NECA’s annual convention and trade show are the electrical construction industry’s first choice for education, hands-on workshops and peer-to-peer networking. At NECA 2012 Las Vegas, Sept. 29-Oct. 2, we’ll bring the best things about NECA together in one location – inspirational speakers, talented trainers, new products and plenty of opportunity to explore what’s good for your business.

Be looking for several great new programs at this year’s Convention and Trade Show, including all-new management education and technical workshop tracks, the first NECA Safety Forum, the 2nd Annual Energy Forum, and the NECA Student Chapter Green Energy Challenge . . . just a few of the exciting opportunities will be featuring in the NECA 2012 Las Vegas Circuit!

Early registration opens Tuesday, May 22!

First meeting of new student chapter on May 16

The RIT student chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association will hold its first meeting for new and prospective members at 4 p.m. May 16 in RIT’s College of Applied Science and Technology, room 1150.

Afterward, students will tour the construction site of RIT’s Golisano Institute for Sustainability with members of O’Connell Electric Co. and LeChase Construction, the electrical and construction contractors, respectively, for the new building.

Registration is required for the event as space for the tour will be limited to 25 participants. Contact student chapter academic adviser Dave Krispinsky at 475-2073 or dgkite@rit.edu.

Student Chapter of National Electrical
Contractors Association Established

RIT’s program becomes the
first student chapter in New York state

Investment in the electrical transmission and utilities sector may reach $160 billion in
the next 10 years, according to industry experts, specifically with the installation of new transmission lines, facilities and infrastructure for traditional and alternative energy resources.

To support students preparing for these fields, a student chapter of the National
Electrical Contractors Association was recently chartered at Rochester Institute of Technology. It becomes the first student chapter for the national organization in New York, and among 25 student chapters in the U.S.

The national organization, which granted a Charter of Affiliation on April 17, provides
training, advocacy and advancement for professionals in the electrical construction industry. Student chapter affiliates have access to the many of the same services and career enhancements as professionals in the field.

RIT’s new chapter is open to students in all its academic programs, especially the
electrical mechanical engineering technology program and civil engineering
technology programs, based in the College of Applied Science and Technology,
and the electrical and microelectronics engineering program in the Kate Gleason
College of Engineering, says Dave Krispinsky, the academic advisor for the student
chapter.

Krispinsky and nearly a dozen students recently toured the national association’s local
facilities and the adjoining Rochester Joint Apprentice Training Center. “The tour
was a great eye-opener to some of the opportunities that are available to
engineering students right in the Rochester area,” says Clayton Hotchkiss, a
second-year electrical mechanical engineering major from Belmont, N.Y. He will
be the student-liaison to Rochester NECA chapter.

For moreinformation about becoming a member of the RIT student chapter of the National Electrical Contactors Association, contact Krispinsky at 475-2073 or dgkite@rit.edu.

The Rochester Chapter of NECA, Inc. would like to welcome the NECA Student Chapter at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Below you will find the National NECA “Official Welcome” for the Chapter.

Welcoming Two New NECA Student Chapters

We are pleased to announce that new NECA Student Chapters have been established at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in Henrietta, New York, and Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. There are now 25 NECA Student Chapters operating at universities across the country.

By bringing together students majoring in construction management and engineering programs, NECA’s Student Chapter program works to foster interest in the electrical construction industry and helps create a source of viable candidates for future management positions within electrical contracting firms. A component of ELECTRI International’s Talent Initiative, the program consists of student-run chapters that are supported by NECA chapters and university faculty.

Regular NECA chapters provide assistance by exposing students to industry-related educational programs, such as those offered by NECA’s Management Education Institute; helping arrange internships with local NECA-member contractors and field trips to NECA contractors’ offices and work sites; and providing guidance with respect to special student projects. The newest student group at RIT, the first NECA Student Chapter chartered in the state of New York, is sponsored by the Rochester New York Chapter, NECA. Our Central Indiana Chapter sponsors the new NECA Student Chapter at Ball State as well as a NECA Student Chapter established earlier at Purdue University.

