

2010 Green Energy Challenge Finalists’ Presentations
Saturday, October 2
2 p.m.
Room 52A and B, BCEC

Guest Post: Do Red Sox Count as PPE?

by Michael Johnston, NECA Executive Director of Standards and Safety

Amazing how fast the 2010 NECA convention is approaching. It’s hard to believe it will be here in just a couple months. What always impresses me about the NECA convention is the amount of valuable information for our members and the industry, on top of some of the best social events and networking opportunities in the industry.

Being born and raised in the New England area, I maintain a continuous following of the Boston Red Sox and wouldn’t you know it, this convention has been coordinated to allow attendees to experience a contest between old rivals – the NY Yankees and Red Sox ! The opening reception at Jillian’s should be a great time for all with plenty of entertainment, food and drink, and yes, cheering on the Sox next door with a great view of all the action at Fenway Park.

Being so active in electrical safety and training related to codes and standards, I was totally impressed in the line-up of offerings put together for this NECA convention. It seems NECA just builds on this year after year.

What is really exciting is the expansion of programs being offered that address the outside line industry. I’m really looking forward to the programs on the ETD Partnership Best Practices, EEI’s Electrical Contractor Safety Initiative Program and NJATC’s Outside Line Construction Training Program. Wow! NECA is even providing an OSHA 10 course for the outside line workers. So not only will these attendees get to take in the excellent trade show exhibitors, they can gain training credits needed by completion of this training program.

The 2011 National Electrical Code® is scheduled to be published in September of this year. NECA has left no stone unturned as far as bringing the latest and greatest information that provides exceptional educational value for attendees. I’m so excited to be teaming with Jim Dollard to provide a 4-hour session that highlights the significant changes that have been accepted in the 2011 NEC.

The general sessions are outstanding this year and promise to provide all the inspiration one could manage. The undersea exploration presentation by Dr. Ballard and the sharing of Michael Durant’s experiences will intrigue us all. Based on past experiences, the labor relations session once again, promises to take on difficult issues and provide valuable insight into ways to meet the challenges we face in daily operations.

I mentioned the social events, keynote speakers, training events, and networking opportunities, but I was also really blown away at entertainment provided at this NECA convention closing celebration. A tribute to the Beatles music couldn’t be more appropriate or popular, in my opinion, but then again, I love Beatles music! The Fab Four: A Tribute to the Beatles will be performing at the NECA and will certainly provide all the musical entertainment that the all can relate to.

Without question, NECA has pulled out all the stops as far as assembling the functions for this year’s convention and trade show. I’m so excited to be part of it and look forward to seeing you there at the NECA Show!

Guest Post: Connecting at NECA 2010 Boston

by Nate S. Oland, National Account Executive, Federated Insurance

I’m really looking forward to the upcoming convention in Boston! It sounds like NECA has some great activities planned, and I intend to participate in as many as I can.  September 15, 2010, marks the one-year anniversary since Federated was chosen as an Official Partner of NECA. We’re very proud of our relationship with such a respected organization.

One thing I especially like about NECA 2010 Boston is the “Connecting the World” tagline that was chosen for this year. The electrical contracting industry is constantly evolving to keep up with the latest technology and regulations.

At Federated, we recently introduced Federated’s Shield Network, an online resource which is designed to help our clients connect to the latest in a wide range of risk management tools and services. Stop by our booth #1101, whether you’re currently insured with Federated or just looking for more information on our programs or Federated’s Shield Network. We want to connect with you!

Cost Comparison: The REAL Value of NECA 2010 Boston

by Beth Ellis, NECA executive director, convention/exposition

The deadline to take advantage of early registration savings is coming up soon – August 13 – and I don’t want you to miss any of the opportunities NECA has put together for our annual convention and trade show this year. I’ve included the complete convention brochure, as well as information about our pre-convention workshops and tours, here.

