fall 2013 news ‘n views · news ‘n views page 3 fall 2013 electrical contractors licensing...

news ‘n viewsA Publication of the Electrical Council of Florida

FALL 2013

Photo from left to right:Wake Gailey, Byron Overstreet, Jennifer and John Mackie,

Rick and Jennifer Connerly, son Jackson, daughters Michaela and Kadyn

John is employed with CED Raybro and joined the ECF Volusia Chapter in 2008. He has accepted a new position with CED Raybro in Nashville, TN and moved in August.

The Volusia Board presented John with a plaque for his hard work at their annual Fish Fry held on August 6, 2013. About 123 members and friends were in attendance. ECF will miss the Mackie family and wish them the best for the future.

STATE OFFICERS &BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PresidentTom McDonald

1st Vice PresidentJoe Robbins

2nd Vice PresidentClyde Hady

Secretary/TreasurerBilly Townsend

Immediate Past PresidentNeal Burdick

PAST PRESIDENTSMark EvansKen GilbertRuss Heisey

David HuntoonCharlie Spitzer

Gary TubbsJerry White

DIRECTORSLeMoyne Adams

Jennifer ConnerlyRick W. Connerly

George R. CruickshankJoseph T. Doran

Wake GaileyMark K. Goodson

Tim HersmanDavid LoweryFloyd Lowery

Thomas PaxtonBennett Rosenberger

Robert C. ThomasJosef C. Tyree

James WatkinsJohn W. Watkins

Jesse Wilson

www.ecf-fl.org

Best Wishes to the Mackie Family

NEWS ‘N VIEWS PAGE 2 FALL 2013

CENTRALDavid Barry

Flash Electric of Central FL(Internet)

Tom BergHouston Wire and Cable

(Jamey Winrow)

Dwayne BishopLeviton Manufacturing Company

(Jacob Wright)

Ryan ChapdelainePanduit

(Jamey Winrow)

Ronald TerryCity of Orlando

(Steve Pirolli)

Greg WardAward Electrical Services

(Byron Overstreet)

EDISONCraig VandenbergFederated Insurance

(Internet)

PALM BEACHDavid Huntoon

World Electric Supply(Member since: 6/1/1983)

PASCO HERNANDOSteven Malich

Patriot Engineering & Associates(Floyd Lowery)

PINELLASQuoi Lewis

Lewis Electric Solutions Inc

TAMPA Jim Kalach

Jim’s Electrical Services(ECF Staff Office)

Ken LambertCoresential

(Coresential)

Frank I. TidwellTidwell Electric Co Inc

(Neal Burdick)

Sponsors (in italics)

welcome new members

corporatespotlight

Corporate member, Coresential has partnered with the ECF staff to develop eight new one hour classes to go before the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Electrical Contractors Licensing Board for approval during their September board meeting. Garrett Morrison with Coresential has worked closely with staff to develop these new classes and will coordinate facilitating classes once they are approved.

A big thanks goes out to Coresential for all of their hard work.

the president’s

messageAs your 2013 ECF State President, I

want to challenge all members and

assist them as well, in growing our

organization. Growing and adding

membership, when for the first time

in several years we have positive

things to say about the economy,

must be our collective first priority. I

want to devote my efforts to the ECF,

in order to find ways and implement

them in getting our message out.

I am always open to any and all

suggestions.

I want to recognize and thank Neal

Burdick for serving last year as

State President. To that point I want

to be sure everyone knows what

efforts Neal has made by way of

contributing to and leading the ECF

successfully.