More information about NECA Student Chapters, including guidance on how to establish one, is available at www.necanet.org/education/student-chapters/

Rochester Institute of Technology

The Rochester Institute of Technology’s reputation as one of the world’s top universities has been acknowledged by many leading college guides, industry, and internationally respected publications. One of RIT’s claims to fame is its unique emphasis on career education and “experiential” learning. Each year, thousands of students alternate classroom instruction with full-time, paid work experience directly related to their course of study or engage in internships, study abroad, or undergraduate research. The university is also noted for offering one of the largest varieties of engineering technology programs in the nation.

RIT’s nine colleges offer more than 90 bachelor degree programs, and the curriculum is constantly upgraded and expanded. (One of RIT’s newest degree tracks leads to a B.S. in environmental sustainability, health and safety.) Students can also augment their studies through a concentrated minors program.

For example, RIT undergraduate students from outside the civil engineering technology program leading to a bachelor of science degree may pursue the construction management minor. This minor curriculum offers broadly based courses covering many aspects of construction management, including building construction, cost estimating, construction project management, and construction safety.

The university also offers 70 graduate programs in high-demand fields, including six doctoral programs, and accelerated dual-degree programs. The student body consists of approximately 14,225 undergraduates and 2,980 graduate students.

Ball State University

Last year, U.S. News and World Report ranked Ball State University as 7th in the nation among “up-and-coming” colleges and universities “that recently made the most promising and innovative changes in the areas of academics, faculty, student life, campus, or facilities,” and The Princeton Review consistently recognizes the institution as among the “best in the Midwest.”

As a comprehensive university, Ball State offers a wealth of academic opportunities through about 180 undergraduate majors and preprofessional programs, including its highly ranked entrepreneurship program. Masters students can earn degrees in more than 100 fields. Just over 18,000 undergraduates and about 4,000 graduate students are currently enrolled.

What may be of major interest to the members of the NECA?Student Chapter at Ball State — and their future employers — is the construction management bachelor degree program. It prepares students for such positions as project manager, site superintendent, technical trainer, estimator, safety officer or scheduler with commercial and residential construction firms. The program was inaugurated in 2004 and is growing with the development of new technical courses, including units on green construction, and (new for the Spring 2012 semester)?building information modeling (BIM).

The Construction Management program at Ball State University provides a quality education through an application-based classroom, laboratory, and immersive learning experiences that enables students to become problem solvers and critical thinkers. In addition to completing course work, students on this track are required to perform an internship in a construction management position and to complete a required minor in business administration.

Where To Find NECA Student Chapters
■Arizona State University (Tempe, Arizona)
■Ball State University (Muncie, Indiana)
■Bowling Green State University (Bowling Green, Ohio)
■California Polytechnic State University (San Luis Obispo, California)
■California State University – Chico (Chico, California)
■California State University – Sacramento (Sacramento, California)
■Central Washington University (Ellensburg, Washington)
■Colorado State University (Fort Collins, Colorado)
■Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta, Georgia)
■Illinois Institute of Technology (Chicago, Illinois)
■Iowa State University (Ames, Iowa)
■Milwaukee School of Engineering (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
■Northern Illinois University (Dekalb, Illinois)
■Oregon State University (Corvallis, Oregon)
■Pennsylvania State University (University Park, Pennsylvania)
■Purdue University (West Lafayette, Indiana)
■Rochester Institute of Technology (Henrietta, New York)
■San Diego State University (San Diego, California)
■Southern Polytechnic State University (Marietta, Georgia)
■Texas A&M University (Bryan, Texas)
■University of Kansas (Lawrence, Kansas)
■University of Nebraska at Lincoln (Lincoln, Nebraska)
■University of Washington (Seattle, Washington)
■University of Wisconsin-Madison (Madison, Wisconsin)
■Youngstown State University (Youngstown, Ohio)

The Second Annual NECA Energy Forum will focus on growth opportunities for electrical contractors including:
•Building Automation & Controls
•Electric Vehicles & Charging Stations
•Energy Storage
•Lighting Retrofits
•Smart Grid
•Solar/PV
•Wind Generation

The future of electrical contracting includes energy efficiency and alternative energy moving from the periphery to front and center. Energy work offers the biggest revenue opportunity independent of the construction market in decades. However, it’s hard to know when the time is right to add new services to the traditional business model. Technologies and applications are constantly evolving, so plan to attend the Energy Forum to learn which new market is right for you.