I know you face tough choices in your business every day in these critical economic times. I also know that the only way your business can be prepared to take advantage of all the emerging market opportunities in our industry is to be exposed to new ideas and solutions. NECA 2010 Boston will help you discover and implement ideas that deliver results. You will learn how to search for innovative solutions and make valuable connections with your fellow industry leaders. It will prepare you for the future with new technology, trends, and economic realities changing the face of electrical construction. All this, in just three days.

Take a look at the real costs of NECA 2010 Boston – and then think about what the costs could be to you and your company if you miss out on these opportunities.

Cost Comparison: The Value of NECA 2010 Boston At NECA 2010 Boston, you can participate in education sessions geared to the needs of NECA contractors, networking events to put you in touch with fellow NECA contractors, connections to manufacturers or service providers you rely on, a value of $1,725 for the member rate of only $925. That’s an $800 savings! And, you get all that knowledge and face-to-face networking in just three days, meaning fewer days out of the office, lower travel costs, and immediate results.

$925: Member registration fee for NECA 2010 Boston includes:

Five Management Education sessions (250 minutes) – a $500 value
Three lunches on the Trade Show floor- a $125 value
Opening reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres and beverages – a $325.00 value
Closing celebration – a $100.00 value
Three General Sessions – a $195.00 value
Lifestyle Program – a $120.00 value
Fourteen hours of exclusive Trade Show access – a $255.00 value
Technical Workshops on the Trade Show floor – a $105.00 value

$1,725.00: Value of NECA 2010 Boston
– $925.00: Full member registration

$800.00: Actual Member savings

We look forward to seeing you October 2-5!  Registration for NECA 2010 Boston is available online at www.necaconvention.org. If you have any questions, please contact Katie Nolan at (301) 215-4506 or katie@necanet.org.

Jerry Rivera Geeks Out Over Safety Sessions at NECA 2010 Boston

YEEHAW! Okay, I just had to release that sudden burst excitement that NECA Boston 2010 brings to all of us working in electrical construction.

Let me start by saying that the entire event will have some great activities, exciting displays and awesome training opportunities.

But you know me — when it comes to safety, I just can’t keep my excitement to myself. Mike Callanan may call himself a “training geek,” but I am an original Safety Nerd. So here’s the inside scoop for all us Safety Nerds (I know I’m not the only one!) about NECA Boston 2010.

For the second year, I will be hosting a Safety Roundtable, Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2:30-5 p.m. for everyone interested in discussing their latest safety practices and concerns. The roundtable will have something for everyone. For NECA’s District 10 members, we’ve invited a member of OSHA’s Directorate of Construction staff to discuss significant changes to the Cranes and Derricks rule. Our inside members will enjoy a high-level review on OSHA regulatory activates and how it will impact electrical contractors.

By all means, the roundtable isn’t the only things happening on safety at NECA 2010 Boston. Check out the ETD 10 Hour Course by James McGowan from Quanta; Safety Best Practices technical session by Steve Cavanaugh from MYR Group; and NFPA 70E 2012 Changes with Palmer Hickman and myself.

All kidding aside, safety is an issue NECA members truly take to heart, and I’m really looking forward to spending time with folks who have as much invested in keeping our companies and workers safe as I do. So don’t wait to be told about everything that happens in Boston — experience it live by attending NECA Boston 2010!

Connect with Jerry Rivera and learn more about NECA’s safety programs on LinkedIn.

NJATC Executive Director Mike Callanan Reviews the NECA 2010 Boston Brochure

Did you get a chance to pick up your NECA 2010 Boston brochure yet? I was quickly sorting through my daily mail last week when I came across the NECA 2010 Convention brochure. Wow, was I impressed! I know what you’re thinking: Ok, so I admit, I am a training guy, and it really doesn’t take a lot to impress me. But quite honestly, there is some pretty good stuff going on in Boston, October 2-5.

