Current News
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Mike Gunter is named to the IEC National Apprenticeship and Training Committee
The Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) announces Mike Gunter is named to the IEC National Apprenticeship and Training Committee by Bob Tutor, IEC National President 2012. Mr. Gunter is currently a 4th year instructor and has taught a combination of 1styear through 4th year classes with IEC for over 15 years. He was influential in developing the online curriculum as well as serving on the national curriculum committee. Mr. Gunter is also participates in the Journeyman testing task force for Atlanta and Georgia Chapters. As a graduate of the IEC Apprenticeship program, he is an indication of the quality education IEC provides. When he is not delving into methods of educating the future of the electrical industry, he holds the position of chief estimator at Electrical Contractors Inc. in Covington, Georgia.
Mr. Gunter will represent Atlanta and Georgia Chapters as well as the entire Southeast Region. Because of Mr. Gunter’s diverse and longstanding experience, he brings the perspective of contractors and instructors to the National A&T committee, as he assists in guiding both the development and implementation of National IEC Apprenticeship program, which has more than 6,000 apprentices nationally.
IEC ED, Niel Dawson Named to Governor's Advisory Committee for "Go Build Georgia"
On January 17 the Governor's Office on Workforce Development held a press conference at the State Capitol to announce the formation of "Go Build Georgia," an initiative to recruitment workers and promote the construction industry as a viable career path. With the average age of a construction worker nearing 50, we are moving ever closer to a major shortage within the industry. This effort by the Office of Workforce Development aims to help this issue by promoting the construction industry. For more details, go to "Go Build Georgia."
IEC Atlanta Contractors and ChapterWin Mulitple 2011 National Awards!
Industrial Contractor of the Year - Excel Electrical Technologies - This is the 4th year in a row that Excel has won either the commercial or industrial award!
Atlanta Won the Chapter Excellence Award in Category D This was the first year that Chapter Excellence Awards were given out, and Atlanta is very excited about winning such a prestigous award from a group of very good chapters such as Rocky Mountain (Denver), Texas Gulf Coast (Houston), and many others.
Safety Award (Category B) - LeMay Electric - Russell Shell, LeMay's Safety Director, was very pleased and excited about winning the award.
Safety Award (Category C) - Excel Electrical Technologies - Jack Otting, Excel's Safety Director was on hand to both make a presentation to a panel of judges, as well as except the award. Excel also won the Atlanta Chapter Safety Award in July.
Atlanta Won a $1,000 Home Depot Gift Certficate
IEC Atlanta Announces 2011 Award Recipients
Member of the Year - Tony Varamo, Metropower
President's Award - Chad Brooks, ATS Electrical Services
Partner of the Year - Steve Bourn, Legrand
Industry Award - Jonathan Worrell and Steve Simons, OSHA
Visit our photo gallery for pictures
Federal Government News
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New NLRB Regulations Go Into Effect April 30th!
Under a new ruling from the National Relations Board, there will be new regulations that go into effect, with the major change on elections for a union vote, now called "quickie elections." The Obama administration and their supporters have attempted to facilitate organizing by unions through the administrative process after failing to win congressional passage of the Employee Free Choice Act ("EFCA"). The final rule, announced by the Board on December 21, constitutes the most successful effort by supporters of Organized Labor in this area to date. Read More Here.
Cell Phones Banned for Interstate Truck Drives and ALL Vehicles Weighing 10,001 or More
Interstate truck and bus drivers are prohibited from using handheld cell phones while driving as of Jan. 3, under a final rule posted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.
Drivers will face federal civil penalties of up to $2,750 for each offense and disqualification for multiple offenses. States may suspend a driver's commercial license for multiple convictions of state or local cell phone violations. Read More
IECvotes.com
Keep abreast of the latest legislative and political news at IECvotes.com. You can find your elected officials, send them a message or find out the latest political maneuverings. IEC Votes is a one stop site for the best information regarding the affairs that directly effect the merit shop electrical contractor.
State Government News
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Atlanta City Council Adopts New Permitting & Inspections Reform
Earlier this year, representatives of Atlanta’s Building Department met with IEC Board President and ED Niel Dawson, as well as other trade organizations, explaining their efforts to reform the building department. One of the most important components of the reform package was the establishment of an Enterprise Fund for the Department, versus the current process that charges and collects fees that are deposited into the city’s general fund. Additionally, one other important component is the use of combination inspectors that will be phased in.
On November 7, 2011 the Atlanta City Council passed the final two ordinances of the Office of Buildings building permit reform package. This final milestone is the culmination of almost a year’s worth of work by the City of Atlanta and the development community to bring about positive reforms within the Atlanta Office of Buildings. The building permit reform package and office restructuring will implement innovative methods to provide a better customer experience for the construction industry.
The building reform permit package will:
-Establish an Enterprise Fund where fees collected for the services provided will remain within the Office of Buildings for training and technology upgrades
-Update permit fees to support the improved permitting process and maintain training within the division
-Form an Enterprise Fund Committee to provide oversight and accountability to the Office of Buildings
-Authorize the Chief Financial Officer to transfer funds from FY 2012 general fund anticipations and appropriations to the Enterprise Fund
-Consolidate all permitting functions under one entity improving Atlanta’s Insurance Services Organization (ISO) rating
-Clarify how the Board of Zoning Adjustments will operate after the consolidation of functions of various agencies that regulate permitting and zoning such as the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department and Department of Watershed Management into the Office of Buildings
-Train staff in International Code Council standards where they will receive $2,000 for each certification that is received and maintained
-Allow staff to perform multiple inspections under the combination inspector program.
The reforms will be phased in over the next year. You can learn more by reading the building reform package ordinances at the links below.
Ordinance 11-0-1290
Ordinance 11-0-1291
Ordinance 11-0-1292
Ordinance 11-0-1293
Ordinance 11-0-1504
Changes to Lien Law now in effect!
Time-lines and Other information in the Lien Process:
Regulatory News
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50% Bonus Depreciation
The Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 provides for 50% extra depreciation in the first year qualifying property is placed in service. In order for property to qualify for the additional first-year depreciation deduction it must meet certain requirements. (An additional one-year extension is allowed for certain longer-lived and transportation property.)
