When starting a job, there are a lot of activities that must be planned and organized that are facilitated through the baseline schedule. The Baseline Schedule, an on-demand online course to assist new electrical project managers with undertaking this task is now available in the NECA Learning Center for an introductory price of $10.00 per NECA participant.

Following this 30-minute course, you will be able to:

• Identify the different types of schedules
• Identify the elements and major activities of a baseline schedule
• Explain work breakdown structure
• Identify the resources that should be considered when scheduling activities
• Discuss how to communicate the baseline schedule to the project team and to the customer

NECA members can also view the free introduction to Preplanning course in preparation for this program here.

NorCal NECA’s Spring General Member meeting, held on April 10th, was a big success with over 90 in attendance. The evening started with networking, good conversation and visits to our Associate members’ tables where they displayed product and shared information with our NECA contractors. Each Associate member was given an opportunity to speak about their company and services, followed by a raffle prize drawing of gifts they provided. Our Chapter President Greg Long and Executive Director Greg Armstrong welcomed everyone in attendance, followed by a great dinner.

A highlight of the evening was special guest speaker Alex Willis who discussed frontline leadership within your company. As the CEO of Leadership Surge, Alex provides a leadership development program that trains employees in the trade industry to become frontline leaders, helping push companies forward through future challenges. Alex challenged all in attendance to invest in their frontline leaders to help better their companies.

NECA held its annual District IX Meeting on April 4th – 6th, in Maui. The Northern California Chapter was well represented at this meeting with over 50 member contractors and families in attendance. Prior to the formal meetings, the Executive Directors and Assistant Managers from each Chapter throughout District IX met to discuss the work picture in each area, as well as business development activities and common issues. The general council meeting began with a report from NECA President David Long, who touched on goals for his tenure as NECA President. A top priority for President Long is to increase market share 10 percentage points by 2025.

Following President Long, attendees chose two of the four breakout sessions to attend: 1) A Look at the 2017 NEC Significant Changes; 2) Prefabrication Solutions by Greenlee; 3) Jobsite Safety and Ergonomics: Understanding Risk and Regulation with Power Tools; and 4) 3M – Recruiting, Retaining and Growing Employees.

We encourage our contractors to take the opportunity to attend future meetings. The next meeting is being planned for 2019, and we will provide details as they become available.

The Northern California Chapter was recognized for our commitment to the education of our members and for hosting the largest number of NECA Education Courses in the Western Region for 2017. Juanita Mitchell accepted the award on behalf of the Member Services Committee.

The Member Services Committee has been busy coordinating educational programs for 2018, so be sure to sign up for the classes before they get full. Remember, as NorCal NECA Members, you can use your education credits to attend these classes.

Registration for NorCal NECA’s Spring General Membership meeting will be sent soon. Please mark your calendars for this great meeting which will be held at the Dublin Ranch Golf Course on Tuesday, April 10th, starting at 5:00 PM.

This year’s guest speaker will be Alex Willis who will discuss Frontline Leadership within your company. Alex understands the trade industry’s underlying challenges in profitability, performance, labor and productivity and who it has the potential to derail growth. As the CEO of Leadership Surge, Alex provides a leadership development program that trains employees in the trade industry to become frontline leaders, helping push companies forward through future challenges.

As Alex competed as a walk-on for the Florida Gators at the University of Florida and member of the 1996 National Championship football team, he always felt fulfilled working as a team player. Through his hard work and dedication, he received a full scholarship and was elected team captain in 2000. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, he played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers under Coach Tony Dungy. Following his career with the Buccaneers, Alex received a master’s degree in entertainment business from Full Sail University, earning Salutatorian of his class.

On March 7th, Julie Russell, Ryan Sarna and Scot VanBuskirk, along with other NECA Chapter Executives and staff from around the country, met to hear updates from National NECA at the Association Executives Institute (AEI) in Philadelphia, where the next annual NECA Convention will be held. Presentations on Labor Relations and Multiemployer Composite Pension Plans were just a couple topics discussed during the conference. NECA President David Long spoke on NECA’s vision of Empowering Lives and Communities.

We encourage all Chapter members to attend the 2018 NECA Convention and Trade Show being held at the Philadelphia Convention Center from September 29th – October 2nd. Please note, early registration opens in June.

The 2018 Women in NECA (WIN) Leadership Summit is all about making connections that matter. Expect everything from special reports from fellow WIN members to networking opportunities and sessions on topics that matter to you. Click here to learn more.

Registration for the 2018 Future Leaders Conference is now open. NECA’s Future Leaders are the next generation of electrical contractors, as well as the next generation of industry leadership. This conference connects emerging professionals by offering events focused on networking and discussion topics to enhance their leadership skills and increase their involvement within the association, community and the industry. Click here for more information.

The 2018 Tri-District meeting will take place July 22nd – 26th, at the iconic Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs, CO. The itinerary includes informative meetings, entertaining evenings, championship golf and a plethora of activities at your fingertips. For detailed information, including pricing and full itinerary, click here to be directed to the Tri-District website. For assistance or to receive further information, please contact Julie Russell at the Chapter office.

Our 16th annual Golf Classic will take place on Monday, May 21, 2018, at Ruby Hill Golf Course in Pleasanton. Mark your calendars for this annual fundraiser and golf event with registration information to arrive at your inbox soon.

Not a golfer? We are always looking for volunteers to lend a hand at the event. Feel free to reach out to Julie Russell for more information.