The first thing that jumped out at me was on page 3, “Opportunities in Education.” Today, it’s crystal-clear that what separates the NECA/IBEW team is our commitment to education. I speak of education on a broader spectrum, ranging from apprentice training and journeyman upgrade programs to contractor business development opportunities. NECA 2010 has it all. From energy audit programs for contractors looking to add a new service to their customer service portfolio to the latest on building automation and control technology, there is an education program scheduled to meet your need!

You know something else that caught my attention paging through the brochure? Full page adds by NECA Premier Partners — Westex Inc, Milwaukee Electric Tool and Graybar. I am so proud that Westex Inc and Milwaukee are also NJATC Platinum Level Training Partners. How important has the addition of these industry Training Partners been to NECA and the IBEW? I can tell you first-hand that over the course of the past five years our industry training partners have helped to change the face of our JATC and AJATC training centers.

Most importantly, because of their commitment to NECA and the IBEW, we have dramatically improved the curriculum and hands-on training opportunities for our apprentices and journeymen. Please make certain to stop by and thank them when you visit them on the NECA Show floor!

Did I mention the educational opportunities at NECA 2010? Okay, but I forgot to tell you that what really impressed me in the NECA 2010 brochure was the information on the Pre-Convention Workshops. I admit my bias, but over the course of the past three years, the NJATC has been working very closely with the NECA Convention team to develop the Pre-Convention Workshops and promote our outstanding pool of Training Partners. I am especially excited that Palmer Hickman, NJATC Director of Codes & Standards, will be teaming up with Jerry Rivera, NECA Director of Safety, to give pre-convention workshop attendees a first look at the proposed changes to NFPA 70E, Electrical Safety in the Workplace.

Speaking of changes, did you know that by the time curtain comes up on NECA 2010 Boston, the 2011 National Electrical Code will be published? Do you know what changes are in store for the NEC? Don’t worry Mike Johnston, NECA Director of Codes & Standards and Jim Dollard, IBEW LU 98 Safety Coordinator will be conducting a Pre-Convention Workshop designed to bring you up to speed on the changes in a couple of hours.
I could go on and on, but I think you see where I am going with this. I was impressed and rightly so. The Pre-Convention Workshop lineup is outstanding. In fact, I believe it’s the finest group of pre-convention classes and programs that NECA has ever been assembled. I know what you’re thinking again, “Yeah, but Mike’s a training guy…” You’re right, but I encourage you to do what I did and thumb through the complete listing of pre-convention workshops.

You say you’re from the outside industry? Not a problem, NECA 2010 Boston is making a special effort to meet the needs of the outside line construction industry. How about a Pre-Convention Workshop on the latest in blended learning for our outside apprentices? Did you know our outside apprentices are utilizing computers to learn their trade through a blended, distance–learning model? Or perhaps outside safety is your interest. Several Pre-Convention Workshops address the importance of safety training for our members and contractors in the outside industry.

Ok, one last time, know what you are thinking: “He hasn’t said a word about the social program and networking opportunities.” You’re correct. I am a training guy but, I must admit, I love the Beatles! I’ll see you at the Closing Celebration!

Sniff, Slurp and Sip: A Taste of the Pacific Northwest

By Ginger Wilson

Bet you didn’t know that there’s a right way to taste coffee. That’s okay, most of us don’t.

So we were happy to have Major Cohen, a art teacher-turned-Starbucks Coffee Educator, brew 500 cups of coffee using French presses give us a lesson on the finer points of tasting at this morning’s Lifestyle session.

You might feel a little strange the next time you head out for your caffeine fix, but you should taste your coffee much the same way you taste your wine: sniff, then slurp. Slurping your coffee allows the brew to hit your entire palate so you can experience the full acidity and the body of the coffee. Today’s selection was Starbucks La Candelia, a Costa Rican coffee farmed by the Sanchez family.

One more hint from Cohen? Coffee is only good for seven days. It’s a fresh food, and there’s nothing you can do – including putting it in the freezer – to make it last longer.

