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NECA is developing a series of online courses titled "Principles of Electrical Contracting" based on the core knowledge and skills an electrical contractor needs to possess to develop a successful business.
We need member feedback to ensure that these courses provide the maximum benefit to our members and the industry.
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What are you agreeing to? Your commitment to this effort will be entirely online and should take no more than one hour per course.

The process for review will be:
- You will be provided a document to review and will be given one week to provide comment on the subject matter, including imagery, examples/scenarios, narration, on-screen text, and supplemental/supporting materials.
- You may be asked for resources to assist the author in developing the course materials. This may include items like photographs, SOPs, and checklists used within your company.

Curious about the program? Please contact Emily Huesman at Emily.Huesman@necanet.org or (202) 449-9689 with any questions.
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The courses currently in development are listed below. Please add your contact information to one or more courses to participate:
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Electrical Contracting Overview
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Volunteer NameCompanyEmail Address
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This course provides an overview of the electrical contracting industry, focusing on its evolution and modern processes. You will learn about the project life cycle, economic drivers, stakeholders, and project delivery methods. Topics include risks and opportunities in construction, the organizational structure of contracting businesses, and the differences between union and non-union contractors. The course also covers the benefits of NECA membership to electrical contractors. Jim TorpeyAnmarJim@anmarcorporation.com
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Dean KnuppMorrow-Meadowsdknupp@morrow-meadows.com
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Celine WilliamsCommonwealth Electrick
cwilliams@commonwealthelectric.com
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Tim SpenoNECAtim.speno@necanet.org
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Business Planning
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Volunteer NameCompanyEmail Address
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This course covers the essential steps to starting and managing an electrical contracting business, including developing a business plan, selecting a legal structure, and securing necessary licenses and permits. You will learn how to analyze competitors, identify market opportunities, and differentiate their services. Key topics include organizational management, estimating processes, building relationships with suppliers and subcontractors, and scaling the business by hiring the right roles at the right time.Glenn PattersonHAP Advisorsgpatterson@hapadvisors.com
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Dean KnuppMorrow-Meadowsdknupp@morrow-meadows.com
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Celine WilliamsCommonwealth Electrick
cwilliams@commonwealthelectric.com
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Tim SpenoNECAtim.speno@necanet.org
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Leadership
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Volunteer NameCompanyEmail Address
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This course teaches electrical contractors with the key differences between leaders and managers while helping participants develop a personal leadership consciousness. Topics include emotional intelligence, identifying leadership capabilities in others, and understanding the risks and sources of leadership failure. You will also learn how leadership impacts company performance and how to assess and improve your leadership skills. The course covers defining, creating, and maintaining a healthy organizational culture, as well as recognizing when and how to implement cultural changes for organizational improvement.


Glenn PattersonHAP Advisorsgpatterson@hapadvisors.com
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Dean KnuppMorrow-Meadowsdknupp@morrow-meadows.com
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Celine WilliamsCommonwealth Electrick
cwilliams@commonwealthelectric.com
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Tim SpenoNECAtim.speno@necanet.org
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Strategic Management and Planning
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Volunteer NameCompanyEmail Address
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This course covers the key elements of strategic management for electrical contractors, including defining stakeholders, crafting a corporate vision and mission statement, and understanding the strategic planning process. You will learn to use strategic management tools, identify conditions for successful plan implementation, and recognize the consequences of failing to plan strategically. The course also emphasizes how to measure success and align strategic goals with organizational performance.


