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November 4, 2022

Colorado’s Premier Electrical Trade Association, IECRM, Held its Annual State of the Industry Dinner and Board of Directors Election

On Wednesday, October 26th, more than 200 electrical contractors and industry professionals gathered together to hear from IECRM leadership, gain insight into the industry’s present state, and look ahead to what is in store for the future. Guests were also eager for the announcement of the 2023 IECRM Board of Directors, as most member companies had already submitted their online ballots selecting the candidates that will lead the organization into the future.   

The evening began with an autumn harvest/Colorado-themed welcome reception complete with passed hors d’oeuvres, a beautiful charcuterie display, Colorado craft beer from Satire Brewing Co., signature cocktails made with Breckenridge Brewery spirits, and live entertainment provided by Jordan Rincones, IECRM’s very own Compliance Coordinator, that dubs as a talented musician. Jordan took the stage and played modern hits and classic rock songs on the acoustic guitar, creating a warm and welcoming tone for the Autumn Harvest Reception. Guests enjoyed hearing familiar tunes played live as they mingled during the networking cocktail hour.   

After a full hour of networking, guests took their seats to enjoy a full-course gourmet farm-to-table dinner crafted by chef Sarah of the Delta Marriott of Thornton. A colorful display at the table included a mixed greens salad made fresh from local farms, freshly baked bread, a rosemary butter candle, and a garden fresh gazpacho squash soup shooter served in a carved mini pumpkin set for each table guest. The pre-selected entree choices were locally sourced filet mignon, seared-to-perfection salmon, or marinated portobello mushroom stack with fresh buffalo mozzarella served with Yukon gold mashed potatoes and asparagus. Guests savored the flavors of their farm-fresh selections while they waited for the much-anticipated State of the Industry presentation to begin.

Jason Jones, with the Lighting Group and Chair of the State Of the Industry Dinner Taskforce, took to the stage to welcome guests. “Just as the President delivers a ‘State of the Union’ address and the Governor shares a ‘State of the State,’ think of tonight’s program as the ‘STATE-of-the-STATE-of-the-INDUSTRY,’.” said Jason before leading the Pledge of Allegiance.

Bryan Beckett of Office Sensei and the evening’s dinner sponsor gave a toast as guests then got to see the Board candidates’ video submissions explaining who they are and why they wish to serve on IECRM’s Board of Directors. 

David Scott of Encore Electric, Chair of the IECRM Government Relations Committee; Vice President of the IECRM Board of Directors, and newly elected IEC National Board Member representing the Mountain West Region was joined on stage along with Byron Pelton, cattle rancher, Logan County Commissioner, Master Electrician, and Colorado State Senate District 1 candidate for this year’s election. “Advocacy Matters! Folks, I use this phrase all the time, and tonight over dinner,  it is particularly relevant. ‘If you are not at the table, you are on the menu’,” said David Scott.

IECRM CEO Marilyn Stansbury and Board President Robert Watkins, President of Ludvik Electric Co., presented the State of IECRM and the State of the Industry, including recognition of notable achievements of members and the Chapter during the past year. 

“We successfully fought hard this past legislative session to keep the ratio from changing and built a strong coalition. The sign coming out of the mountains on I-70 says, ‘Truckers, you aren’t down yet; another 6 miles of steep grade ahead.’ We still have Energy Codes, Beneficial Electrification, the Inflation Reduction Act, the State Apprenticeship Agency requirements, and the outcome of the election in our journey forward,” said Marilyn Stansbury, IECRM CEO. 

“Work doesn’t start as quickly as it used to, allowing for more time to plan and figure out workflow – creating improved productivity and efficiency. Workforce challenges remain. Bouncing for $1 hasn’t changed. The change seems more to be workers relocating – the workforce, in general, is more transient,” said Robert Watkins.  

“What does that mean for the industry in an already tight, challenging labor market?  We must work together on ideas and solutions to grow a broader base of workers and not compete for the same talent back and forth. Make sure to utilize the exclusive benefits of IECRM’s borrowed worker program, the hire list, career fairs, and other workforce program resources,” Watkins continued.

