Monday, April 11, 2016
 
 
This Week

MON
11th
4:30 PM
Alameda JATC, ZNE Center, San Leandro




TUE
12th
10:00 AM
BASA Board of Directors, Conference Call


5:00 PM
Spring General Member Meeting, Dublin Ranch Golf Course




WED
13th
7:30 AM
Pleasanton Chamber 2020 Forum, Pleasanton Chamber


3:00 PM
Oakland Chamber Economic Development Committee, Oakland


4:00 PM
Stockton JATC, Training Center, Stockton




THU
14th






FRI
15th
All Day
Tax Day
a1
Spring General Member Meeting
Tomorrow (April 12th), 5:00 PM 
We're looking forward to seeing many of you tomorrow night at our annual Spring General Member Meeting, starting at 5:00 PM. Ten Associate Members will be there to introduce themselves to you and share information about their products and the value of partnerships. Be sure to stop by each of their tables to see how you can benefit from working with them.

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. 
a2
Precursor to Safety Fair Held Last Week
Safety Fair, Saturday, May 14th 
Last week, the Alameda ECT hosted an event at the ZNE Center, as a precursor to the Safety Fair on May 14th. Special Guest Speaker Stephen Murphy (Alameda County Justice Center) addressed the crowd about the importance of support and partnership with the IBEW/NECA/ECT. He also touched on the community services provided at the Alameda County Justice Center.

Alameda County Fire Public Services Representative Aisha Knowles, and Battalion Chief John Walsh spoke about the importance of training, relationships, and sharing knowledge between the various construction trades.

As an expression of appreciation, each of our speakers received backpacks assembled in partnership with LogoBoss. They also received a warm blanket, hat, hand-wipes, stuffed dinosaur, water bottle, notebook with pen, and small box of Godiva Chocolates.

We hope to see many of you at the Safety Fair on May 14th, at the ZNE Center in San Leandro.  
a3
New California Harassment, Discrimination & Retaliation Prevention Policy Requirements
Under new California regulations, effective April 1, 2016, employers are required to develop and disseminate a written anti-harassment, discrimination, and retaliation policy to their employees as part of their affirmative duty to take reasonable steps to prevent harassment and discrimination in the workplace. Please see the attached newsletter issued by the law firm of Simpson, Garrity, Innes & Jacuzzi.
a4
Voice-Data-Video National Agreement Extended Until March 2017
The Voice-Data-Video National Agreement has proved to be an effective tool for contractors in the VDV marketplace, and the agreement itself seems to have no major problems. Neither IBEW nor NECA have proposed changes to the agreement for the last negotiations cycle, and therefore it has been extended for another year without changes. The agreement dated March 1, 2012, through March 1, 2015, represents the current agreement, which has been extended until March 1, 2017. 
a5
NECA Endorses School Facilities Bond Act of 2016 
NECA has endorsed the Kindergarten through Community College Public Education Facilities Bond Act of 2016. The $9 billion state school facilities bond measure to adequately fund school construction and modernization projects throughout the state will appear on the November 2016 ballot.

California has a multi-billion dollar backlog in school construction projects that have applied for and are awaiting state matching funds. This bond will help ease school over-crowding and bring hundreds of schools up to the state's most basic health and safety requirements. This is a very important issue to NECA as the state's school and community college facilities are a fundamental component of our infrastructure and economy.

The initiative language retains the successful current funding partnerships between the state and local entities, where eligible school districts raise local dollars and then apply for matching state funds to help maximize taxpayer investment. This program - the School Facility Program - was signed into law in 1998. If the measure passes, the program will continue and communities will have the ability to upgrade aging facilities to meet current health and safety standards and educational needs, as well as build new facilities. It will also allow communities to invest in community college facilities that support job-training programs. Research demonstrates that infrastructure investment - like school construction - will yield economic benefits as well, with studies showing that 13,000 jobs are created for every $1 billion of infrastructure investment.

The last statewide school facilities bond was passed by California voters in 2006. The state's fund to provide matching dollars to school districts that have already raised local funds for school construction projects has been depleted, leaving a backlog of $2 billion in K-12 project applications and almost $500 million in approved community college projects, with billions more in identified needs. With estimates placing K-12 school construction funding needs for the next decade at more than $20 billion, the $9 billion bond will be a significant step forward to address the state's school construction needs.

It is anticipated that the $9 billion state bond with local matching funds will result in $7.5 billion in new construction, $5.75 billion in modernization, $1 billion for charter school construction and $1 billion for vocational education. (Taken from Politico Newsletter) 
a6
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation Report
Look Into the Future 
The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) issued a report projecting that, absent a significant increase in pension plan premiums, its multi-employer insurance program is likely to become insolvent by 2025.

