Inside this Edition

NorCal NECA's Newest Chapter Members

State Approves $66M in Prop 39 Money

Solano Economic Development Corp.

Fall General Member Meeting

Young Professionals Wanted

IBEW/NECA 2015 Safety Calendar

Classes & Workshops

Happy Labor Day! But no working.  When you do get in the office take some time to read NorCal NECA's latest news.  Only a week left until the Fall General Member Meeting.  Come and enjoy the scenery and vineyards at the Palm Event Center.  Details below.


Robert Half


"There is something that is much more scarce, something rarer than ability.  It is the ability to recognize ability."


This Week 

 
MON1stAll DayLabor Day, Holiday for All Agreements



 

TUE2nd10:00 AM

San Joaquin Building Trades, Stockton



12:00 PM
SJAACA, West Lane Bowl, Stockton




WED3-5thAll DayLeague of California Cities, Los Angeles




THU4th8:00 AM Dublin Chamber Economic Development Committee


9:00 AMAlameda WIB, Hayward


12:00 PM

Membership Committee, Chapter Office, Dublin



1:00 PMManagement Services, Chapter Office, Dublin




FRI
5th
5:30 PMNapa/Solano Labor Reception, Veteran's Hall, Benicia

NorCal NECA's Newest Chapter Members

Welcome!

 

The Chapter is pleased to welcome into membership our three newest members:  Troy Wells, Jr. and Craig Dyas with Central Valley Electric in Modesto, Paul Park with Megalectric Electrical Services in Alameda, and Larrick McDowell with West Coast Electric Service Company, Inc. in Napa.  We look forward to their participation at our future meetings and events. 

 

State Approves $66 Million in Prop 39 Money

More than 75 Energy Plans Approved by CEC in First Fiscal Year

 

More than $66 million of California Clean Energy Jobs Act (Prop 39) money is going to 244 schools in California that submitted energy project spending plans to the California Energy Commission (CEC) during the first fiscal year of the program.  The funds will be used to improve building energy efficiency and expand clean energy generation in California schools.

 

More than $380 million was available the first year.  Local education agencies (LEAs), including county offices of education, school districts, charter schools, and state special schools, are eligible for funding and request money by submitting an energy expenditure plan application to the CEC.  LEAs had an option to receive part or all of their first-year award allocation for energy planning purposes.


 "Nationally, K-12 schools spend more money on energy than computers and textbooks combined," said Commissioner Andrew McAllister, who is the agency's lead on energy efficiency issues.  "The Energy Commission and Local Education Agencies are taking the lessons learned over the last year and working to streamline the application process, adapt it to best meet schools' needs, and ensure overall program success.  Prop 39 allows schools to apply for funding over the next four years so that they can continue making improvements, and then spend the savings to educate students."


In the last 12 months, the CEC developed program guidelines and a handbook for LEAs, provided comprehensive training to more than 800 participants and approved 79 energy expenditure plans for 244 schools across the State.  In addition, more than $150 million was distributed to 1,644 schools for planning purposes.  This money was only available in the first year.  The CEC will accept energy expenditure plans for the second of five years in September.  Any unallocated funds in the first year will roll forward into the second year.  Upwards of $280 million is available now.

 

To help schools through the application process, the CEC developed easy-to-use energy savings calculator tools for simple energy projects and is adding several engineers and energy specialists to review and approve expenditure plans.  Schools can access these online resources by clicking here or call (855) 380-8722.

 

The CEC is the lead agency for Prop 39 implementation and works collaboratively with the California Department of Education, California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office, California Public Utilities Commission, California Workforce Investment Board, the Division of the State Architect, and the California Conservation Corps.

 

Prop 39 changed the corporate income tax code and allocates projected revenue to the General Fund and the Clean Energy Job Creation Fund.  Under the initiative, roughly up to $550 million annually is available for appropriation by the Legislature for eligible energy projects such as energy efficiency upgrades and clean energy generation at schools.  Over the next five years, Prop 39 will transfer an estimated $2.5 billion in new revenues to create clean energy jobs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save energy and costs for schools. 


