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As A New Term Begins, Continuity And Progress Follows
From The Presidents Desk - Milner Irvin
Hello! My three-year term as NECA's new president just commenced, and I would like to thank my fellow NECA contractors for giving me this opportunity to expand my service to our association. And, to all the readers of this magazine, I thank you, too. The fact that you are reading these words indicates you have an interest in our association and its work to advance our industry.
When I set out to write this introductory column, I was not sure whether to emphasize continuity or progress, but I soon realized these concepts cannot be separated. Both are important in my life and the life of my company. They are two entwined threads of a strand that runs throughout the history of our association and industry and leads into the future, as well. Let me give you a couple of examples from a personal vantage.
1. Riverside Electric, established in 1922, is one of the oldest electrical contracting firms in the southeastern United States. Our company in Miami grew out of the one my grandfather founded in 1910 to bring the marvels of electricity to the streets of Atlanta, and it is still a family business, now in the fourth generation.
However, as proud as I am of that pedigree and our company's well-established reputation for quality and integrity, it gives me even more pride to note that Riverside Electric was one of the first electrical contracting firms in the area to provide voice and data cabling services. That's continuity and progress all wrapped up together!
2. My election as the 30th holder of this office places me in a line that goes back to 1901. I suspect that all 29 NECA presidents before me made a good life in electrical contracting, as have I, and so, like me, they wanted to give something back to the association and industry central to their success. Repayment takes the form of service dedicated to continual improvement for the benefit not only of our contemporary counterparts but also for the next generation.
The leaders of our association, arising from the same tradition of a commitment to service and progress, shared something in common. But, the focus on "continually improving conditions within our sphere" (words from NECA's original charter) ensured that each brought something new to this office as they applied their unique talents and personalities in addressing the particular concerns of their times.
Of course, they had a lot of help along the way. NECA is, after all, a member-driven organization, and I am pleased that effective means to expand the ability of members to participate in our association were developed during the tenure of my very capable predecessor, Ben Cook.
My point: Readers of this magazine should not expect to see any radical departure from NECA's mission under this new president. However, I do hope to report new activities and accomplishments in this column as I work with other industry participants on addressing the issues of our day-including what I see as one of the most important: building a highly skilled and adequately populated workforce to enable electrical contractors to compete successfully in both traditional and new markets.
I pledge to do my best in this regard, and, though member companies will continue to be the primary focus of NECA's efforts, I am confident that our entire industry will benefit as we work together to overcome current challenges and take advantage of present and future opportunities. That's what NECA-and I-are all about.
Reprinted with permission of Electrical Contractor magazine - January issue www.ecmag.com
Comment: Recently, NECA (National Electrical Contractors Association www.necanet.org) has pushed ahead with several bold initiatives "to raise the bar" on quality assurance. In this environment of particular focus on safety, security, and performance, NECA has clearly differentiated their value and workmanship above all other trade organizations involved in the electrical and VDV world. Watch our upcoming issues for more detailed information on these exciting programs that will include major steps ahead in the educational opportunities and craft quality assurance verification. www.wireville.com
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