Guest Post: Mir Mustafa on Business Development at NECA 2011 San Diego

By Mir Mustafa, NECA Director, Business Development

NECA 2011 San Diego may have been my first convention as NECA’s new Business Development Director, but I immediately got a sense of renewed purpose for electrical contractors diving into new and emerging energy solutions markets. Whether renewable and alternative power generation or advanced lighting and building controls, many attendees were there to learn as much as they could about business and market development.

There were many new things about NECA 2011 San Diego. The conference hosted the first-ever NECA Energy Forum, an event that saw a capacity crowd and received a tremendous amount of positive feedback.  It would have been impossible for anyone sitting in the audience to miss one speaker after another reinforcing the same positive message: Emerging technologies represent the direction in which our industry is moving and represent a tremendous opportunity for any contractor willing to tackle a new way of doing business.

In addition to the Energy Forum, NECA also unveiled NECAWORKS™, an energy economic modeling tool. The web-based screening tool provides NECA members with the fundamental tools and resources to capture renewable and energy efficiency project opportunities by determining the Benefit/Cost Ratio. Since transitioning to a new way of doing business is never easy, even with the help of impressive tools like NECAWORKS, NECA went the extra mile in San Diego to describe the importance of business development.

IBEW International President Edwin D. Hill spent much of his time as a guest at the podium for NECA’s 2011 Board of Governors meeting detailing the IBEW’s new emphasis on business development and expressing his strong belief in its importance in recapturing lost market share and gaining new market share.  NECA President and President/CEO of Valley Electric Consolidated, Inc. Rex Ferry also stated the importance of business development for electrical contractors during his keynote address at the conference’s opening general session. Ferry spoke of how there was a new paradigm at work and that NECA members could no longer afford to sit around waiting for bids, but how they needed to proactively engage in business development to capture work.  He talked about how VEC, Inc. was doing just that.

NECA also successfully convened the first meeting of a new business development task force chaired by Daniel G. Schaeffer, NECA District 7 Vice President and President of Schaeffer Electric Company, as well as two meetings on the topic of business development. The first was an internal meeting of the business development working group for NECA and Labor-Management Cooperation Committee (LMCC) business developers, NECA chapter managers and staff working on business development, and IBEW business managers and staff working on business development. I was honored to host the meeting, and I had a great team of panelists: Jim Ayrer, IBEW International; Darlene Besst, Northern California Chapter; Jim Curran, St. Louis Chapter & IBEW Local 1, LMCC; Terry Hatch, Washington, Statewide LMCC; Bernie Kotlier, California, Statewide LMCC; Ken MacDougall, Penn-Del-Jersey Chapter; Thomas Martinez, Los Angeles Chapter & Local 11, LMCC; Jennifer Mefford, SE Michigan Chapter & Local 58, LMCC; and Karen Prescott, San Diego County Chapter.  Together, we updated the audience on our local and national initiatives and described the wide range of activities that constitute business development. James Willson, NECA Los Angeles County chapter manager, also spoke passionately at the event, as did President Ferry, reiterating his belief in the importance of business development.  The audience also deserves thanks for their interest, their questions and thoughtful interactions with the panelists.

The second business development meeting was held as a convention management seminar. Karen Prescott started off the meeting with introductions. I followed with a recap of the prior day’s meeting and emphasized the wide range of activities a successful business development program can consider.  Next, Jennifer Mefford gave an impressive presentation on the nuts and bolts of business development and how to get started when it seems like you don’t know where to begin. Bernie Kotlier closed with specific game changing examples, including the California Advanced Lighting Controls Training Program (CALCTP), the Electric Vehicles Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP), and the Sustainable Sales Placement Program which is focused on retraining highly successful sales people on the art of selling sustainable services and placing these individuals at member contractor firms.

