Monday, February 8, 2016
 
 
This Week

MON
8th
11:00 AM
Alameda S&C Apprentice Interviews, Technology Training Center, San Leandro


4:30 PM
Alameda JATC, ZNE Center, San Leandro


4:30 PM
Solano/Napa Policy Advisory Committee, The Runway, Napa




TUE
9th
2:00 PM
San Joaquin WIB Apprenticeship Committee, Stockton




TUE - FRI
9th - 12th
All Day
NECA Western Region Chapter Managers Conference, Hawaii




WED
10th
9:00 AM
Pleasanton 2020 Forum, Pleasanton Chamber, Pleasanton


3:00 PM
Oakland Chamber Economic Development Committee, Oakland


3:00 PM
Stockton LMCC, Stockton


4:00 PM
Stockton JATC, Training Center, Stockton




WED - SAT
10th - 13th
All Day
ASC Student Competition, Nugget Casino, Sparks, Nevada




THU11th






FRI
12th
All Day
Carpenter's Off-Day: Locals 595W, 180, and Bay-to-Borders            (S&C observes same holidays as locals where work is performed)




SAT
13th
9:00 AM
Local 595 Benefits Fair, ZNE Center, San Leandro




SUN
14th
All Day
Valentine's Day




MON
15th
All Day
President's Day Holiday:  All Agreements Except Local 595W Maintenance Agreement
Chapter Office Closed
a1
Solano Economic Development Corporation
On Friday, January 29th, Greg Long, Long Electric, and Scot VanBuskirk attended the 33rd annual meeting of the Solano Economic Development Corporation (EDC). The meeting was highlighted by a roundtable discussion regarding the theme "Moving Solano Forawrd." The panel consisted of Robert Eyler, president of Economic Forensics and Analytics, Inc.; Don Schjeldhal, president of DSG Advisors; and Audrey Taylor, president of Chabin Concepts. These three members are part of the team recently contracted through the Solano EDC to develop the knowledge and tools to position the county economy for growth. Discussion ensued regarding the general economic trends in Northern California and Solano County, as well as best practices and trends in economic development, and critical factors in corporate relocation and expansion. 
a2
Electrical Contractor Magazine 
NECA's Magazine, Electrical Contractor, recently published its 2016 Construction Outlook, an article that reviews the different areas of the construction industry and evaluates trend and growth. These past few years have represented an era of tempered economic anticipations for construction. Expect 2016 to continue a sustained recovery strong enough to ward off uncertainty with greater contributions from housing, commercial and institutional. Read the full article here.  
a3
ELECTRI International
Three Research Projects Ready to Launch 
At its meeting in January, the ELECTRI Council voted to select three major initiatives for research during 2016.

Collective Bargaining and Collective Business Development: A Strategic Initiative for the Electrical Industry, Richard Barnes, C. Richard Barnes and Associates, LLC
The Unionized electrical industry has experienced a precipitous drop in market share over the past three decades. This research will focus on breaking that cycle and developing a strategy that recognizes our commitment to the Collective Bargaining Process while simultaneously developing a strategy of Collective Business Development. The research team will look at eight observations needed for behavioral change and develop a train-the-trainer program around these observations. The deliverable will provide all material needed to present this program at any level within the participating institutions.

Identifying BIM Related Costs Due to Changes, Hisham Said and Justin Reginato, Santa Clara University
This project will determine the true costs associated with making changes to BIM models. This will, in turn, aid electrical contractors in educating owners and their representatives about the importance of complete project scopes and designs before developing BIM construction models and the true costs associated with ill-timed BIM changes. This study will help owners make educated decisions regarding BIM models and also help electrical contractors articulate the costs of those changes should owners not exercise good judgement with respect to making changes.

Applications for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in Electric Utility Construction, Lonny Simonian, California Polytechnic State University
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) represent an important and growing industry, due largely to their ability to significantly reduce the cost of numerous tasks, relative to traditional approaches. This project will investigate the applicability of UAVs to tasks related to energy transmission, including surveying, preventative inspection, and damage assessment. The primary deliverables from this research will be 1) a research whitepaper that contains a financial analysis comparing conventional approaches versus UAVs, the framework for a safety/training program, a transition roadmap to develop a UAV program, suggested UAV best management practices, and an outline for an ELECTRI short cause; 2) a 1/2 hour webinar; and 3) an online article.
a4
Sound & Comm Graduation Ceremonies Held
January 22, 2016 
The Northern California Sound & Communications Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee held its 2014-2015 graduation completion ceremonies on Friday, January 22, 2016, at the Oakland Airport Hilton. Assistant Training Director, Terry Monroe acted as the Master of Ceremonies. We were honored that the Chief of the Division of Apprenticeship Standards, Diane Ravnik attended and addressed the group. Speaking on behalf of the IBEW was District Nine Representative, Michael Meals. Steven Hagle was recognized as the outstanding apprentice for 2014, and Santiago Martinez was recognized for 2015. Congratulations to all of the graduates! 
a5
5th Annual Day at the Capitol
March 9, 2016
Our 5th Annual Day at the Capitol is just a month away, on March 9th. We hope that you will join us as we meet with our elected officials. Contractors' personal stories and interactions are impactful and have had a favorable result on legislation to protect the union electrical contractor's interest. If you have not yet confirmed your attendance, please complete and return the attached registration form and plan to join us in Sacramento. Questions? Contact Julie Russell
a6
14th Annual Golf Classic, Ruby Hill Golf & Country Club 
Save the Date: Monday, May 23, 2016
The Chapter's annual Golf Classic is coming soon. Save the date and plan to join us for a great day of sun, fun and golf! Registration information will be mailed soon. 
a7
Marv Jensen Safety Award Program
Deadline to Submit: April 29, 2016
The IBEW 595/NorCal NECA Joint Safety Committee is pleased to announce the 2016 Marv Jensen Safety Award program, established to recognize excellence in safety demonstrated by NorCal NECA member contractors and IBEW Local 595 electricians/technicians. Marvin Jensen was an impassioned advocate of safety and demonstrated his dedication to safety awareness throughout his career. He was a safety pioneer and his leadership, presence and dedication will always be remembered. As in years past, individual recognition and awards will be presented at the Chapter's Fall General Member meeting in September.