Register Now!

Early Registration Ends May 1 Register Now>>

Pre-Convention Arc Flash Demonstration ($30.00 per person space limited)

Access to educational sessions
CEU’s
Breakfast, Lunch and snacks on selected dates
Tickets to the opening reception and much more

About The Conference
May 21-23, 2012

Specifically created for safety professionals working in the electrical contracting industry, the NSPC is your opportunity to take advantage of cutting edge educational tracks, networking opportunities, and keep yourcompany up-to-date in today’s evolving industry.

What to expect in St. Louis
NECA’s 2nd Annual NSPC will be held in St. Louis, MO;

Find everything you need to know about traveling to and from the conference, booking your hotel, airport transportation, and even local restaurants Read more »

Who Should Attend?

Everyone who manages safety and health programs or has similar responsibilities as part of the scope of their employment: Safety Directors, Human Resource Professionals, Project Managers, Risk Managers, and Supervisors.

Meet the Keynotes!
Kenneth Mastrullo, OSHA Region 1 Electrical Safety Expert
Ken Mastrullo is the Electrical Technical Expert for Region 1 of OSHA. His responsibilities include providing electrical expertise and technical support for OSHA’s compliance and outreach efforts.Read More >>

Green Energy Challenge: Let the Judging Begin!

Entries for the 2012 Green Energy Challenge, sponsored by ELECTRI International-The Foundation for Electrical Construction, Inc. and NECA, are now in hand.

Of the 18 NECA Student Chapters that had expressed interest in this year’s competition, 15 teams met the April 15th deadline for entries. Their 2012 assignment: Select an on-campus facility, conduct an energy audit of the building’s power and lighting systems, and design and propose a retrofit for both systems.

Competition judges, including contractors and industry partners, will start the review and evaluation process and announce the three finalist teams during the first week of June. Those student teams will be hosted by ELECTRI International at the 2012 NECA National Convention (September 29-October 2 in Las Vegas) and can anticipate a full house of interested potential employers for their oral presentations and final award selection.

The 2012 Green Energy Challenge Judges are:
◦Angie Hart – Rosendin Electric (San Jose, California)
◦Eduardo Mariscal – ACEN NECA Monterrey Mexico Chapter
◦Timothy McBride – Southern Contracting (San Marco, California)
◦Sonja Rheaume – Christenson Electric (Portland, Oregon)
◦Phillip Rose – Roman Electric (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
◦Adam Rude – ERMCO (Indianapolis, Indiana)
◦Brad Weir – Kelso-Burnett (Rolling Meadows, Illinois)

Student Teams from the following universities submitted entries. (The regular NECA chapter affiliated with each team is also identified.)
◦Ball State University (Central Indiana Chapter, NECA)
◦Bowling Green State University (Ohio/Michigan Chapter, NECA)
◦California State University – Sacramento (Greater Sacramento Chapter, NECA)
◦Colorado State University (Rocky Mountain Chapter, NECA)
◦Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta Chapter, NECA)
◦Illinois Institute of Technology (Chicago & Cook County Chapter, NECA)
◦Iowa State University (Iowa Chapter, NECA)
◦Milwaukee School of Engineering (Milwaukee Chapter, NECA)
◦Penn State University (Penn-Del-Jersey Chapter, NECA)
◦Purdue University (Central Indiana Chapter, NECA)
◦San Diego State University (San Diego County Chapter, NECA)
◦Southern Polytechnic University (Atlanta Chapter, NECA)
◦University Of Washington (Puget Sound Chapter, NECA)
◦University Of Wisconsin-Madison (Wisconsin Chapter, NECA)
◦Youngstown State University (Mahoning Valley Chapter, NECA)