NECA will hold its next meeting on business development at the Association Executive Institute (AEI) in at the Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV on Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012.  You can also expect to hear more from me on our business development blog, along with guest blogs authored by my business development peers from throughout the country. They are doing some amazing work, and they are growing in numbers. I wish all of them could have spoken at this year’s conference, but you will hear more from them shortly.

I would like to close by giving thanks to all that help raised awareness of the importance of business development at this year’s conference. Emerging energy technologies and business development truly represent a paradigm shift for our industry and NECA will do everything in its power to help members prepare.

See recent energy solutions projects from NECA Members >> Learn more about NECA’s business and new market development strategy >>

How Do I Get My CEUs?

Almost every pre-convention workshop, management seminar and technical workshop at NECA 2011 San Diego offered Continuing Education Units for participants who got their badges scanned when they entered and exited the sessions. Retrieve the records of CEUs earned at NECA 2011 San Diego can be done two ways:

1. ON-SITE: The CEU Counter at the NECA Registration Desk can print out a copy of your CEUs earned from Friday, Oct. 20-Monday, Oct. 24. CEUs earned today, Tuesday, Oct. 25 WILL NOT be included on this record.

2. ONLINE: NECA will email all NECA 2011 San Diego convention registerees on Thursday, Oct. 27 with a link to the website where they can log in to retrieve their CEU record for the event. If you don’t receive the email, go to www2.cmrreg.com/neca11ceu. You will be prompted to enter your name, NECA username ID, or badge number (so don’t throw those badges out when you leave San Diego, just in case you forget your name!) The website will not be live until Thursday, Oct. 27, so don’t panic if you can’t retrieve the information yet.

Please note, not all courses at NECA 2011 San Diego may meet your state’s requirements for continuing education credit. Check with your state authorities to confirm eligibility.

Labor Relations General Session: Pension Plan Update

Today’s Labor Relations General Session was a departure from the traditional panel discussion. Rather, the session focused on the important, if somewhat hard to hear, news about multiemployer pension plans.

Randy DeFrehn, Executive Director of the National Coordinating Committee for Multiemployer Plans, kicked off the session with a run-down of the legislative action NCCMP has pursued to protect local pension plans in the face of the economic downturn, including a freeze on plans’ “Zone” status, options for small plans to merge, “partitioning,” and some technical corrections.

“There’s a misconception that multiemployer plans’ benefits are too high,” DeFrehn said. “That’s not the case. Yes, some plans will have to make strategic decisions to cope with rising benefit costs to make these plans more stable. But Congress is trying to give us the breathing room to make those changes.”

Labor Relations Task Force Chair and NECA President-elect Dennis Quebe echoed DeFrehn’s comments. “When we look at our so-called ‘benefit burden,’ we want to ask ‘who’s to blame?’ To me, blame implies that at the time, someone knew there would be negative consequences.  But at the time, they were the right thing to do. I still think they’re the right thing to do. But we need to change how we do them. The impact will be significant, but not overwhelming.”

NEBF Executive Secretary/Treasurer Larry Bradley make a great report on the fiscal health of NEBF. “NEBF’s actuaries have certified our plan in the Green Zone since the law was passed in 2006, and I’m proud to report that even through the recession, we have remained in the Green Zone.  Our actuaries remain optimistic of the future health of the plan.

“What’s important to us are the people behind the plan – the lives we touch and the very real ways we can help them,” Bradley concluded. He also mentioned that NEBF’s website will soon have sample disclosure forms for contractors to use to meet the revised FASB reporting requirements for pension plan withdrawal liability, now based solely on publicly available plan information.

Greetings from San Diego!

I’m Beth Margulies, NECA’s communications director, and I’ll be live-blogging NECA 2011 San Diego this week.

Today was NECA first-ever Energy Forum, and it was non-stop action.

