The USGBC GreenerBuilder Conference was held last week at our Zero Net Energy Center in San Leandro with welcome comments offered by Greg Armstrong and Dan Chivello. Approximately 200 people from throughout the Bay Area attended. A major component of the conference was the question "What's Next?" as new trends from owners, developers and general contractors evolve. The conference also provided ample networking opportunities for attendees. Tours of the ZNE Center were offered with great interest from participants.

For NECA/iBEW, a highlight of the conference was the presentation of LEED Gold certification and plaque to our Zero Net Energy Center. Accepting the award on behalf of NECA/IBEW were Byron Benton, Matt Maloon and Greg Armstrong. Several of our NECA contractors were also present to take advantage of the business development opportunities available to them.

"Change Order Reform" is back in play. NECA sponsored legislation that establishes a fair and responsible process for change order disputes will be debated this year. The measure would require agencies to respond to a contractor's claim for "extra work" timely and provides a path for expedited settlement of disputed claims.

We are asking for our Member Contractors to help with this legislation by submitting support letters via email to the Senate Judiciary Committee members, staff, the Politico Office and the bill's authors at the following email addresses:

• sjud.fax@sen.ca.gov
• senator.anderson@senate.ca.gov
• senator.hertzberg@senate.ca.gov
• senator.jackson@senate.ca.gov
• senator.leno@senate.ca.gov
• senator.monning@senate.ca.gov
• senator.moorlach@senate.ca.gov
• senator.wieckowski@senate.ca.gov
• assemblymember.chiu@assembly.ca.gov
• assemblymember.low@assembly.ca.gov
• politicoonlince@politicogroup.com

Attached is a sample support letter for your use, feel free to make any changes. 

Please email your letter as soon as possible, the deadline for them to be received is June 21st.  

Last week, Lew Frain attended his first Academy of Electrical Contracting annual meeting. Lew was inducted into the Academy last year at the NECA Convention. Please refer to the attached report from Lew on his experience at this meeting.

The 100th Anniversary of Flag Day was celebrated at Collins Electrical Co., Inc. by the unveiling and dedication of a 60-foot tall flagpole. The event celebrated the need for unity of the community and the country. Brian Gini was the Master of Ceremonies. First Sergeant Campbell and Sergeant Delray, Marines from Lodi, presented the flag along with members of the local VFW Honor Guard, and approximately 150 attendees. All watched as the huge flag was raised and then lowered to half-staff in remembrance of the recent tragedy in Orlando. Amanda King from Radio KWIN sang America the Beautiful and trumpet solos echoed with the sounds of Reveille and the Star Spangled Banner.

Mike Anderson, the Military & Public Safety Liaison for Congressman Jeff Denham raised the flag and later spoke on the progress of building a new VA clinic for the area and the tragic loss of his own son while serving this country as a Marine in Iraq. Darlene Besst and Pete Halver represented NECA at the event. Pete had the honor of describing the meaning of the POW/MIA table set at the luncheon after the ceremonies, as a remembrance of our lost and missing military members. Tony Wong, Senior Field Representative for Assembly Member Susan Eggman honored Collins Electric for their support of Veterans and community service. Congressman Jeff Denham joined the celebration via Skype to offer words of encouragement and congratulations.  

• New security screening and Automatic Passport Control kiosk area;
• Carousel building addition and baggage conveyance replacement;
• Seismic upgrades including building systems infrastructure upgrades; and
• Passenger boarding bridge, aircraft parking, and taxi lane modifications.

Through competitive procurement process, the Port of Oakland selected Turner Construction to be the construction manager for the project. As construction manager, Turner works directly with partnering businesses to handle various aspects of the project. Turner proposed the 70% commitment to local business, which includes a 17% goal for small and very small businesses. 

Time:  8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Cost:  NECA Members - $199

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