The 2023 IECRM State of the Industry Dinner Showcased Industry Innovations, AI, and the Announcement of 2024 Leadership
The recent IECRM State of the Industry Dinner & Board of Directors Election gathering drew an impressive turnout, with over 200 of Colorado’s top electrical contractors and industry professionals coming together for an evening of celebration and advocacy. Guests were welcomed with two drink tickets, a special Showcase & Networking Cocktail Hour featuring new technology at various “Innovation Stations.” Each station was paired with an AI-infused gourmet appetizer crafted by Delta Marriott’s amazing Chef Sarah.
A special acknowledgment was extended to the Trimble team, including Ian Warner, Ron King, and Monte Kempf, for their cutting-edge AI and Innovative Tech solutions that included the star of the evening, Spot, a robotic “dog” developed by Boston Dynamics that surveys and inspects job sites and land for the construction industry. Other notable guests were the Northglen High School STEM students who showcased their 3-D printer operating live during the event, creating a prototype of a commemorative ornament for guests attending IECRM’s upcoming Parade of Lights Holiday Party on Saturday, December 2. After the networking and cocktail hour concluded, Spot led guests to the ballroom to be seated for dinner and the State of the Industry presentation and Board of Directors Election.
IECRM Board President David Scott of Encore Electric welcomed guests and spoke about the importance of industry advocacy and engagement. During dinner, video submissions of the 2024 Board of Directors candidates comprising notable industry leaders dedicated to driving the organization’s vision forward were played, and final voting was conducted.
Seth Anderson, CEO of Weifield Group Contracting, delivered an enlightening presentation on the current state of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and innovations in the Electrical and Renewable Energy Industry. During his insightful speech, Anderson shared a wealth of knowledge, shedding light on key developments and future trends within the industry.
IECRM Announces its 2024 IECRM Board of Directors:
Contractors:
Lindsey Cox, Co-CEO, 1st Electric Contractors (reelected to serve 2024-2025)
Sam Gluck, VP/Partner, APCO Electric, Inc. (currently serving 2023-2024)
Larry Hopkins, VP of Business Development/Safety, New Start Solutions (newly elected to serve 2024-2025)
Jason Nagel, Owner, LionHeart Electrical, LLC (currently serving 2023-2024)
David Scott, Construction Industry Advocate, Encore Electric (reelected to serve 2024-2025)
Russell Tafoya, Project Executive, Weifield Group Contracting (currently serving 2023-2024)
Robert Watkins, President, Ludvik Electric (reelected to serve 2024-2025)
Clint Wright, Owner, Prizm Electrical Solutions (currently serving 2023-2024)
Industry Partners:
Jason Ghent, Manager, Electrical Construction, Graybar Electric Company, Inc. (reelected to serve 2024-2025)
Leighland Gutierrez, Head of Commercial Sales, Frontier Controls Corporation (currently serving 2023-2024)
David Jones, Secretary, Regional Sales, QED Supply (currently serving 2023-2024)
Jason Jones, Principal, Legacy Electrical Partners (newly elected to serve 2024-2025)
Matt Matheny, Lighting Specialist, CED (reelected to serve 2024-2025)
Two IECRM members rolling off the board include Justin Martin, COO of Bret’s Electric, and Pete Aden, CPA, CCIFP, of Wipfli. Pete has served on IECRM’s Board of Directors for over eight years, and Justin concludes his service of two consecutive terms and will retain service on the Ft. Collins Building Committee. We thank them both for their dedication to serving the industry. IECRM gave them a special thank-you gift to recognize their invaluable contributions.
The gathering celebrated the industry’s current achievements and a look into the future, focusing on the next generation of electrical and renewable energy professionals, industry advancement, innovative technologies, the importance of advocacy and engagement, and the continued initiative to strengthen the workforce. The elected 2024 Board of Directors will be pivotal in steering the merit-shop industry toward a promising future.
As the event concluded, the atmosphere was filled with enthusiasm, optimism, and a renewed sense of inspiration and determination to contribute to the continued growth and success of the electrical and renewable energy industry. Attendees were invited to enjoy live music provided by Drew Dvorchak of Milwaukee Tool.
The success of the event wouldn’t have been possible without the support of this year’s State of the Industry sponsors, including Federated Insurance, Generac, Matsuo Engineering, Heritage Builders Electric, Graybar Electrical Supply, Milwaukee Tool.com, Frontier Controls Corporation, and Colorado Construction & Design Magazine, among others.
A special thank you goes out to our AI/Innovation Station sponsors and contributors, including ABB, The Home Depot, REXEL, KOJO, Northglenn High School STEM Students, RCOM Computer Services, Trimble, and Siemens, who played a significant role in showcasing cutting-edge technologies and fostering a culture of innovation within the electrical industry.
Click here to view photos of the event.