With more than 800 IEC members in attendance, the 52nd Annual IEC National Convention and Electric Expo was a great success. 

Keynote General Session Inspires and Motivates Crowd
Steve Wiege, IEC National President, kicked off this year’s convention with his “State of the Association” address, a look at IEC’s achievements this past year. From doubling efforts in Apprenticeship and Training to battling unfriendly political times in the merit shop arena, IEC has made great strides in responding to the needs of today’s merit shop electrical contractors.

This year’s keynote speaker, Dr. Perry Daneshgari, an expert in the field of construction management and the author of Wireless Technology and the Electrical Contractor and A Strategy for Improving the Electrical Constructing Industry lit up St. Louis with his information-rich presentation. His informative presentation opened attendees’ eyes to a new way of looking at their businesses, as well as to different ways to increase productivity and profitability.

Also on hand during the keynote session was comedian Buzz Sutherland. Named Comedian of the Year by America’s colleges and universities 16 times, Buzz was on hand to provide comic relief at the keynote general session. His smooth blend of home spun characters and outrageous facial expressions kept attendees rolling with laughter.  

Top-Notch Education Sessions
More than 40 cutting-edge educational sessions from IEC University were offered this year. Presented in seven topical tracks, sessions covered topics from Green Opportunities in a Challenging Economy to Merit Shop and Union Free – New Ideas for New Times.

With session tracks covering everything from Technical, Code & Safety, Green Issues, Management & Marketing, Estimating & Project Management, Industry Issues, Chapters and Instructors & Training Directors, attendees were able to find educational sessions that both interested them and helped them become better electrical contractors and better business men or women. 

If you are searching for practical and innovative ways to strengthen your company in this difficult economic climate click here to purchase session recordings and handouts.

Basic Safety Sessions
Designed for apprentices, Basic Safety Training programs offered sessions on Fall Prevention, Fleet Safety, An Introduction to 70E for Apprentices and Electrical Safety Lockout/Tagout.

Networking – Always a Big Hit
The Platinum Partner Party is always a convention highlight and their World’s Fair event was no exception. On the evening of Friday, October 23, the Platinum Partners took a step back in time with a taste of what St. Louis presented in 1904 at the St. Louis World’s Fair where electricity made its debut in harnessed displays of power for industry, municipalities, and households, the likes of which had never before been revealed.

In a show of their constant support for IEC, the Platinum Partners threw a great party and donated generous prizes. The evening was filled with fun, food, games, and a great time was had by all.

IEC Foundation Tom Jones Memorial Classic Golf Tournament
The annual IEC Foundation Tom Jones Memorial Classic Golf Tournament was held at the Glen Echo Golf Course. Glen Echo has a tradition of unrivaled excellence and is the oldest private 18-hole golf course in continuous operation west of the Mississippi.

Seventy-five IEC golfers turned out for this great event and a portion of the proceeds benefitted the IEC Scholarship Fund.

IEC Electric Expo 2009
As the industry’s premier electrical and systems contracting tradeshow, IEC Electric Expo was packed with the newest products and services in the electrical industry. The action-packed, two-day show brought contractors, distributors, manufacturers, and service providers together. Some of the biggest names in the industry, as well as many up-and-coming companies were on hand. The expo also offered valuable educational programs, fun social events, and networking opportunities, making this a memorable tradition for electrical and systems contractors.

National Apprentice of the Year Competition

Each year the nation’s best apprentices gather to compete at the IEC Electric Expo. Judged by teams of journeymen, contractors, inspectors, and others actively involved in electrical industry codes and standards, safety, and training, the IEC National Apprentice of the Year Competition evaluates apprentice competitors on their knowledge of electrical industry theory, code, materials, and installation practices.

During the two days of competition, each apprentice is tested on their knowledge through written tests; their ability to prepare a motor logic diagram; as well as their ability to accurately install operating control circuitry. After a challenging, multi-faceted test of their electrical knowledge, skills and abilities, the winners were announced during the President's Reception and Awards Gala. Erik Martin from Golka Electric (IEC Arizona) was named 2009 IEC National Apprentice of the Year, Steven Trickey from Advanced Electrical Solutions (IEC Atlanta) won second place and Naned Albulov from Dunedin Electric (IEC Florida West Coast) won third place.

Congratulations to all IEC National Apprentice of the Year competitors!

Instructors
IEC instructors from chapters across the country gathered at this year’s convention to network and attend a special educational track. Courses included: The Instructors Role, Teaching the NEC, Teaching - A Hands on Approach, and much more. If you missed a session, be sure to order the handouts and recordings online.    

The Best of IEC Shines at the Awards Banquet
The President’s Reception & Awards Gala was an elegant event. Attendees enjoyed a delicious meal while reliving memorable moments from the convention along with live music and dancing. After dinner, the outstanding achievements and contributions made by IEC member companies, chapters, and volunteers throughout the year were acknowledged.