Please refer to the attached program guidelines and submit your entry form no later than April 29, 2016. Please contact Juanita Mitchell at the Chapter office if you have any questions.  

 

Remember...Safety First = Family First! 

a8
Project Excellence Award Program
Deadline to Submit: March 31, 2016
Don't forget to submit your project for the Chapter's 10th Annual Project Excellence Awards competition. This program was developed to recognize excellence in electrical/technology installations and the NECA contractors responsible for their outstanding achievements.

Projects completed between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2015, in Alameda, Napa, Solano, San Joaquin, Mariposa, Merced, Stanislaus, Tuolumne and Calaveras Counties are eligible for entry. Projects outside of the Chapter's jurisdiction may be considered depending on circumstances, location and complexity.

View the program rules and enter your projects for our 2016 competition by March 31, 2016. Questions? Contact Juanita Mitchell.
a9
Annual Spring General Member Meeting 
Save the Date: April 12, 2016
We're working out the details of our Annual Spring General Member Meeting. We hope you will join us!

Date:  Tuesday, April 12, 2016 
Time:  6:00 PM 
Location:  Dublin Ranch Golf Course 
                  5900 Signal Hill Drive, Dublin, CA 94568 
a10
NECA District 9 Meeting
Scottsdale, AZ, March 30 - April 1
Reminder...Registration is still open for the District 9 Meeting in Scottsdale, AZ, March 30 - April 1, 2016, at the OMNI Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia. The meetings will include updates on Electri International, Statewide LMCC, Government Affairs, the Electrical Training Alliance, as well as educational sessions in the General Membership Council meeting. Attached is the registration form and itinerary.

In order to guarantee the special NECA rate, we encourage early registration. Please complete the registration and payment information, and return to Julie Russell.

Please note that this meeting is eligible for reimbursement through the Chapter's Education Fund Credit program. Contact Janet Siemens if you have questions about your available credits for 2016.
a11
Educational Opportunities  
Register Now For NECA's 2016 Workshops
First Aid/CPR Training, Napa
The Solano & Napa Counties Electrical Contractors Trust will host a First Aid/CPR class on Wednesday, February 24th, at the Napa Training Center. Rebecca Fontaine, with Fontaine Fire, will provide training on the fundamentals of CPR and First Aid, including hands-on exercises. Attendees will receive a certification card for participating in this valuable training, which is valid for two years.

Date:  Wednesday, February 24, 2016 
Time:  4:30 PM - 8:30 PM 
Location:  Napa Training Center
                  720 Technology Way, Napa

Contact Darlene Besst to register your attendance.
___________________________________________________________________________________

Getting Paid & Construction Law 
Join Gerald Katz as he discusses the basic legal principles of contract formation, subcontract negotiation, project performance and the legal rights and responsibilities of all parties, because the time to assess the risk of collection is not when the receivable is 90-days old, but before the contract is signed.  Participants who successfully complete this workshop will be awarded 6 Continuing Education Hours.

Date:  Thursday, March 3, 2016 
Time:  8:30 AM - 3:30 PM 
Location:  NorCal NECA Office
                  6300 Village Parkway, Suite 200, Dublin
Cost:  NECA Members - $315     Non-NECA Members - $420

Please email the completed registration form to Juanita Mitchell at the Chapter office.
___________________________________________________________________________________

Understanding Construction Accounting
Join David O'Brien of Weber O'Brien LTD, as he discusses the importance of understanding construction accounting for the success of your business. This course covers topics such as revenue recognition methods, the components of contract costs, how to calculate revenue earned, balance sheet accounts that are unique to contractors, and key financial ratios for contractors.

Date:  Tuesday, April 26, 2016 
Time:  8:30 AM - 11:45 AM 
Location:  NorCal NECA Office
                  6300 Village Parkway, Suite 200, Dublin
Cost:  NECA Members - $295     Non-NECA Members - $400

Please email the completed registration form to Juanita Mitchell at the Chapter office.
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