 

Solano Economic Development Corporation

Quarterly Meeting


Last week, Greg Armstrong and Darlene Besst attended the Solano EDC quarterly breakfast meeting, where "Moving Solano Forward, Phase I" was rolled out.  Moving Solano Forward is an ambitious effort to develop a countywide strategic approach to further diversify the economic base of Solano County, to enable residents and businesses to thrive and prosper.  The Solano EDC will distribute this phase of the Plan to cities throughout Solano County, encouraging them to implement findings in their own economic strategies.  The panel of speakers touched on Solano County strengths, the number one being location and transportation, and weaknesses, the number one being the lack of state and federal funding for needed infrastructure.  They discussed diversity as a strategy to reduce economic dependence on Travis AFB.  Three economic diversification goals included enhancing development capacity, strengthening regional economic development and workforce development programs and services, and improving quality of life for county residents and businesses.  Attendance allowed us an opportunity to speak to elected officials and local business owners. 


 

Fall General Member Meeting

Still Time to RSVP

 

The Chapter's Fall General Member Meeting is next week!  If you have not yet confirmed your attendance and meal selection, contact Juanita Mitchell at the Chapter office. Project Excellence Awards will be presented, and many of our contractors team members will be present to receive their awards.  This event is always well attended by many of our members and offers a great networking/social opportunity for all of us after the summer hiatus.  The evening will close with our popular raffle prize drawing of fabulous gifts and gadgets.  We hope to see many of your there! 

 

Young Professionals Wanted

Future NECA Leaders

 

Do you have a young professional in your organization who is seeking professional development?  We are revitalizing our Chapter's Future Leaders group and are planning for the first meeting October 10th from 10 AM until 2 PM.  We are pleased that Justin Reginato, Ph.D. will facilitate the meeting.  Justin is an Associate Professor in the Construction Management Department at CSU, Sacramento and has published research reports for ELECTRI International.  You can learn more about him by visiting his website.  Details are being developed and will be distributed soon.  If you would like to attend this meeting yourself, or if you would like to recommend someone to this group, contact Julie Russell at the Chapter office.

 

IBEW/NECA 2015 Safety Calendar

Sponsorship Request

 

It's that time again!  Plans are underway for the fifth edition of the IBEW 595/NorCal NECA Joint Safety Committee's annual calendar.  Artwork for the calendar was submitted by IBEW 595 members and their families who exhibited their creative talents at the annual IBEW 595 picnic.  Once complete, the calendar is distributed to NorCal NECA members, IBEW members, general contractors, building officials, local elected officials, and various other business groups and individuals associated with NECA and the IBEW.   We are currently seeking sponsors for this popular publication to help defray costs associated with printing and distribution.  Sponsorships are available for $500 for each month sponsored and includes your company logo and contact information. Sponsorships are available on a first come basis and we're hoping to have them finalized by September 11, 2014.  If you are interested in this terrific opportunity, contact Juanita Mitchell at the Chapter office at (925) 828-6322.


 

Classes & Workshops
At the Chapter Office in Dublin

 

Construction Law Class, Wednesday October 1st, presented by Dan McLennon, McLennon Law Corp.  Conditioning your bid can be a powerful tool for negotiating and securing your preferred contract terms and conditions.  During this session you will receive suggested bid condition language and tips on how to negotiate using them.  The cost is $100 for NorCal NECA members and $200 for non members.  Education fund credits may be used.

 

NFPA 70E -  Date:  Wednesday, 9/10/2014, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM  Contact Juanita

EPS Level 1 - Date:  9/22, 23, 24, 29, 30, 10/1/2014  Download the Flyer

Construction Law - Wednesday, 10/1/2014, 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM  Contact Juanita

 

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