We the People . . . as individuals and as taxpayers deserve the rest of the story. On March 21, 2012 the question was raised whether the Wicks Law is impeding a new Hamlin Library. Taxpayers read the story . . . their eyes and minds fed only a piece of the whole. Unfortunately, the whole looks a lot different than the piece that was offered.
The Wicks Law was enacted in 1912 to reduce corruption and expose the construction procurement process to public scrutiny. The law requires that most state agencies and local governments use multiple bids on construction projects above a specified dollar amount. The electrical, plumbing and HVAC contractors submit separate bids for their own portion of the work to be performed. This is in contrast to a single bid, where the general contractor is able to lump together all of the work with no clear separation of the bids.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the rest of the story in an attempt to give the taxpayers the real picture.
The issue is whether single prime bidding or multiple prime bidding is more cost effective for the tax payers in New York State. Not surprisingly, those who oppose the Wicks Law continue to base their arguments upon outdated and discounted studies. For example, the State conducted a study in 1987 that concluded multiple prime jobs were more costly than single prime jobs. However, you the taxpayer were never told that the results do not actually reflect that true cost differential. This is because when the study was conducted, vital differences in the projects studied were not taken into account.
What about the studies that repeatedly get overlooked by those who oppose the Wicks Law? Numerous studies when taken together show a clear picture of the impact and importance of the Wick’s Law in reducing costs. This alone should cause our taxpayers to dive a little deeper…learn a little more…question a bit more frequently. Let’s take a moment. You will come to see the issue in a whole new light.
The New Jersey Studies of the 1960’s and 1970’s concluded that Multiple Prime Contracts produced lower bids in 85 out of 90 projects and that single prime jobs had almost 9 percent higher bid costs than multiple prime projects. In 1993, the Study of New York Wicks Law Prepared for the Electrical Contracting Foundation once again showed that single bid jobs have a higher bid cost and a higher final cost than multiple bid projects. In 1995, the National Study Prepared for The Electrical Contracting Foundation and The Mechanical Contracting Foundation found that multiple prime contracting jobs are over 5 percent less expensive than single prime jobs and that the differences were due in large part to lower bid costs. In 1999, the New Jersey Study Prepared by The Carnoustie Group concluded that single prime contracts have a higher cost overrun and that multiple prime bids are lower than single prime bids. In 2006, the research study Single vs. Multiple Prime Contracting Prepared for ELECTRI International showed that single prime contracts have a 5 percent higher average ratio of final cost to estimated cost than multiple prime contracts and that the difference is due in large part to multiple primes having lower bid costs.
As you can clearly see, having multiple bids does not increase the cost as some would like you to believe. In fact, multiple bids result in a decrease to cost. It just makes common sense . . . if you were to build or fund a project; do you really think that the costs would be lower when you can’t see what the costs really are? Why don’t those who seek to repeal the Wicks Law want you, the taxpayer, to see the bidding process?

Chalisse R. Sharp
Executive Director
Rochester National Electrical Contractors Association
(NECA)
470A West Metro Park
Rochester, NY 14623

NECA beleives that keeping up on the electrical indudstry is of the upmost importance. This year, ELECTRI International has had funding approved for four research projects!

Research projects for 2012 include:
EC2020 – Strategies for Electrical Contractor Business Development in the New Energy Economy
Effective Look-Ahead Scheduling for Electrical Contractors
Change Order Overhead Percentage Guidelines for Electrical and Low-Voltage Subcontractors
Promoting Careers in the Electrical Contracting Business through Student Chapter Engagement and Research on Energy-Efficient Projects

The reserach reports wil be published in 2013. Check out www.electri.org for additional information.

“On Thursday, March 15, Governor Cuomo and the state legislature reached agreements for redistricting, tier six benefits, and casino gambling. No legislation was passed for construction funding, AIM aid or school aid, however, and next week, the Building a Better Rochester coalition will unveil new data to underscore the region’s need for increased school aid. Get all of the latest news and updates on Building a Better Rochester’s strategically driven media campaign by following us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Look for additional messages of support for the coalition with video interviews with County Executive Maggie Brooks and Assemblyman Harry Bronson next week.” Builders Exchange of Rochester