Neal has worked as State President,

Tampa Chapter President, Mentor

and in addition to his day job at

Erwin Electric, he also teaches

fourth year apprentices a couple

nights a week for Bay Area Electrical

Apprenticeship. And if that is not

enough, he has written many of the

Technical CE courses, and provides

that training to chapters all over

the state. Thanks Neal for all your


ELECTRICALCONTRACTORSLICENSING BOARDCERTIFICATIONOF REGISTERED

Contractor’s Licenses(Grandfathering)1. House Bill 269, which passed during the 2013 legislative session, was approved by Governor Rick Scott on June 14, 2013. This bill

department of business and professional

regulation

newswill re-open and extend the time period for electrical, alarm, and specialty electrical contractors to request that their registered contractor’s license be grandfathered to a state wide certified contractor’s license. The time period requesting grandfathering of registered licenses has been extended until November 1, 2015. The re-opening of the grandfathering time period will took effect on July 1, 2013. Registered contractors may submit their application for grandfathering of their licenses beginning July 1, 2013. For more information about Grandfathering you can go to www.myfloridalicense.com. HB 517 was approved by Governor Rick Scott on April 6, 2012 and reduces the continuing education required to activate an inactive license. You now only have to complete one renewal cycle of continuing education instead of completing continuing education for all the renewal cycles your license was in an inactive status. Effective July 1, 2012, in order to reactivate an inactive license, you will need to complete the continuing education requirements in place at the time of the last renewal for your profession. That includes 14 hours of board-approved continuing education that was taken during the last, or current, renewal period and must include the following: 7 hours technical, 1 hour workers’ compensation, 1 hour workplace safety, 1 hour business practices, 2 hours false alarm prevention (for all certified and registered alarm contractors and certified electrical contractors who perform alarm work), 1-3 hours general credit, as well as 1 hour Florida Building Code advanced module course.

BUILDING CODE ADMINISTRATORSAND INSPECTORS BOARD

HB 517 was approved by Governor Rick Scott on April 6, 2012, and reduces the continuing education required to activate an inactive license. You now only have to complete one renewal cycle of continuing education instead of completing continuing education for all the renewal cycles your license was in an inactive status. Applicants will need to provide proof of completing the continuing education requirements in effect at the last renewal date immediately prior to their application. Those requirements include completion of 14 hours of board-approved continuing education courses which shall include: 2 hours of accessibility, 2 hours of Florida laws and rules, 1 hour of ethics, and 9 general credit hours. Renewal for Inspectors is November 30, 2013, go to www.myfloridalicense.com for more information.

support to ECF.

I also want to send appreciation

to Wes Colley, Niki Paksoy and

Marybeth Showerman, who have

contributed so much to the ECF

for so many years. Wes was for

many, many years the ECF State

Representative. Niki was our News

‘N Views Editor and Marybeth

contributed to both the News ‘N

Views and website projects as well as

other communications needs. Many

thanks to Wes, Niki and Marybeth.

We are looking forward to growing

and continuing to use the ECF

website, Facebook page and Twitter

to expose ECF to many more who

may be interested, especially our

future members. Notices of all

chapters meetings and events will be

posted along with all of the Chapter

happenings going on in the State.

We are also posting pictures taken

during these events, so check for

yours. You can find us at www.ecf-fl.

org and can also “Like Us” as well on

Facebook and Twitter.

During the remainder of my

Presidency, I plan to continue to

grow the communication network by

adding opportunities to place ads on

the website and increase the number

of features available such as a link for

speakers, a forum for our members

to utilize and other initiatives such

as bringing webinars to our CE

programs. Membership growth is

our number one priority!

My challenge to all of you…Get

Involved both locally and at the State

level and help grow our membership.

Tom McDonald


What’s in a Partnership?For several years now ECF has proclaimed that we are a non-profit trade association, owned entirely by its members with the primary purpose to strengthen and unify all segments of Florida’s electrical industry. ECF was started by a core group of 22 individuals in 1961, and now exceeds over 350 members throughout the State, representing all phases of the industry including contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, utilities and inspectors.

We have seen many ups and downs in the industry and have been privileged to work with individuals who take pride in their craft. We have worked hard to build relationships and provide an open forum for everyone to share their knowledge. To this end, we have also developed professional relationships with many other groups of individuals who also share a vision of making the electrical industry a more viable, safe and economical trade to be a member of in the State of Florida. We’d like to share with you some of the many partnerships that have now been formed with various groups related to our electrical industry.

