IEC Georgia Turns Out 1st Fire Alarm Class
 On Tuesday, April 23rd, IEC Georgia wrapped up its first Fire Alarm Systems course in Columbus, GA.  This 8 week course was held at ELVES every Tuesday night from 5:30 to 9:30 pm.  With ELVES President John Follett at the helm, the certified NICET IV facilitator was the perfect guide to prepare attendees for the NICET I and II tests ahead.
The students already possessed electrical knowledge, but now one of the biggest advantages that will set them apart from others without this course, is valuable knowledge of the NFPA 72 code.  This is an important difference that expands their skill set and creates confidence in the low voltage area.  By using demo devices and studying the intricate wiring of smoke detectors, speaker strobes and other peripheral devices, the students end this course with another skill set to what they offer their organizations and the electrical industry.
IEC trail blazes the electrical industry by seeking new and better ways to service its members and helping them to be the best of the best.  If you are interested in having the Fire Alarm Systems course or other courses in your area, contact the IEC office.  IEC is educating, informing and preparing its members for success.

Pictured above: Fire Alarm Panel used during course.

Lower Your Tax Burden
IEC Offers Prevailing Wage Savings and Solution Seminar with BENECO
Last month, IEC brought guest speaker J. Zane Smith, Senior Vice President and Partner of BENECO, to speak about how to save money when doing prevailing wage work.  BENECO is a recognized leader in providing prevailing wage plans to construction companies performing projects subject to the Davis Bacon Act.  Because IEC’s Apprenticeship program is Department of Labor approved, the partnership with BENECO adds up to tremendous savings to IEC members.  
Mr. Smith gave examples on how to use the Davis Bacon Act to create contractor savings between  8% to 10% on total labor costs.  The biggest message of the afternoon was reducing your labor burden.  As business owners you have the burden of FICA, State and Federal income tax and workers comp.  Through correct use of fringe benefits, you can get control of your labor burden and increase your bottom line.

There are four ways to legally utilize fringes and reduce your labor burden costs.

1.     Fringes are removed from employee and put in to a pension trust.  25% labor burden taxes normally paid on salary and fringes are now reduced to just 25% on salary amount only.  
2.   Set up a health and welfare trust for employees.
   
3.   Utilize fringes for Vacation and Holiday pay.  This method defers the tax burden for a time.
   
4.   Invest fringes in an apprenticeship/ training trust.

There are several plans available; solutions can be personalized for your organization’s needs.  IEC’s apprenticeship program is Department of Labor approved and the Davis Bacon Act can be used to take advantage of wage savings and competitive bidding opportunities.
IEC partners with BENECO to inform you of the options available.   For more information on BENECO and wage solutions click here.  Interested in utilizing IEC’s apprenticeship program, then This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or go to www.iecgeorgia.org.

2013 IEC Foundation Scholarship Program Accepting Applications
The 2013 IEC Foundation Scholarship Program is now accepting applications.  Scholarships are available to apprenticeship students in an IEC-approved apprenticeship program.  Students must be employees of a contractor, associate or partner member companies, their children or grandchildren.  Scholarships are given based on academic performance (GPA), community service involvement, essay, field of study and a letter of recommendation from sponsor.

If you have a driven employee currently enrolled in the apprenticeship program or you are considering having them enrolled, encourage them to apply for the IEC Foundation Scholarship program.  Full-time college students can receive $2,000 and part-time journeymen students will receive $500 to be used for tuition, books and tools.

Applications are due back by June 15th, mail to;

The IEC Foundation
Attn: Barbara Duncan, Foundation Coordinator
3505 Lennox View Court, #206
Louisville, KY 40299 2013

Winners will be announced by July 15th.  Click here for application.  For more information go to the IEC Foundation website and apply on line, or contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

SCC GOLF Fundraiser Exceeds Goal 

 On Monday, April 1^st, the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) along with the Atlanta Electrical Contractors and Mechanical Contractors of Georgia hosted the Specialty Contractors Coalition’s (SCC) 1^st Ryder Cup fundraiser and exceeded their $10,000 goal, raising nearly $12,000.  This enjoyable and interacting event was organized by SCC to raise political action committee (PAC) funds to support pro-business legislature in the Georgia General Assembly.  This is the 3^rd year the SCC has been in existence, and it is a tremendous benefit to the construction industry. 

The SCC Ryder Cup fundraiser has major support from the construction industry, and it is evident by the participation of electrical contractors, mechanical contractors to general contractors throughout the industry.   IEC members Legrand and S.M. Ellis Company each sponsored a hole with many IEC members, including Atlanta board members Steve Fowler and Tom Lemay who also played in the event.    The very successful event far exceeded expectation with 92 golfers and 20 sponsors; the event was filled to capacity, so some golfers were waitlisted. 

The SCC raised nearly $12,000 to power the fight for pro-business legislature, but they did not do it alone.  Thank you to every organization that helped to make this event a success. Including a special thanks to our lobbyist Lee Lemke.  Through everyone’s efforts we will make a positive impact on the legislature and its effect on your business.  

See pictures from this event!