After the coffee tasting, there was wine. David LeClaire, a certified sommelier and Washington state wine expert, led the group through sampling several local varietals. Washington offers some wonderful wines from nearly 600 wineries, owing to the fact that area east of the Cascade Mountains has long, hot summers and very little rain.

LeClaire’s number one tip for tasting wine? Try more than one sip. Your mouth is never ready for that first sip, so a wine that seems too sharp at first taste might be just what you’re looking for on the second try.

What are your favorite coffee or wine choices? Let us know in the comments below.

Bright and Shiny LEDs!

Guest Post by Ginger Wilson

First, I’d just like to say that I’m not an electrician, nor do I play one on TV. But as a graphic designer, I’m attracted to all things bright and shiny. And when I heard that Philips Color Kinetics was presenting a hands-on pre-convention workshop on LEDs, I had to take a look.

Their room was set up with four boards with working samples of LED installations. After the Philips staff talked about the products, we got to see how things work up close. Eden and Scott, the workshop leaders from Philips, were nice enough to walk me through one of the boards, and I’m happy to say that bright and shiny can also be practical and energy-efficient…and really, really cool.

The first half of the board was set up with white lights. The eW Profile Powercore and Cove Powercore have white LEDs at the temperature you select. The lights come right on with no warmup time when you flip the switch, and there’s no annoying flicker. They can be strung together to light large areas or installed one-by-one to provide task lighting. That’s fun, but a white light is a white light.

So we moved on to the iW Cove Powercore. With this fixture, you can mix the cool and warm white lights to create the color temperature you want. It’s dimmable, too. Even better, when it’s attached to the iW Scene Controller, you can save different settings and then bring them back by just touching a button. You don’t realize how much of a difference choosing the right white temperature makes until the “shades” are right in front of you.

On the other side of the table were the lights that had attracted me in the first place: the ColorBlast Powercore. Big, bright RGB LEDs that can light interiors and exteriors and when hooked up to the ColorDial Pro, are programmable so you can save several light shows and play them again later by touching a button.

Finally, the ColorGraze Powercore uses the same RGB colors but in 12-inch sections so you can put them together to color wash a wall. They had a couple of sections hooked up to an iPlayer 3, which allows you to create light shows. Eden told me that Philips is working on lighting a bridge using the ColorGraze Powercore and the iPlayer 3. Stringing the lights together and programming the iPlayer, she said that Philips is going to “make the bridge dance.”

Now that you know how much I love the bright and shiny, you can understand how the notion that itty bitty light bulbs can make a bridge look like it’s dancing fills me with joy.

The boards used in the workshop are on display at Philips booth at the NECA Show. Come see the bright and shiny for yourself!

ACCESS SEATTLE: Fact or Fiction?

Beth Ellis, executive director for NECA’s convention and trade show, recently took the time to answer a few of the questions about NECA 2009 Seattle. See her Q&A on the new Access Seattle page of the 2009 NECA Seattle blog.

Early Registration Opens Today for NECA 2009 Seattle!

Today marks the start of early registration for NECA 2009 Seattle. Take advantage of special savings by registering today! You can sign up for the convention, management workshops, pre-convention workshops and several special events, plus make your housing reservations early. (Please note, there is an additional charge for not making your housing reservations in the NECA room block.)

To register for this event we require your NECA username and password. Your user name is your Individual ID number as listed on your NECA Identification Card. You already have a user name and password if you are a NECA member, have ever registered for a NECA meeting, or have made a purchase in the NECA Store.

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You will be sent to the Manage Profile page on the NECA website. You will need to return to NECAConvention.org to register after you have retrieved your login information.

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Please do not register as a New User on this site if you have previously registered for a NECA event or have made purchases in the NECA online store.

Questions or problems accessing your NECA record? Contact NECA at (301) 215-4535 or chat now with the NECA Help Desk.