ECF works with and partners with many fine groups such as the IAEI, IEC, BOAF and other associations, to network and share information that helps all of our members. These folks have invited us to their Trade

Shows, Table Tops, Conventions and other meetings. We have partnered with them to provide educational opportunities and/or shared meetings, and we have traded valuable information affecting the electrical industry. Inspectors from all associations have partnered with each other to share vital information about changes in the Florida Building Code and the National Electrical Code.

Partnerships have also been formed with several State agencies, such as the DBPR, ECLB, and BCAI boards. Attending some of these meetings has brought about an increased awareness of what’s happening at the State level and has opened communication lines so that our members get information about the licensing process through both the State agencies and through our ECF website, Facebook and Twitter.

State and local law enforcement agencies have partnered with DBPR and our organization to present programs and provide valuable information to our members on how everyone can work together to curtail unlicensed activity. Meetings with the Pinellas County Contractors Licensing Board (PCCLB) as well as other municipalities have also provided links to reporting unlicensed activity.

Employees from the Bureau of Compliance, Division of Workers Compensation and OSHA have partnered with ECF to provide our members with presentations and continuing education to further protect our industry. We now also post information on our web page, Facebook and Twitter about changes to their programs as well as continuing education available to our members.

This year, ECF was privileged to be invited to serve as a founding committee member to a Drug Free Florida Initiative. Karen Balancer, Program Manager, with National Drug-Free Workplace Alliance, is chairing a State-wide initiative to bring together a Drug-Free Workplace Summit on October 15, 2013. ECF has been invited to participate in the planning of this program and all members are encouraged to save the date and attend the Summit. Additional information can be found in the flyer that is included in this edition of the News ‘N Views. ECF is proud of the partnerships that have been built over the last few years and thank all of the groups and organizations for their support. We are committed to all of them to share information and work together as a community.


Florida Drug-Free Workplace Summit: A Call to Action

October 15, 2013 St. Petersburg College—Allstate Center

3200 34th St. South, St. Petersburg, FL 33711-3829

Questions? Karen Belanger 727-828-0211 Ext. 109 - [email protected]

Premier Sponsor Gold Sponsors Silver Sponsor

• Emerging Substance Abuse Trends: A Legal Perspective

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• Working With Community Coalitions

• Outcomes: Pulling it All Together

REGISTER NOW! www.ndwa.org

JOIN US!If you are concerned about a safe and healthy workplace in Florida, this Drug-Free Workplace Summit is for YOU! This includes: business owners and managers; industry association representatives; drug-free workplace providers, business development centers; city, county and state administrators; substance abuse prevention, treatment and social service professionals; insurance and legal advisors; entrepreneurs, business investors, concerned consumers...the list goes on and on!

DON’T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY! Substance abuse affects everyone! Learn about current substance abuse trends and how to address them in the workplace. Find out about emerging drug-testing technology. Identify solutions to meet the needs of employers and employees in your community! Network with community organizations that will support and promote safe, healthy work environments and learn how they contribute to a prosperous and thriving community and economy.

COSTYour $25 registration fee includes a continental breakfast, breaks, and lunch as well as summit materials!

Great

Speakers! Limited seating!

TOPICS


The Labor ChallengeIn an attempt to bolster our work force, due to trying to keep up with our incumbent builders, we purchased new vehicles and tools to add staff for the new year. Other than the financial impact, that was the easy part.

The past few months trend and has shown the outlook to be somewhat bright for the building business. We decided that in January we would start adding staff via training inexperienced help to train for the future. The first week of January we were excited and surprised by the enormous response, only to become disappointed shortly thereafter.

We received over 200 responses the first week and felt overwhelmed. Once we sifted through the responses and weeded out the people without driver’s licenses, transportation, and high school diplomas or equivalent, it narrowed the field to less than 50. We then narrowed the list to the best 20 candidates (out of over 200 to start) and called each of them.

After a phone interview, we brought in 11 and hired all of them. To date, we still have 3 of the original 11 for a myriad of reasons but mostly due to the fact that they really were not ready to go to work. Most of these people were not used to the rigors of construction work and came into it a bit unprepared, thus deciding they

were not cut out to be on their feet all day and required to work for 8 hours per day.

