NECA held its annual District 9 meeting last week in Scottsdale. Joining Greg Armstrong, Darlene Besst and Scot VanBuskirk, were Chapter members Kurt Brinkman, Brad Gill, John Modica, Mike Curran, Tom Curran, Gene Gini, Guy Smith, and Rick and Janet McKinney.

The Chapter managers meeting began with reports and general discussion on the health of each area, and business development activities. The general council meeting began with reports from District Nine Vice President Lenny Lynch and Western Region Executive Director Bill Orgill. Mr. Lynch talked briefly about NECA's priorities, which in part included increased business development nationwide. Mr. Orgill talked about portability and the slight increase in NECA membership. Russ Alessi, ELECTRI International, gave an update on research in process. Chapter managers reported on local area negotiations, the economic outlook in each area, manpower shortage issues and potential resolutions.

Politico Director Eddie Bernacci talked about his continuing efforts with the governor's office on change order reform. He touched on legislation for a skilled and trained workforce, and noted that he is meeting with the UC system this week on adding such language. Eddie also mentioned efforts for paid leave to tend to children and childcare needs, noting that they would like to get field employees from a hiring hall exempted from this requirement.

Todd Stafford with the Electrical Training Alliance talked about the apprenticeship program and the need to increase the applicant pool in order to increase the quality of our workforce. He noted a slight increase in indentured apprentices in 2015, and that 2016 should see another increase. Mr. Stafford talked about the use of curriculum in high schools to help increase exposure of our industry to prospective applicants. The topic of readdressing apprentice interview questions was also discussed.

Bernie Kotlier and Chris Smith gave an update on Statewide LMCC efforts. Mr. Kotlier mentioned a history of problems with the CPUC, and noted that the development of a coalition comprised of labor, management and other various agencies are beginning to make inroads and demand change. He also talked about Title 24 requirements, and noted that the 2019 code is already being discussed with NECA/IBEW at the table. Mr. Kotlier talked about CALCTP updates to training boards, and taking the training to building operators/engineers. Mr. Smith gave an update on ECAP and a team of professionals available to help contractors with all phases of a project. He also talked about the importance of image and an up-to-date website in this age of technology.

The District Nine meeting is an informative and useful meeting for NECA staff and contractors. We encourage our contractors to take the opportunity to attend future meetings. In 2017, NECA Now (held every other year) will be held in lieu of the District Nine meeting, in San Antonio, Texas in March. This is also a worthwhile meeting for NECA contractors and we encourage attendance. We will provide details as they become available. 

Our Chapter's Spring General Member Meeting is next week. We still have space available, so for last minute confirmations, please contact Juanita Mitchell today! The registration form is attached. All of us at the Chapter office always look forward to spending time with our members.

Don't forget about the benefits for our associate members. They look forward to interacting with NECA contractors and learning more about your needs while speaking about their products and the value of partnerships. Platt Electric, Milwaukee Tool, Logo Boss, Sims Metal Management, On-Site Health & Safety, and Federated Insurance will be there.

Our guest speaker, Atul Dighe, a futurist, strategist, innovator, leader, author, facilitator and storyteller promises a thought provoking presentation on the speed of change in today's marketplace and the key trends driving the future; successful approaches to understanding and taking advantage of emerging business opportunities; and potential roles of the electrical contractor in the 21st century built environment.

We look forward to seeing you on the 12th! 

In February, the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) regulations were revised, changing in part the California Pregnancy Disability Leave notice that employers are required to post. Specifically, the change relates to the language in the required notice itself. Employers with five (5) or more employees and public entity employers of any size are required to post the revised California Pregnancy Disability Leave notice, or otherwise comply with the notice changes beginning on April 1, 2016. The revised poster is available here. 

California's Fair Employment and Housing Council (FEHC) has adopted new regulations under California's primary anti-discrimination statute, the Fair Employment Housing Act (FEHA), that take effect April 1, 2016.

Contractors are invited to attend a Pre-NorCal Safety & Health Fair networking event this week, on April 7th. Contractors will have an opportunity to pre-register for the ECT's Safety & Health Fair's $500 safety reimbursement. A short program will begin at 4:30 PM. Food & Drinks will be provided, so please provide us with your RSVP by March 30th. 

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! 

The Chapter's Member Services Committee is pleased to offer its annual A's vs. Giants "Battle of the Bay" Baseball/Tailgate on Thursday, June 30, 2016, at O.Co Coliseum. Mark your calendar and watch for details as the date approaches.