If you’re using social media (and who isn’t these days?) and you want to connect with fellow attendees and vendors – follow all the action by becoming and fan, liking wall posts and tagging photos at facebook.com/necaconvention. People who prefer to communicate in 140 characters can get short updated on Twitter – @necanet and @necaconvention. Mark your tweets from San Diego with the hastag #NECA11 and watch them scroll on the Social Media Wall on the NECA Show floor. You can also catch up on event recaps and photos from our blog on the Social Media Wall, too.

And of course, feel free to leave your comments and links on this blog, too. Thanks so much to everyone who’s joined us here in San Diego. Your support of this event means a lot to our industry and NECA, and I hope you’re looking forward to everything we have planned. You can tune into our daily NECA Newscast from San Diego broadcast of events on your hotel television, but nothing beats getting out there yourself.  So, enjoy the San Diego sunshine, and I’ll see you at the convention center! To those who couldn’t make it here, we’ll try to bring as much of the action to you right here!

New at the Closing Celebration: Outdoor Venue and After-Dinner Snack Boxes!

By Beth Ellis, NECA Executive Director, Convention/Exposition

Can you believe that we are now just a month away from the NECA Convention? We have some amazing events and education that we are offering in San Diego, and we’re working hard to make sure every aspect of our convention and trade show offers the best experience for NECA members.

That’s why I want to make sure everyone understands that we are having our Closing Celebration outside the Convention Center by the San Diego Bay, starting at 8 p.m., just as the sun sets. I know the weather will be perfect, the music by Al Jardine and the Endless Summer Band will be fantastic, and the setting will be a ton of fun! We will have an area where you can spread out and dance, or sit on the grassy area on blankets or chairs we’ll have set up. There will be cash bars and cocktails tables for your convenience to have a cold beverage or glass of wine.

To add to the beverage selections this year, we are offering a unique snack box that will have a selection of cheeses, flatbread, fruit and chocolates. The only thing is, I need your orders for snack boxes by Oct. 14! Please download the PDF order form below and fax it to 301-215-4553to order your snack boxes for the Closing Celebration. Boxes are only $9 each and make the perfect  after-dinner snack while enjoying the concert!

Thanks, and l look forward to seeing you in San Diego! If you have any questions about ordering snack boxes for the Closing Celebration, feel free to email katie@necanet.org.

Click here to order your snack boxes for the Closing Celebration!>>

Early Registration Extended Until Sept. 5!

Recent phone and service outages at NECA’s national office means a little good news for procrastinators – the Early Registration deadline for NECA 2011 San Diego has been extended by one week, from Monday, Aug. 29 to Monday, Sept. 5.

“We know Monday, Sept. 5 is the Labor Day holiday, so I hope that everyone will take advantage of the extra days the week before the new deadline,” said Beth Ellis, NECA Executive Director, Convention/Exposition. “We’re doing our best to remain available to people who may have questions about registration and housing.”

The best way to reach NECA’s convention staff is a direct email to Beth Ellis at beth.ellis@necanet.org or Katie Nolan, katie.nolan@necanet.org. CMR staff can also assist with NECA 2011 San Diego registration and housing registrations by email to NECAHousing@cmrus.com or phone, 1-800-368-6322 or 415-979-2291 for international calls. You can also comment on this post, our Facebook page or on Twitter.

NOTE: Early registration rates do not apply to pre-convention workshops,Weekend Passes, or the Energy Forum.

>> REGISTER NOW FOR NECA 2011 SAN DIEGO!

So What Exactly ARE Weekend and A La Carte Registrations?

These days, everyone is doing more with less. We know it, our NECA contractors know it, and everyone who has to ever travel for business knows it.

Which is why NECA 2011 San Diego is featuring our first-ever weekend and a la carte registrations. Weekend and a la carte registrations are exclusively available to NECA members. If you want to minimize the time and money you spend away from the office, while maximizing your education and experiences in San Diego, these are the best choices for you.