Our schools and parents have not provided the young people the tools to succeed in the construction industry. We have a lot of catching up to do in construction because over the past 8 years we have had no reason or incentive to train new apprenticeships, and construction is and will suffer as a result.

A large amount of skilled, craft people have left the trades either by leaving the area, the industry or retirement. We have collectively created an 8 year void of feeding new trainees to replace these losses. We now have to work on the fly to keep pace with the new demands of the building business.

Just because the unemployment levels are high, does not mean there are willing people to fill the void of trainees. The school system has ceased any programs that would help this process and have created a stigma that has poisoned the minds of our youths to think they should not pursue a vocational tract but an academic one. By teaching high school students to be able to pass a standardized test (FCAT), we have lost sight that there are students that are not headed for higher education and could make a good living if provided the necessary vocational

skills to start them on different track.

In our industry, we have a local program called ACT (Academy of Construction Technologies) which has struggled to recruit young people in high school during the past few years. This program is trying to replace the vocational programs that have been abandoned by public schools in Florida. Without support from contractors (which we have not provided during the economic downturn) the program has floundered. I anticipate a surge in activity this year but it is a couple years away from reaping any benefits.

These examples are some of the items that have stifled our ability to keep pace with the uptick we are now experiencing. Being aware there is a problem is a good start but we are a long way from resolution. We will continue to go at this problem with tenacity and have not given up on the hiring process.

Every week we will try and add staff to accommodate our present and future work load. It has now become a numbers game by chasing many to find a few. I hope that these thoughts are beneficial to the challenges ahead.

Regards,Dave RicheA&B Electric Co., Inc.

The ECF Central Chapter ran an excellent article in their April Newsletter that bears repeating and is being reprinted in its entirety. Many thanks to the Central Chapter for providing this information to our members.

member

talk


Florida Department ofFinancial Services Division of

Workers’ CompensationCompliance Bureau

FREE EMPLOYERWEBINARS

All Sessions are scheduled for2:00 – 3:00 pm (ET)

The Sign-on Information will be....

Workers’ Compensation Topics:Review of Key Statutory DefinitionsInsurance Coverage Requirements

ExemptionsContractor Responsibilities

Enforcement ProvisionsWorkers’ Compensation

Webinar Dates:October 9, November 6 &

December 4, 2013The Content is Identical in Each Workplace Safety Webinar

Workplace Safety Topics(presented by OSHA):

Direct and Indirect CostsInspections

Florida Fatalities Also Participating: University of South Florida

Safety Florida Consultation ProgramWorkplace Safety

Webinar Dates:October 10, November 7 &

December 5, 2013The Content is Identical in Each Workplace Safety Webinar

The Division of Workers’ Compensation is an authorized provider for Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for those entities listed below. Credit hours will be awarded for those licensees who participate:

Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB):Provider Number: 0004354, 1 CEU for each subjectWebinar Course #: 609341Webinar Course #: 609342

Electrical Contractor Licensing Board (ECLB):Provider Number: 0004684 1 CEU for each subjectWebinar Course #: 800543Webinar Course #: 800544

DBPR, Board of Accountancy:Provider Number: 0004354 1 CEU for each subjectWorkers’ Compensation Course #: 0015516Workplace Safety Course #: 0015515

For Additional Information,call (813) 221-6518 or email

[email protected]

Gearing Up for theECLB Renewal CycleFrom Casey Landry,Education Coordinator

The ECF Continuing Education Program is well on its way to becoming another great program this renewal cycle (September 1, 2012 through August 31, 2014). Thanks to our members who have suggested a variety of different courses, the CE Program now has 37 approved ECLB classes as well as 2 BCAI (Inspector) approved classes and is still growing. Staff has submitted an additional 9 new classes that will be reviewed at the State ECLB Board Meeting in September. Once we have received approval for the classes, a catalog along with dates and locations will be sent to all members.

There has not been any major changes to the renewal cycle for 2014, however, it is anticipated that we may see changes in the 2016 cycle as a new category has been suggested for electrical contractors that will cover Laws and Rules. ECF will keep everyone posted on any changes that occur in 2016.

