On Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at the Delta Marriott, Thornton, CO, IECRM held its Annual State of the Industry Dinner and Board of Directors Election. This year’s event was called “A Magical Night of Illumination” to coincide with the lighting and magic enhancements of the evening. The cocktail hour featured impressive Illumination Stations showcasing innovative lighting technologies from leading companies, including Acuity Brands, CT Lighting & Controls, Illumination Systems, Intermatic, Keystone Technologies, Lutron, MH Lighting, and The Lighting Agency.
Micah Gilbert, an IECRM instructor, Marine veteran, and magician, performed live magic tricks as entertainment during the reception. As guests were seated for dinner, he took to the stage to teach our large crowd of 200+ a magic trick, earning the title of “World’s AMAZINGest Electrician Magician” from Marilyn Stansbury.
IECRM and IEC National leadership set the tone for what’s ahead in 2025, focusing on key priorities such as advocacy, growth, workforce development, and membership—critical elements for the industry’s continued success. Once the final votes were tallied, Marilyn Akers Stansbury, IECRM CEO, announced the 2025 IECRM Board of Directors.
The following individuals will serve on the 2025 IECRM Board of Directors with a commitment to guiding the organization through a dynamic year ahead:
- David Scott, Board President, Construction Industry Advocate, Encore Electric
- Clint Wright, Board Vice President, Project Manager, Colorado Electric & Power Systems
- David Jones, Board Secretary, Regional Sales, QED Supply
- Greg Livin, Board Treasurer, Partner, Wipfli, LLP
- Larry Hopkins, Vice President of Business Development, Execution Electric
- Sam Gluck, VP/Partner Master Electrician, APCO Electric
- Leighland Gutierrez, Head of Commercial Sales, Frontier Controls Corporation
- Jake Jackson, Owner, Juniper Mountain Electric
- Jason Jones, Principal, Legacy Electrical Partners
- Matt Matheny, Lighting Specialist, Consolidated Electrical Distributors (CED)
- Brian Miller, Director of Operations, Weifield Group Electrical Contracting
- Robert Watkins, President, Ludvik Electric
Key Insights and Recognition:
- Marilyn Akers Stansbury, IECRM CEO, opened the evening with a compelling vision for the future, stating, “I believe electricity is magical,” emphasizing the pivotal role electricians play in shaping the world. Her words resonated with attendees, inspiring them to continue pushing boundaries in the electrical industry.
- Matt Matheny, Lighting Specialist at CED, showcased cutting-edge advancements in lighting technology, such as circadian lighting and its growing use in health applications, illustrating the expanding role of lighting beyond mere illumination.
- David Scott, IECRM Board President & Construction Industry Advocate at Encore Electric, delivered a powerful address on the importance of community and mental health awareness within the industry. He shared a personal story, symbolizing support for mental health by encouraging attendees to turn on their phone flashlights. His message of unity was a highlight of the evening, underscoring the collective strength within the IECRM community.
- Thayer Long, IEC National Executive Director, provided a national perspective on the evolving landscape of the electrical industry, touching on key trends and challenges that impact local businesses and the broader industry. His insights set the stage for IECRM’s strategic goals for 2025.
Honoring Veterans and Leaders in Policy and Advocacy:
- Scott Schlapkohl of Ludvik Electric was presented with the Veterans Powering the Industry Award for his outstanding contributions. Scott is a retired United States Air Force Major. His distinguished military career included roles as an Evaluator, Pilot, Chief, and Pentagon Briefer. In his civilian life, Scott has continued to inspire as Ludvik’s Chief of Scheduling and as a high school science teacher. His leadership and mentorship in both fields earned him this well-deserved recognition.
- Rep. Shannon Bird (Colorado House District 29) was recognized for her leadership on workforce development and her business-focused approach to regulatory issues in the construction industry. She played a vital role in advancing construction defects legislation and remains a strong advocate for the trades.
- Sen. Byron Pelton (Colorado Senate District 1), a Master Electrician and Rancher, was honored for his continued efforts to support the electrical industry and trades in Colorado. His advocacy on the Senate floor, using his personal expertise to explain industry complexities, has made a lasting impact on legislative efforts.
Sponsors and Partnerships:
The evening’s success was made possible by the generous support of the following sponsors:
- Platinum Premier Sponsor: QED – A Sonepar Company
- Cocktail Reception Sponsor: Milwaukee Tool
- AV Sponsor: Matsuo Engineering
- Dinner Sponsor: Federated Insurance
- Dog Treat Sponsor: Frontier Controls Corporation
- Registration Table Sponsor: BLS Electrical
- Bar Sponsor: Rexel
Illuminations Station Sponsors:
- Acuity Brands
- CT Lighting & Controls
- Illumination Systems,
- Intermatic
- Keystone Technologies
- Lutron, MH Lighting
- The Lighting Agency
Illumination Allies
The following individuals assisted in coordinating the innovative lighting displays.
- Jay Comusso, I-Pro Martin
- Jason Jones, Legacy Electrical Partners
- Matt Matheny, CED
These sponsors played an integral role in the event’s success, highlighting their commitment to supporting the independent electrical contractors of the Rocky Mountain region.
