CARD CHECK ADDRESSED

APRIL 2009
Phil Mussallem of Electical Staffing gave a very informative presentation about how Electrical Contractors should deal with employees and develop strong communications to maintain their merit shops. Phil has 25 years dealing with HR and gave our members a solid hands on presentation communicating with employees. The April meeting marked the third meeting in a row heavily attended by IEC members. Following Phil's presentation, IEC members and Phil discussed the current market in Northwest Indiana and Southern Chicago. Many strategies were discussed regarding marketing and finding work in the region.

REGIONAL HEAD SPEAKS TO MEMBERS

FEBRUARY 2009
Midwest IEC members heard the experience of one of IEC's experts on Merit Shop operations and Union efforts to infiltrate our companies. Card Check was the topic and a record crowd of member and prospective members attended the February meeting in Schereville. The most significant point of Larry's discussion was the importance of communicating with employees. Larry also related some real experiences from St. Louis with unions. Members spent a good amount of time after the presentation discussing implications for their company.

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

MULLINS TO SPEAK AT APRIL 2008 MEETING

APRIL 2008
Larry Mullins, National Executive Director of the Independent Electrical Contractors Association will speak at the MIDWEST IEC Chapter meeting to be held at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, April 17th. The meeting will be held at the MIDWEST IEC Chapter Training Center in Schererville.

Mullins will speak to the Chapter about the latest trends impacting merit shop owners and the electrical industry in general. This is the first visit to the MIDWEST CHAPTER by Mullins.