The 2012 ECLB Renewal classes

education

corner

Congratulations Life MembersTwo long time ECF members were recommended and approved for Life Membership within a local Chapter and then approved at the State level for Life Membership.

The Pinellas Chapter has recognized Wes Colley, for his long term support of the Pinellas Chapter along with the many valuable years he served as the ECF Field Representative.

The Central Chapter recognized John Ewen due to his many years of un-selfish volunteer service to their Chapter along with the contributions he made to their chapter newsletter. John has been of great service to both the Central Chapter as well as at the State level.

Congratulations goes out to both of these fine members. We wish them both the best in their retirement.

will offer a variety of new subjects in Business, Safety and Workers’ Compensation. Staff is working with local Chapters developing classes from local insurance companies, attorneys and suppliers that do business with and are members of their local chapter. We look forward to the development of these classes.We are working on a new Florida Building Code Advanced course and should have it ready for submission in the very near future.

One of the objectives for these courses being written as 1 hour CEs, is that we can now offer many of them as 1 or 2 hour classes at the monthly Chapter meetings. We are also working on several of the CE classes that can be utilized as Webinars along with classroom style programs.

The best part, of course, is that members still can attend all of the classes for free!

NEWS ‘N VIEWS PAGE 8 FALL 2013NEWS ‘N VIEWS PAGE 8 FALL 2013

ECF Mid-Year State ConferenceThe ECF Mid-Year State Conference got off to a great start this summer on a weekend get-away held at the Hampton Inn, New Smyrna Beach from June 13 through 16, 2013. The Executive Committee met on Friday morning at 9:00 a.m., followed by a working lunch and Board of Directors meeting from 1:45 to 5:00 p.m. Topics discussed by the members included an open forum discussion, corporate and education sponsor program as well as a discussion on Ad rates and communication items. State Life Membership for Wes Colley and John Ewen were also approved. After the meeting adjourned on Friday, members enjoyed a Dolphin View Seafood Buffet and Sunset River Cruise.

Saturday’s program focused on the ECAP meeting chaired by Ken Gilbert. Topics discussed included the Vision and Mission Statement, a brief history of ECF and a discussion regarding the location of the November meeting. Members and their families then met at Clancy’s Cantina for an afternoon get together and more networking.

Members who attended this years conference were Tom McDonald, State President, Clyde and Debbie Hady (North Central Chapter). Gary and Joan Tubbs (Central) , Mark and Erin Evans (Central), Robert and Cherie Thomas (Edison), Ken and Jane Gilbert (Miami Dade), Neal and Sandy Burdick (Tampa), Randy and Gail Cruickshank (Ridge), Rick and Jennifer Connerly (Volusia) Byron Overstreet (Volusia), Jamey Winrow (Central) and John, Jennifer, Michaela, Jackson and Kadyn Mackie (Volusia), and staff members Nena Gang and Casey Landry.


chapter

updatesChapters have had great news to share with us regarding their on-going meetings as well as special events. Here’s just a sampling of what’s been happening:

CentralFifty-five people attended the Chapter’s lunch meeting on February 26th. The topic was Energy Conservation and the Florida Energy Code. Taylor Gladding of United Rentals won the drawing for a free Nook HD tablet.

The Academy of Construction Technologies (ACT) and Central Chapter partnered for the 2nd annual ACT/ECF Clay Shoot on April 12th, drawing over 80 attendees. Congratulations go to the winning team led by Jim Andrews. Nearly $4000 was raised for apprenticeship through the shoot.

The Summer Cookout was held on May 21st with 90 folks in attendance. During the cookout, John Ewen was recognized as a Life Member for his many

contributions to the Central Chapter as well as at the State Level. Elizabeth Lawhorne, State Electric, was the lucky winner of the 1st ever ECF Theme Park Raffle Giveaway ($700 cash option in lieu of tickets).

On May 23rd Central Chapter participated in the ACT annual apprentice recognition and awards banquet. Congratulations to Alex McCaskill, Remy Valdez and Thomas Madden for their selection for the Apprenticeship Incentive Initiative.

