Over 2,000 Registered for NECA 2008 Chicago - and Rooms are Going Fast!

Over 2,000 electrical industry professionals have already registered to attend NECA 2008 Chicago, but we won’t be the only show in town October 4-7! On those same dates, the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) also will be holding its annual trade show and convention there, bringing in 30,000+ attendees. And they will be staying in hotels all over the city!

NECA chapter offices and members are urged to make sure their room reservations have been secured by CMR, the only official housing and registration agent for NECA 2008 Chicago. Reservations made through any other agency cannot be guaranteed by NECA and could result in additional charges, incorrect hotel placement, or inflated room rates for attendees. Please use the online meeting registration and hotel reservation system on www.necaconvention.org to avoid any confusion or additional charges. If you have any questions, call CMR at 1-800-368-6322.

A National Framework for Local Solutions: Special General Session on Labor Relations at NECA 2008 Chicago

Members count on NECA to fight for competitive agreement language while maintaining a positive working relationship with the leadership of our industry’s labor force. NECA 2008 Chicago attendees will have a unique opportunity to witness how the national organization is maintaining this crucial balance and also speak out on the issues currently shaping their local markets.

IBEW International President Ed Hill will open the special session with brief comments on how the IBEW views the industry and the programs that are in place to build market share.

Geary Higgins at 2007 Labor Relations Town Hall Session
Following Hill’s remarks, NECA Vice President of Labor Relations Geary Higgins will speak on the latest initiatives and programs within the industry, as well as the need for a two-pronged effort to build an effective relationship between the chapter and local union. The success of this effort hinges on the national association remaining in close contact with the international union and clearly stating what NECA members require to remain competitive; and the chapters working with their local unions to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by new and less restrictive language and policies.

NJATC Executive Director Mike Callanan will also address the audience on some of the recent and ongoing efforts at the NJATC to empower local areas to adapt and address training to their specific needs. read more...

Special Session on Counterfeit Electrical Products at NECA 2008 Chicago

The just-released 2008 Profile of the Electrical Contractor survey by ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR magazine showed a dramatic increase in electrical contractors’ concern about counterfeit electrical products. The rise is so significant that the magazine will be sponsoring a special panel discussion on counterfeit electrical products at the NECA Convention and Trade Show, Oct. 7, in Chicago. The special one-hour session on Counterfeit Products: Can You Be Sued? will feature panelists from across the electrical construction industry, including product manufacturers, distributors, contractors, as well as a legal expert in the liability issues counterfeit products pose for all. A question-and-answer session will follow the presentations. read more...

Spotlight on Pre-convention Workshops: Do You Know Your PPE?

OSHA recently published a new final rule requiring employers to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) used to comply with OSHA's standards for all employees. Contractors must understand these rules, as well as the NFPA 70E rules, that guide PPE use for electrical work.

Unlocking the Mystery of NFPA 70E Compliance is a pre-convention workshop specifically created for electrical contractors, safety managers and on-site supervisors. The half-day course will explore how NFPA 70E can be the solution to electrical PPE compliance. Topics covered will include OSHA's requirements related to energized electrical work and how to provide the OSHA-required protection utilizing items such as insulated tools, FR clothing, and rubber & insulating gloves and blankets in accordance with NFPA 70E.

Over 2,000 Registered for NECA 2008 Chicago - and Rooms are Going Fast!

A National Framework for Local Solutions: Special General Session on Labor Relations at NECA 2008 Chicago

Special Session on Counterfeit Electrical Products at NECA 2008 Chicago

Spotlight on Pre-convention Workshops: Do You Know Your PPE?

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