Glenn PattersonHAP Advisorsgpatterson@hapadvisors.com
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Dean KnuppMorrow-Meadowsdknupp@morrow-meadows.com
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Celine WilliamsCommonwealth Electrick
cwilliams@commonwealthelectric.com
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Tim SpenoNECAtim.speno@necanet.org
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Cash Flow Management
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Volunteer NameCompanyEmail Address
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This course focuses on effective cash flow management and banking strategies for electrical contractors. You will learn key principles of cash flow management, including calculating breakeven points, understanding work-in-process (WIP), and the difference between margin and markup. Topics also include creating cash flow models, establishing invoicing systems, negotiating vendor discounts, and managing payable terms. Additionally, the course covers strategies for maintaining cash flow during challenging times, handling retainage, and optimizing payroll cadences.Glenn PattersonHAP Advisorsgpatterson@hapadvisors.com
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Dean KnuppMorrow-Meadowsdknupp@morrow-meadows.com
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Celine WilliamsCommonwealth Electrick
cwilliams@commonwealthelectric.com
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Tim SpenoNECAtim.speno@necanet.org
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Banking & Financial Relationships
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Volunteer NameCompanyEmail Address
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This course provides an overview of how banks and lenders evaluate your company's creditworthiness and what that means for your business decisions. You’ll learn what financial information banks actually care about, who is truly liable when you borrow, and the advantages and drawbacks of using credit cards in your operations. The course also emphasizes the strategic side of financial relationships, including why tax planning matters from a banking and bonding perspective, and how strong partnerships with your bank, accountant, financial advisor, and lawyer can directly impact your company’s stability and growth. By the end of the course, you’ll have a clearer idea of how to position your business as a reliable financial partner and make more informed decisions about credit and risk.Glenn PattersonHAP Advisorsgpatterson@hapadvisors.com
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Dean KnuppMorrow-Meadowsdknupp@morrow-meadows.com
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Celine WilliamsCommonwealth Electrick
cwilliams@commonwealthelectric.com
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Tim SpenoNECAtim.speno@necanet.org
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Financial Analysis
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Volunteer NameCompanyEmail Address
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This course provides essential skills for analyzing financial performance and managing costs within an electrical contracting business. You will learn to read and interpret financial statements, understand the importance of financial statement analysis, and apply vertical and horizontal analysis techniques. The course covers key financial ratios, budgeting best practices, and the tax structure relevant to your state. Additionally, you will explore cost accumulation methods and techniques for measuring the percentage of completion, equipping you with practical tools for effective financial and cost management.


Glenn PattersonHAP Advisorsgpatterson@hapadvisors.com
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Dean KnuppMorrow-Meadowsdknupp@morrow-meadows.com
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Celine WilliamsCommonwealth Electrick
cwilliams@commonwealthelectric.com
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Tim SpenoNECAtim.speno@necanet.org
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Construction Law and Contracts
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Volunteer NameCompanyEmail Address
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This course provides a comprehensive overview of construction law and contract fundamentals, equipping participants with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of contractual agreements in the electrical contracting industry. Students will explore the differences between negotiated contracts and competitive bid contracts, contract negotiation objectives, and key principles of contract formation. The course covers essential contract provisions, retainage, “pay when paid” clauses, and critical issues related to bidding. Participants will also gain insight into the responsibilities of general contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers, with a focus on payment terms, liability flow-down, lien rights, and identifying unfavorable contract language. By the end of the course, students will have the tools to mitigate risks and improve contract management in their electrical contracting business.Dean KnuppMorrow-Meadowsdknupp@morrow-meadows.com
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Celine WilliamsCommonwealth Electrick
cwilliams@commonwealthelectric.com
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Tim SpenoNECAtim.speno@necanet.org
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Labor Relations
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Volunteer NameCompanyEmail Address
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This course provides an in-depth look at labor relations, focusing on the interaction between electrical contractors and the organized workforce. Participants will explore the evolution of U.S. labor laws, multi-employer bargaining rules, and key federal regulations affecting electrical contractors. The course emphasizes the importance of understanding and adhering to collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), including working conditions, payment terms, and jurisdictional rules. Additional topics include the Letter of Assent A & B, NECA’s role in labor relations, the Council on Industrial Relations (CIR), grievance procedures, and the financial obligations to the IBEW. Participants will also gain insight into pension eligibility rules, ownership considerations, and alumni agreements, ensuring they are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of labor relations in the electrical contracting industry.Jim TorpeyAnmarJim@anmarcorporation.com
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Dean KnuppMorrow-Meadowsdknupp@morrow-meadows.com
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Celine WilliamsCommonwealth Electrick
cwilliams@commonwealthelectric.com
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Tim SpenoNECAtim.speno@necanet.org
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