The Central Chapter was also a supporter to the June 8th FEAT graduation. Two graduates received $100 in cash prizes for maintaining perfect attendance throughout

their time at FEAT. In addition, Tony Kisoon, Michael Landreville and Steven Wilson were selected to receive $1,000 in prizes from ECF. These prizes were the culmination of the ECF Apprenticeship Incentive Initiative that serves to encourage participation in industry education.

The Central Chapter participated in its 1st annual ECF Serve Day on June 5th. Several Board members volunteered time at the Community Food and Outreach Center in Orlando.

Upcoming events for the Central Chapter include September 24th Lunch meeting, October 18th Fall Golf Tournament and November 15th ECF Turkey Fry.


Edison

Pasco HernandoPasco Hernando began their January meeting with Tom McDonald giving a presentation on Surge Protection news along with updating everyone on his goals as ECF State President. Kenny Lambert from Coresential brought speakers from Light Efficient Design and Nora Lighting to cover products

for energy saving retrofit and new construction applications.

Several one and two hour CE classes were provided by staff as well as the Division of Workers Compensation. Other programs featured Jake Smith, ADP, covering the new Affordable Health Care Act and Steve Malich with Patriot Engineering presenting information dealing with the 2011 Code Changes found in the NEC 110.24 and Available Fault Currents and an overview of NFPA 70 E and OSHA 1910.

On February 20th, the Edison Chapter and IAEI hosted their 1st annual Lunch Meeting with guest speaker Bryan Holland, Building Official of North Port, giving a presentation on NEC Article 240, Overcurrent Protection (1 CEU Credit). March 22nd was the Annual Turkey Shoot with the planned June Fishing Tournament being

postponed due to inclement weather.

Upcoming events include a General Membership Luncheon on September 25th with guest speaker Richard Caligiuri, CIC, with Bouchard Insurance, discussing the Affordable Health Care Act; Annual Golf Outing on October 25th; and Mixer at

MacDaddy Restaurant on November 28th.

The Edison Chapter will also help host and facilitate a 4 hour CE course on the electrical requirements for Swimming Pools & Spas per Article 680 of the NEC, to be held on October 26th at the Westin Cape Coral.


Palm BeachThe ECF Palm Beach Chapter and IAEI Annual picnic was held on April 27th. It was a great family day for members and friends. The food was awesome, thanks in part to the great work that Ray and Cathy Higgins did in procuring the meat, grills, cookers and kitchen supplies, and the many other ECF and IAEI members serving up the food. Of course, Ken and Jane Gilbert and David Huntoon worked hard again this year insuring that no one left hungry. A big thank you went out from Ken Gilbert to everyone on the committee for all their hard work.


PinellasAllen M. Weiss presented a program on February 28th on Lighting and Life Safety, which was a one hour approved CE class. Don Johnson, Borrell Electric, Inc. shared his personal experience with a severe arc flash incident at the April 25th meeting. Sherlye Birdsong and Swendy Arianayagam, with the Bureau of Compliance, Division of Workers Compensation presented a one hour approved CE class on Workers Compensation during the meeting on May 30th.

The Pinellas Chapter will return from summer break on September 26th, with Jake Smith, ADP presenting information regarding the Affordable Care Act.

RidgeFebruary’s meeting began the year with a presentation by Gary Colberly, CED Raybro, about Better Business Practices. March’s program offered a 2 hour CE Class on the 2010 FBC Advanced Course on Accessibility. April’s meeting featured Sherlye Birdsong and Swendy Arianayagam, with the Bureau of Compliance, Division of Workers Compensation who presented a 1 hour approved CE class on Workers Compensation. Allen Weiss presented a CE class, Innovations in Solid State Lighting at the May meeting with the last meeting before summer break being a great program on unlicensed activity with Tim McGrath, DBPR along with Swendy Arianayagam, Investigation Supervisor with the Bureau of Compliance, Division of Workers Compensation The Ridge Chapter will return from summer break on September 10th, with Jake Smith, ADP presenting information regarding the Affordable Care Act.