WEEKEND PACKAGE #1 – $549

Includes registration for the NECA 2011 Energy Forum (Saturday, Oct. 22, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., including final judging for the Green Energy Design Challenge); the Opening Reception (Saturday, Oct. 22, 7-9 p.m., aboard the USS Midway); your choice of any Management Seminars on Sunday, Oct. 23; the Opening General Session, Sunday, Oct. 23, 10:15-11:30 a.m. with retired Gen. Stanley McCrystal; Grand Opening of the 2011 NECA Show, plus lunch and Technical Workshops on the Show floor (Sunday, Oct. 23, 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m.); and admission to the NECA Showstopper Showcase (Sunday, Oct. 23, 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m.)

WEEKEND PACKAGE #2 – $449

Includes everything from Weekend Package #1 (Energy Forum and Green Energy Challenge, plus all Sunday Convention and Trade Show events), with the exception of admission to the Saturday, Oct. 22 Opening Reception aboard the USS Midway.

Items on the A La Carte registration menu are single-sessions only, without any of the Full Registration events (General Sessions, Opening Reception and Closing Celebrations). You can sign up for multiple a la carte items – just make sure your sessions don’t overlap!

Pre-Convention Workshops, Friday, Oct. 21-Saturday, Oct. 22: One of NECA’s more popular educational offerings at the annual convention, Pre-Convention Workshops are multi-hour, hands-on programs developed for electrical professionals who want in-depth training. Prices vary by session; a full listing of course descriptions and prices is available here.

NECA 2011 Energy Forum, Saturday, Oct. 22: Our first-event program created for electrical contractors working in or want to explore the energy solutions market

• NECA Member  – $249
• NECA Member with Full Convention Registration (additional program) – $129
• Non-member – $599

Opening Reception, Saturday, Oct. 22: Just want to join your colleagues for a grand adventure and evening out aboard the USS Midway? Be our guest! – $200

Management Seminars Only, Sunday, Oct. 23, Monday, Oct. 24, and Tuesday, Oct. 25: No need to register for individual seminars, just register for the day you wish to attend seminars – $525

JUST ANNOUNCED! Safety Track Session Pass, Sunday, Oct. 23, Monday, Oct. 24, and Tuesday, Oct. 25: Includes all “Safety Track” management seminars and technical workshops, plus the Safety Roundtable. Perfect for professionals who want to build on what they learned at NECA’s first Safety Professionals Conference – $500

Trade Show Admission: Includes Technical Workshops and NECA Showstopper Showcase – $85 for three days

Daily Lunch on the Trade Show Floor – $28 per day

>> REGISTER NOW!

CAUTION: Data-Miners Seeking NECA Show Exhibitors in $1700 Scam

2011 NECA Show exhibitors may soon receive their own version of the document pictured below, from a data-mining company claiming to be verifying your company’s contact information for the NECA Show. Please be aware, neither Fair Guide or Construct Data Publishers, are collecting this information on behalf on NECA. If you complete and return this form, you actually authorize this company to bill you over $1700 and re-sell your information to other marketers in their own publication!

We value our NECA Show exhibitors, and we do our absolute best to protect the investment you have made in the NECA Show.  Your company listing in the NECA Show Guide, NECA’s convention and exhibitor websites, and posting your press releases for NECA 2011 San Diego attendees is included in your exhibitor fees. Unfortunately, it only takes listing your company name in the NECA Show Guide for unscrupulous data mining companies like Fair Guide to try to gather your contact information to try to make a quick buck for their own guides that they sell to other marketers. Don’t be a victim of this scheme! If you ever have a question about any materials you receive about your participation in the NECA Show, contact Julie Duda, julduda@necanet.org,  or Sue McCart, sue.mccart@mindspring.com or phone the NECA Show office, 301-215-4506.

NECA 2011 San Diego Registration Opens June 14

Online registration for NECA’s annual convention and trade show, Oct. 22-25, in San Diego, opens Tuesday, June 14. Early savings for NECA 2011 San Diego events, pre-convention workshops, and the all-new Energy Forum and weekend packages will be available until August 29. Attendees can also make hotel reservations when they register for the meeting.

