LARRRY MULLINS SPEAKS

APRIL 2008
A large number of the MIDWEST IEC members attended the monthly Membership Meeting on April 17, 2008 to hear guest speaker Larry Mullins, Executive Director of IEC National. This was the first time Larry had visited the MIDWEST IEC Chapter. Mullins, a native of Chicago, gave an extensive review of the various programs and services available to IEC members. “Members must do more than just pay their dues,” stated Mullins. “Unless members get involved and take advantage of member benefits, they will not fully realize the value of their membership,” said Mullins

Larry was particular in stressing the importance of the industry itself. “You are the backbone of America,” he stated. “When something goes wrong who do they call first - the electrical contractor.” Larry indicated how strong the IEC voice is with Capital Hill since the formation of the IEC PAC. “Regardless of one’s political leanings, financial support of pro-business politicians gives our industry an influential position in Washington DC,” said Mullins.

One significant point made by Mullins was the large number of IEC members on regulatory committees governing the industry. In years past, IEC was in the position to react to the laws and regulations affecting the industry. Today, with IEC member are on key committees and many lead the committees in DC, IEC is shaping the guidelines impacting electrical contractors nationwide.

Following Larry’s presentation, members had the opportunity to network and me Larry one-on-one over dinner served to all attendees. As is the norm, members informally discussed the many challenges in the current housing market which impacts our business. The opportunity to talk to your fellow IEC member and learn what is happening in our local market is one of the most valuable benefits to IEC membership.

“We’re very pleased that Larry could join us for the first time,” stated MIDWEST IEC President Gary Dykstra of D & G Electric in Lynwood