TampaJanuary kicked off with a huge meeting with 48 members and guests in attendance, dealing with Unlicensed Activity. Speakers included Tim McGrath, DBPR, Michael Mitchum, Tampa Police Department, Criminal Intelligence Bureau, Construction Fraud Unit along with Deputy David Stofflet, Hillsborough Sheriff’s Office along with two of his partners.

Sheryle Birdsong and Swendy Arianayagam with the Bureau of Compliance, Division of Workers’ Compensation gave an informative presentation and 1 hour CE to about 25 members at the February meeting. Don Johnson will Borrell Electric was the speaker at the March meeting discussing his own personal involvement with an Arc Flash Hazard. April’s meeting covered the new Affordable Heath Care Act, with Jake Smith, ADP enlightening everyone on what to expect with the new health care rules.

Neal Burdick, Tampa Chapter President gave an overview of the Code Panel presentation at the

IAEI Conference to members at the May meeting. Duwaynne Rettke, Wattstopper, spoke about lighting control systems required by the 2010 Florida Energy Code and the 2012 International Energy Code at the June meeting. July’s meeting featured Patti Cabauiss with TAW Inc., presenting information about the sales and maintenance of power generators and power distribution systems throughout the United States.

Joey Tucker, Sales Associate with Power Logics, Inc. And Eirk Gulf, Regional Sales Manager with Trystar were the August speakers and explained Trystar’s new generator docking stations and other services Trystar has to offer electrical contractors.


Volusia Volusia began it’s year with an Open Forum in January with 37 members in attendance that helped identify upcoming programs that members would like to see scheduled. February’s speaker was Deborah Allan, GE Lighting, whose topic was Rare Earth and Energy Legislation updates. The March 27th meeting was on Commodity Volatility, with Gary Tubbs, United Electrical Sales. April’s meeting focused on Combating Unlicensed Activity. May’s meeting discussed the Florida Energy Code with Allen Weiss, Sesco Lighting, and July’s meeting focusing on the Affordable Health Care Act, with Jake Smith from ADP providing time information about upcoming changes to our medical insurance.

Volusia had a great turnout for their 17th Annual Golf Tournament held on May 4th as well as their Annual Fish Fry held on August 6, 2013.


ECF STAFF OFFICE

Casey Landry, Education DirectorNena Gang, Executive Director

19031 North Dale Mabry HighwayLutz, Florida 33548

Phone: 813-885-9605Fax:813-884-0326

E-mail: [email protected]

Email: [email protected] Office Phone:Cell: (727) 647-8550 (727) 573-1400Fax: (727) 572-0504 1-800-765-7263

Charlie SpitzerPRESIDENT

Representing

A. RANDY’S ELECTRIC, INC.CONTRACTORS-ENGINEERS-SUPPLIERS-INSPECTORS

EC 0000736FLORIDA - EN 9382 GEORGIA

Physical Mailing3798 131st Ave., N. P.O. Box 42577Clearwater, FL 33762 St. Petersburg, FL 33742

Robert C. Thomas, P.E.Vice President

(239) 694-2700 3861 Edwards St.(239) 694-4576 Fax Ft. Myers, Florida 33916

TUV SUC America, Inc.1209 Tech Blvd., Suite 201Tampa, FL 33619

Cell: 352-457-8608E-Mail: [email protected]

NRTL (OSHA) Field EvaluationsProduct Safety Certifications - EMC Testing

America

Gary RichardsAccount Executive

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Don’t put your life on the lineContact with power lines can cause serious injury or death. Keep all parts of equipment you operate and tools you use at least 10 feet away from power lines of 50,000 volts or less. For power line over 50,000 volts, keep back 10 feet plus 4/10 of an inch for every 1,000 volts over 50,000.

SAFETY ALERT

SAFETY ALERT

Work a safe distance from all power lines.

Be careful while carrying, positioning, standing on or working from any ladder or scaffold.

Always look up for power lines when carrying or working with any extended object.

