Last week, the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) held its 29th annual student competition in Sparks, Nevada. This year, over 1,300 students competed from among 46 Universities. The students gave presentations in 12 different construction categories. 

The electrical problem was presented by Cupertino Electric and challenged 11 University teams of 6 people each, on a large scale, design build tenant improvement project in the Financial District of San Francisco. The project included the coordination of several electrical and low voltage systems such as light fixtures, lighting controls/dimming, and the use of various subcontractors, including fire alarm, security, audio/visual and voice/data cabling systems. The goal of the project was to expose students to real life project tasks and scenarios including quote analysis, vendor interaction and coordination of systems, schedule analysis and strategic project planning. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo took 1st place, University of Cincinnati took 2nd, and California State University, Sacramento placed 3rd. 

NECA's Director of Member Relations, Wanessa Alves, and the Northern California Chapter's Pete Halver and Scot VanBuskirk participated in the job fair held on Saturday, February 13th. Joining Pete and Scot were representatives from Collins Electric, Long Electric, McGrath Electric, and West Coast Electric.

The 30th annual ASC Student Competition is scheduled for February 8-11, 2017, in Sparks, Nevada. Contractors are encouraged to attend and take advantage of an opportunity to employ graduating construction management students. More information will be supplied as we get closer to the event in 2017; however, all inquiries can be sent to Scot VanBuskirk.

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.  

NECA is here to serve you, but we could use your help too. As we are off and running in this new year, consider being part of one of these dynamic committees. We are currently seeking representatives from each of our divisions.

The Codes & Standards Committee and the East Bay Uniform Code Committee is intended to advance the cause of electrical safety and help improve the quality of electrical construction. Both committees are dedicated to providing a monthly forum where contractors, IBEW members, and electrical inspectors are exposed to current code practices, education, news and events. Meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month, starting with the Codes & Standards Committee at 5PM, followed by the East Bay Uniform Code Committee at 6PM. Dinner is included.

Our Member Services Committee is comprised of individuals committed to discuss and plan various member events and activities, as well as providing relevant education and training. Currently, the committee meets quarterly, on a Thursday, at noon. Lunch is included.

We typically break from meetings during June through August, and December. If you have any interest in serving on the above committees, please contact Juanita Mitchell. 

Our 5th Annual Day at the Capitol is just weeks away. Remember...contractors' personal stories and interactions are impactful and have had a favorable result on legislation to protect the union electrical contractor's interest. Contact Julie Russell today to confirm your attendance.  Registration information is attached.

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! 

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.

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. 

The Tri-District meeting will take place from July 9-14, 2016, in Amsterdam. Event planners have announced that they will be releasing all unsold hotel spaces in the next few weeks. Therefore, if you have not yet registered, we urge you to do so before the deadline ... Monday, March 7, 2016.

See attached flyer for a summary itinerary, along with further details at www.necatridistrict.com. Contact Julie Russell at the Chapter office with any additional questions.