NECA recently met with the PBGC, emphasizing that the program's large deficit highlights the importance of authorizing new composite plan models as soon as possible. NECA will continue to lobby against additional premium increases, though it may be difficult to avoid entirely as Congress seeks to address the multi-employer system's $52.3 billion shortfall (Taken from NECA Government Affairs News) 
a7
Digital Resource Guides Based on NECA Safety Publications
Now Available In The NECA Store 
A series of digital resource guides based on five existing popular NECA Safety publications have been released in the NECA Store. The guides contain additional exclusive materials not provided with the original publication purchase. These include:
  • NECA PPE Selector Guide (Index #5024-15RK)
  • NECA Guide to NFPA-70E Employer (Contractor) Responsibilities (Index #5126-15RK)
  • NECA Supervisors Guide to Jobsite Safety Training (Index #5125-15RK)
  • NFPA-70E Guide to Lockout/Tagout (Index #5400-15RK)
  • NFPA Guide to Decision-Making, Energized vs. De-Energized (Index #5340-15RK)

Order at the NECA Store

a8
Executive Management Institute
November 2-6, 2016, Nashville, TN
NECA's Executive Management Institute (EMI) is an intensive, three-and-a-half day learning experience designed to enhance the leadership skills of current and up-and-coming executives and managers. Designed for senior executives in the electrical contracting industry, this program provides state-of-the-art management concepts and analytical tools that build on existing knowledge of electrical contracting businesses and the industry to increase the value and effectiveness of electrical contracting firms.  Learn More
a9
California Pregnancy Disability Leave Posting
Effective April 1, 2016
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
a10
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! 

a11
Safety Fair at the ZNE Center, San Leandro
Saturday, May 14, 2016
Mark your calendars and plan to join the Electrical Contractors Trust of Alameda County, NECA & IBEW at their annual Safety Fair at the ZNE Center - Saturday, May 14th, 8:00 AM until 3:00 PM. Pre-register online to guarantee your special gift. See attached for detailed information on what the ECT has planned for the day!
a12
14th Annual Golf Classic at Ruby Hill
Monday, May 23, 2016
Kick off your summer at our 14th Annual Golf Classic, which will be here before you know it! It's always a sell out so act now and register today! Some very worthy charities benefit by your participation, and we have a lot of fun. We look forward to seeing many of you there again this year. The registration information is attached; please complete and return to Julie Russell at your earliest convenience.

Don't golf? Our volunteers have a lot of fun too, and there are opportunities available. Contact Julie Russell for more information/questions. See you at Ruby Hill! 
a13
USGBC GreenerBuilder Conference
Zero Net Energy Center, June 16th 
Registration is now open for the USGBC GreenerBuilder Conference at the ZNE Center on June 16th. NECA and IBEW are proud to partner with the USGBC on this one-day educational and action-packed conference. We hope to see NECA well-represented at this conference in June. Questions? Contact Darlene Besst.
a14
Educational Opportunities  
Register Now For NECA's 2016 Workshops
Developing Your Workforce to "Act Like a Boss"
The Northern California Chapter, NECA is committed to exploring innovative ways to better communicate with the next generation of the emerging workforce. Millennials engage and absorb information in a much different manner than those raised without the constant availability of a smart phone and internet access. The other challenge is motivating the millennials to take on a more entrepreneurial role within your company. We are excited to announce we have engaged one of last year's National NECA Convention Speakers, Nic Bittle, to speak to our group on developing your workforce.

Date:  Tuesday, April 26, 2016
Time:  12:00 AM - 1:00 PM  -  Networking and Lunch
            1:00 PM - 4:30 PM     -  Program
Location:  Collins Electrical Co., Inc.
                          3412 Metro Drive, Stockton, CA 95215
Cost:  Free to NECA Members

Please see the attached flyer for more information on the program, which is open to all Chapter members and geared towards business owners, foremen, and supervisors.

In the program, you and your supervisors/foremen will learn:
  • The 4 core competencies lacking in most of the workforce entering the industry today,
  • How to develop those competencies within your team while on the job,
  • How to develop each team member so that everyone performs at their best and communicates on a higher level,
  • And, the tips, tricks, tactics and techniques a foreman and/or supervisor must mater to effectively lead in today's market.

Please note that space is limited for this program, so sign up early to ensure your spot. To sign up, simply send an email to Scot VanBuskirk 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.
___________________________________________________________________________________ 
  
LEED AP BD+C Exam Preparation Workshop
USGBC Northern California's LEED AP BD+C Exam Preparation Workshop is designed to prepare you to pass the exam with confidence, earning the widely recognized LEED Accredited Professional credential. Click here to learn more and register.

Date:  Thursday, June 2, 2016  
Time:  9:00 AM - 4:30 PM  
Location:  ZNE Center
                  14600 Catalina Street, San Leandro
Cost:  Free for NECA and IBEW members.
           Use code NECAIBEWMarch2016
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