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ECF News ’N Views - Volume 2 - 2012

ELECTRICAL COUNCILOF FLORIDA19031 N. Dale Mabry Highway

Lutz, FL 33558www.electricalcouncilfl.org

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ECFwww.ecf-fl.org Volume 2 - 2012

A publication exclusively for the members of the Electrical Council of FloridaECFECF

President’s Message . . .2

Stay Healthy . . . . . . . . . .3

Hannah’s Miracle . . . . .5

FPL Recognized . . . . . .6

Volusia Action . . . . . . . .7

Chapter Updates . . .8, 10

NewMembers . . . . . . . .9

StateOfficers

President . . . . . . .Neal Burdick1st VP . . . . . . . .TomMcDonald2ndVP . . . . . . .Bobby FontaineSec./Treas. . . . .JameyWinrowPast President . . .Bill Peterson

AnnualConferencePictures.See page 4

sign up Amember

Smarten Upwhat’sinside:what’sinside:

The smart grid is coming, and ECFcould be just the organization to leadthe way in educating members abouthow it works, how to work on it, andstaying on top of trends in thetechnology.

The ECAP committee isthe group that leadsECF’s strategic plan-ning. For several years,smart grid has beenadvanced to the top ofthe agenda. For ECFmembers who aren’tfamiliar, here’s a smartgrid introduction.

Smart grid is the termused to describe 21st century electricdelivery systems using computer-based remote control and automation.The systems are made possible bytwo-way communication technologyand computer processing that hasbeen used for decades in other indus-tries. They offer many benefits to utili-ties and consumers — mostly seen inbig improvements in energy efficiencyon the electricity grid and in theenergy users’ homes and offices.

The “grid” amounts to the networksthat carry electricity from the plantswhere it is generated to consumersand includes wires, substations,transformers, switches and muchmore.

Much in the way that a “smart”phone these days means a phone witha computer in it, smart grid means“computerizing” the electric utilitygrid. A key feature of the smart grid isautomation technology that lets the

utility adjust and control each indi-vidual device or millions of devicesfrom a central location through two-way digital communication technolo-gy to devices associated with the

grid. Each device onthe network can begiven sensors to gath-er data (powermeters, voltage sen-sors, fault detectors,etc.), plus two-waydigital communica-tion between thedevice in the field andthe utility’s networkoperations center.

The number of applications that canbe used on the smart grid once thedata communications technology isdeployed is growing as fast as inven-tive companies can create and pro-duce them. Benefits includeenhanced cyber-security, handlingsources of electricity like wind andsolar power and even integratingelectric vehicles onto the grid. Thecompanies making smart grid tech-nology or offering such servicesinclude technology giants, estab-lished communication firms andeven brand new technology firms.

FPL, an ECF member, is alreadyinvesting in smart grid technologythrough its Energy Smart Florida ini-tiative and expects to install 4.5 mil-lion smart meters by 2013. Benefitsinclude outage prevention, identifica-tion and faster restoration. Futurebenefits include more customeroptions for managing energy usage;operational efficiencies; andexpanded use of renewable energy.

ONE COMPANY. A MULTITUDE OF POWER SOLUTIONS.

Standby and Prime Power A distributor for the complete Caterpillar® line of diesel and gas standby and prime generators, automatic transfer switches and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems, Ring Power also maintains a diverse fleet of electric power, temperature control and compressed air equipment designed and built exclusively for rental applications. Ring Power engineers can design a system to meet the requirements of any application.

No-hassle Service. Around the Clock Support. Ring Power’s experienced technicians have the expertise and tools to service and maintain generators for any business or home. We offer 24-hour emergency service and preventive maintenance programs for all makes of power generation equipment and switchgear, as well as resistive and reactive load bank testing for all generator sizes.

Reliability Backed by the Power of CatTo protect your prime or standby power solution, Ring Power offers Extended Service Coverage (ESC) from Cat® Insurance for up to 100 percent of usual and customary parts and labor costs for engine failures due to defect in materials and workmanship on covered components for up to 10 years. ATS and UPS units are also eligible for additional protection.

SALES: Keith Moore 904.494.1269 RENTAL: Steve Ferlita 904.494.1268SERVICE: David Alban 904.494.1016

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