“Innovation and technology mean different things to different people. The slowdown in work scheduling has enabled the speed of innovation and technology to stabilize. We have increasing opportunities with our software solution partners to continue to embrace technology in an industry slower than others to adapt,” concluded Watkins. 

IECRM welcomed special guests from IEC National, Thayer Long, Executive Director, and RaeShawn Crosson, Deputy Executive Director, to the stage. The IEC National leaders congratulated IECRM members and partners on their recent national award winnings from the Awards Gala at the IEC National Convention held October 5-9, 20222, in Louisville, KY (SPARK: Power Tomorrow). Click here to see the list of national awards IECRM took home from the national awards gala.  

“There are many other people in this room – and in this chapter – who aren’t named on that list but are an integral part of the work that takes place through the IEC National association. These individuals serve on the national board, volunteer countless hours on committees, code panels, and task forces, and serve as judges for our annual award and apprentice competition programs. Our recognition and thanks to you also!” said Thayer Long, IEC National Executive Director.

RaeShawn Crosson continued Long’s sentiments, “Thanks, Rocky Mountain Chapter, for inviting us to be part of this annual event and very special evening, highlighting the year, electing new leaders, and setting the stage for the year ahead with perspectives on the industry.” 

The Home Depot was the evening’s Keynote Speaker sponsor and is a long-time supporter of IEC through investments in the IEC Foundation through The Home Depot ProXtra program – providing equipment and development grants to chapters – and scholarships to apprentices throughout the IEC family. 

Alana Levy representing The Home Depot introduced the evening’s keynote speaker, Michael Sauer, VP of Partnerships with Scorpion to the stage to deliver his presentation on “What best-in-class electrical contractors are doing to maximize the value of their business.” 

 Sauer is an electrical engineer, patent attorney, Google-certified digital marketing professional, and business value growth accelerator. His experience includes creating customized strategic plans for business owners who are seeking financial security for themselves and their families. IECRM was grateful for the energy and insight on how its members can maximize the value of their businesses in 2023.

Click here for the IECRM 2023 Board of Directors Announcement.

Click here to view more photos of the event.

Sponsors of the evening included:

IECRM Self-Pay Tuition Policy

 

Self-pay students who are employed with a member company must register and pay through the member company using the IECRM Flashpoint Enrollment Portal/Process in order to qualify for member rates.

Self-pay students that are employed with a member company but that do not register and pay through the member will be charged the non-member rate for tuition, books and applicable fees.


Self-pay students who are employed with a member company and require a payment plan will not qualify for the member rate and will be charged the non-member rate for tuition, books and applicable fees.


Self-pay students who do not work for a member company will continue to be charged the non-member rate for tuition, books and applicable fees.


To maximize association/membership benefits, ALL member companies are encouraged to register and pay for all enrolled apprentices utilizing internal payment arrangements and processes between employer and employee.


We value our IECRM members and apprentice community. We encourage all apprentices to be enrolled in the four-year apprenticeship program, earning, and learning their way toward Journeyworker licensure. We encourage all members to utilize the member discount for tuition, books and applicable fees to ensure the long-term support and success of the next-generation electrician.


(Payment Plans are available, please reference the Self Pay Payment Plan Policy.)


Self-Pay Payment Plan Policy


We offer the following arrangements for students that are unable to pay in full at the time of registration.


● Self-pay students will be charged the non-member rate.
● A 50% down payment of total semester tuition, books and applicable fees are due at registration.
● Remaining balance can be divided up to 3 additional monthly payments ($10.00 processing fee applies on each installment)
● All payments that are declined will incur a $20.00 NSF fee.

 

We encourage all students who are employed with a member company to work with their employer to register and pay through the IECRM Flashpoint Enrollment Portal/Process. This will ensure the student is paying the lowest possible rate for tuition, books and applicable fees.