NECA 2011 San Diego features all the great education and networking events the industry expects from our annual convention and trade show. We’ll have management workshops focused on best business practices and market development tactics, inspiring messages from Gen. Stanley McChrystal and Steven Farber, and hands-on technical workshops right on the NECA Show floor. Popular sessions like the Green Energy Challenge finalist presentation jury, NECA Women’s Peer Group Open Forum, and the NECA Safety Roundtable are also included in the NECA 2011 San Diego full registration package.

Contractors and industry pros who want to pack in as much education with minimal time away from the office can choose from two new weekend packages. Both packages include the all-new Energy Forum on Sat., Oct. 22, and the Opening General Session with General Stanley McChrystal on Sun., Oct. 23, plus Sunday, Oct. 23 management seminars and technical workshops, the grand opening of the NECA Show and the Showstopper Showcase, tradeshow lunch and Sunday daily prize tickets.

For $100 more, weekender registrants can choose the package that also includes the Opening Reception on the USS Midway.

Registrants can fully customize their time at NECA 2011 San Diego with the new ala carte menu which enables you to register for specific events (pre-convention workshops, Energy Forum, opening reception, management seminars, and/or the NECA Show.)

Pre-convention workshops start as early as Friday, Oct. 21 and are priced separately. Registrants for pre-convention workshop are also entitled NECA Show admission, Oct. 22-25, including all technical workshops and access to the Showstopper Showcase.

NECA Conventioneers who stay through to the end will enjoy the waterfront Closing Celebration with Al Jardine and the Endless Summer Band.

Explore NECA 2011 San Diego>>   Register Now!>>

Cost Comparison: The REAL Value of NECA 2010 Boston

by Beth Ellis, NECA executive director, convention/exposition

The deadline to take advantage of early registration savings is coming up soon – August 13 – and I don’t want you to miss any of the opportunities NECA has put together for our annual convention and trade show this year. I’ve included the complete convention brochure, as well as information about our pre-convention workshops and tours, here.

I know you face tough choices in your business every day in these critical economic times. I also know that the only way your business can be prepared to take advantage of all the emerging market opportunities in our industry is to be exposed to new ideas and solutions. NECA 2010 Boston will help you discover and implement ideas that deliver results. You will learn how to search for innovative solutions and make valuable connections with your fellow industry leaders. It will prepare you for the future with new technology, trends, and economic realities changing the face of electrical construction. All this, in just three days.

Take a look at the real costs of NECA 2010 Boston – and then think about what the costs could be to you and your company if you miss out on these opportunities.

Cost Comparison: The Value of NECA 2010 Boston At NECA 2010 Boston, you can participate in education sessions geared to the needs of NECA contractors, networking events to put you in touch with fellow NECA contractors, connections to manufacturers or service providers you rely on, a value of $1,725 for the member rate of only $925. That’s an $800 savings! And, you get all that knowledge and face-to-face networking in just three days, meaning fewer days out of the office, lower travel costs, and immediate results.

$925: Member registration fee for NECA 2010 Boston includes:

Five Management Education sessions (250 minutes) – a $500 value
Three lunches on the Trade Show floor- a $125 value
Opening reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres and beverages – a $325.00 value
Closing celebration – a $100.00 value
Three General Sessions – a $195.00 value
Lifestyle Program – a $120.00 value
Fourteen hours of exclusive Trade Show access – a $255.00 value
Technical Workshops on the Trade Show floor – a $105.00 value

$1,725.00: Value of NECA 2010 Boston
– $925.00: Full member registration

$800.00: Actual Member savings

We look forward to seeing you October 2-5!  Registration for NECA 2010 Boston is available online at www.necaconvention.org. If you have any questions, please contact Katie Nolan at (301) 215-4506 or katie@necanet.org.