Big news, SB 440, the industry backed Private Works Change Order Reform Bill, has officially passed the legislature and is now awaiting Governor Newsoms signature. This bill would bring much needed fairness and structure to private work change order processes by extending the successful AB 626 framework to the private sector. It ensures timely payment, allows contractors to initate payment processes, and promotes nonbinding mediation over costly litigation.

We are calling on all NorCal NECA members to once again raise your voives. Your outreach could make the difference in getting this bill over the finish line.

Click here to contact the Governors office today and urge him to sign SB 440. Support now, success tomorrow!

Mark your calendars! NorCal NECA is thrilled to announce the return of our annual Sporting Clay Classic, once again benefitting the NorCal NECA Political Action Committee (FPPC#960734). This year’s event will take place on Friday, November 14, 2025, at the Birds Landing Hunting Preserve. As always, registration is first come first served.

The day kicks off at 8:00 AM with registration and a light breakfast, followed by a 9:00 AM shotgun start, and wraps up with a BBQ lunch and raffle at 1:00 PM. Don’t miss this fun filled tradition that supports our industry and brings our community together.

Click here to Register.

SB-61 (Cortese), NECA-Sponsored legislation to cap retention on private construction projects at 5%, has cleared the California State Legislature. The only step remaining is the Governor’s signature to make this long-overdue reform law!

Now is the time for contractors and industry allies to urge Governor Newsom to sign SB-61. Even if you have taken action before, we urge you to do so again. It is critical that the Governor hears just how important this legislation is to our industry. Click here to take action today!

Congratulations to Brian Gini (Co-CEO, Collins Electrical Company, Inc.) who will be inducted into the Academy of Electrical Contracting during the 2025 NECA Convention in Chicago!

Prior to his promotion to Co-CEO in 2019, and before becoming a stockholder, member of the Board of Directors and Vice President in 1999, Brian held the positions of laborer, project manager, Assistant Branch Manager and Modesto Branch Manager at Collins Electrical Company, Inc.

Brian is currently the NorCal NECA Chapter President and has served as Chapter President since 2021. Brian has served as a Chapter Board of Director since 2008 and has also held the office of Vice President. Brian’s efforts to represent NorCal NECA, and the industry as a whole, have been consistent and tireless since he joined NECA. As Chapter President, he has advocated for the best interest of ALL contractors and refers to his peers as his “NECA Family.”

The Chapter is coordinating a celebration event during the 2025 NECA Convention in Chicago. Details will be sent to those Chapter members who will be attending the Convention. Congratulations Brian!

NorCal NECA has partnered with ELECTRI International and Document Crunch for the remainder of 2025, allowing our NorCal NECA Members free access to the Document Crunch platform.

Document Crunch simplifies construction contracts by quickly identifying critical risk provisions and provides teams with guidance to make great decisions throughout the entire project lifecycle. Their Contract Genius drives value and efficiency to the contract review process and supports successful project execution by enabling teams to understand and comply with critical contract provisions.

Document Crunch will be hosting “Office Hours” for our members. During these office hours, Document Crunch will cover the following:

• Account Setup: How to create an account through the NECA, ELECTRI and Document Crunch Partnership
• Platform Walk-Through: A live demonstration of Document Crunch’s features and functionalities.
• Q&A Session: An interactive segment to answer any questions.

The next office hours session will take place on May 8, 2025, starting at 10:00 AM PST. You can register for those office hours by clicking here.

California employers have until May 14, 2025, to report last year’s pay data to the state, and you need a plan of action to comply with this stringent law. As in past years, the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) has updated its detailed FAQs to provide additional guidance to employers, and Fisher Phillips has combed through it all to come up with a simple four-step plan for you to comply.
Taken from Fisher Phillips on Monday, March 24, 2025

ELECTRI International’s Business Coaching Network is poised to make a significant impact on the electrical contracting industry. By equipping contractors with the tools and knowledge to thrive in a dynamic marketplace, this initiative not only benefits individual businesses but also elevates the industry as a whole. It reinforces ELECTRI International’s commitment to industry excellence and growth while providing a valuable resource for contractors seeking to excel in their field.

ELECTRI will pair contractors looking for business coaching (clients) with experts in the industry who have years of experience in electrical contracting (coaches). Clients will receive personalized advice and coaching specific to their business needs. Virtual coaching services are offered at $250/hour.

This is designed for electrical contractors looking to:

• Diversify your business and adapt to changing market demands
• Grow and expand your business
• Improve your operations
• Enhance your competitiveness

Coaches will provide:

• Initial review of your company operations
• An overview of where they can be helpful in advancing your company’s goals
• Personalized insights on where improvements can be made
• Implementation strategies based on your focus area and goals

Jenny Fothergill and Scot VanBuskirk, along with other NECA Chapter Executives and staff from around the country, met to hear from National NECA at the Association Executive Institute (AEI) in Chicago, where the next annual NECA Convention will be held. Presentations from National NECA staff included updates on Government Affairs, Labor Relations, ELECTRI, NECA Education and Convention & Events. Attendees also participated in breakout sessions focused on AI in Construction, Best Practices for Chapter Managers, Preparing for Negotiations and Recruitment of Committee and Trust members. During the Conference Scot sat on a panel discussing ‘What Managers Need to Know About Supplier Trends.’

The Chapter was also honored for hosting the most in-person classes of the Chapters within the Western Region during 2024. Congratulations to the Chapter’s Member Services Committee and especially to Juanita Mitchell who coordinates all of our training!

We encourage members to attend the 2025 NECA Convention and Trade Show being held in Chicago from September 12 – 15, 2025. Stay tuned for more information and registration, which will be available in June. As a note, the Chapter’s Board of Directors has allocated $5,000 for each permanent Chapter member to attend the NECA Now Conference and/or the NECA Convention.