Updated: 8 hours ago
By Stephanie Corken, September 1, 2026
September brings a full slate for the chapter. We are kicking off with the 4th annual Golf Tournament at Emerald Valley on the 11th, followed by the Accounting Essentials Class rolling through all three divisions the week of the 14th. Add in chapter meetings across Locals 280, 659, and 932, plus final prep for NECA 2026 in Las Vegas, and it is shaping up to be one of our busiest months of the year.
Thanks for being part of it, and we will see you out there.
📚 Chapter Meetings, Education Courses, & Safety Classes
🤝280 LMCC | Wednesday, September 9, 2026 | 1-2 p.m. | Central Electrical Training Center
🦺659 Safety | Tuesday, September 22, 2026 | 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Crater Lake Electrical Training Center
🤝659 LMCC | Tuesday, September 22, 2026 | 12-1 p.m. | Crater Lake Electrical Training Center
🦺932 Safety | Wednesday, September 23, 2026 | 3-4 p.m. | Pacific Inside Electrical Training Center
🤝932 LMCC | Wednesday, September 23, 2026 | 4-5 p.m. | Pacific Inside Electrical Training Center
🦺280 Safety | Thursday, September 24, 2026 | 4-5 p.m. | Central Electrical Training Center
LOCAL IN-PERSON EVENTS & TRAINING:
⛳ 4th Annual Golf Tournament, Emerald Valley | September 11th, 2026
Sept 14th, 2026: Cascade 280 Division
Sept 15th, 2026: Sunset 932 Division
NEW DATE Sept 16th, 2026: Crater Lake 659 Division
🎉 December 4-5, 2026 | Salishan Winter Meeting with John Stone and Josh Rizzo
NATIONAL IN-PERSON EVENTS & TRAINING:
🏢 NECA 2026 Convention and Trade Show – Las Vegas, NV | Oct 4-7, 2026
🦺 NECA Safety Professionals Institute | Oct. 20-22 | Washington, DC’
🤝 2026 Labor Relations Conference | Nov. 2-4 | Phoenix, AZ
🦺 Executive Management Institute | Nov. 17-21 | Washington, DC
WEBINARS & VIRTUAL LEARNING:
🎓 Worker’s Compensation Insurance SAIF | Webinars and Classroom Trainings available year-round:
Making your Safety Training Matter | Tuesday, September 1, 2026 | 10-11 a.m.
Best Practices for Performance Management, Discipline, and Termination | Tuesday, September 15, 2026 | 10-11 a.m.
🤔 Seven Points of Clarity Series: The Effort Equation - How Involved Should You Be? | Sept. 10 | 3:00 p.m. ET
📐 Basic Estimating of Electrical Construction | Sept. 14-24 | 10:00 - 12:00 p.m. ET
🧮 Advanced Estimating Strategies | Sept. 14-17 | 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. ET
📝 ELECTRI Research Spotlight: EC Job Descriptions & Checklists | Sept. 22 | 2:00 p.m. ET
August Reports Are Open in EPRLive
August payroll reports are now open in EPRLive.
⚠️ Important Update: The Local 280 Residential Agreement mid-year increase of $1.00 total ($0.95 wage, $0.03 NEBF, $0.02 A&T) took effect July 1, 2026, and should be used in EPR reporting for July–December 2026 work months when the system opens August 1.
⚠️ Benefit payments must be received before the 10th and are considered late after the 15th. If the 15th falls on a weekend or bank holiday, payments are due the Friday before.
There are no exceptions or grace periods due to NEBF policies and IRS regulations related to 401(k) contributions. Failure to meet the 15th deadline may result in liquidated damages and interest. Payments are processed by date received, not postmark date.
If you are unable to make your payment, you must still file all payroll reports in EPRLive by the 15th. Zero-hour reports are required even if no work was performed.
ACH payments through EPRLive remain the preferred method to avoid mailing delays. Instructions for setting up electronic payments are linked here.
📅 EPRLive Training: Need help navigating EPRLive? Free training sessions are held the first Thursday of each month. The next session is Thursday, September 3rd, 2026 at 9:00 AM PST.
Join via Zoom HERE. Meeting ID: 826 4816 3255 | Passcode: 172870
⚠️ NEW: Bonding Requirement for Local 280 and Local 659 Jurisdictions
A separate notice went out recently about upcoming bonding requirements for contractors with repeat delinquencies in the Local 280 and Local 659 jurisdictions. This takes effect with reports for work performed starting in July 2026. If you missed that notice, please review it now and make sure your payroll team or third-party provider is aware.
If you have any questions, reach out to Melinda.
The Winners Are In: Four Apprentices Headed to NECA 2026!
The lottery has been drawn, and ORPAC NECA is proud to congratulate the four apprentices who will represent our chapter at the NECA 2026 Convention & Trade Show in Las Vegas, October 4–7.
A huge thank you to the member contractors who nominated apprentices from their shops. Your investment in the next generation of electrical workers is exactly what makes this program possible.
The winners will experience the full convention: general sessions, 400+ manufacturers on the trade show floor, the Opening Reception at T-Mobile Arena, and the 125th anniversary Closing Celebration at Mandalay Bay Beach with +LIVE+ and O.A.R.
They'll also take part in Apprentice Appreciation Day on Monday, October 5, featuring keynote speaker Nic Bittle, the Apprentice Challenge, the NEC Escape Room, and the Outside Line Apprentice Challenge in High Voltage Village.
This is a first for our chapter, and we couldn't be prouder of the four apprentices carrying the ORPAC NECA name to Las Vegas. Safe travels, and bring back everything you learn!
⛳ ORPAC NECA Golf Tournament, September 11
Our 4th annual golf tournament is back at Emerald Valley Golf & Resort on Friday, September 11, 2026. Last year, the chapter raised over $25,000 for the Oregon Cancer Foundation in memory of Ron Harvell, and we're aiming higher this year.
How to get in on it:
Play. Reach out to your accredited rep about joining their team, or let us know and we'll connect you.
Donate. Can't make it? Every donated dollar we raise keeps a trained Oregon counselor on the line for someone in our industry who needs it.
Spread the word. Tell a rep, a colleague, or a contractor friend who should be there.
Register or donate HERE.
Questions? Reach out!
Sharpen Your Financial IQ: A Class Built for NECA Contractors
Do your financial statements tell you what you actually need to know, or leave you guessing?
This September, we’re bringing industry instructor Dave O'Brien to all three divisions for a one-day Accounting Essentials Class built specifically for electrical contractors. Whether you're an owner, PM, controller, or bookkeeper, you'll walk away with a stronger working knowledge of the numbers behind your business.
Why It Matters
Most electrical contractors didn't get into this trade to chase spreadsheets. But cash flow leaks, misapplied markups, and unclear financial statements quietly cost companies real money every year. This class breaks down the fundamentals in plain language contractors can use, not accountant-speak.
What You'll Cover
Key Principles of Accounting: What to expect and demand from your system and staff
Construction Accounting Essentials: Revenue recognition, contract costs, and percentage of completion
Financial Statements Made Clear: How your balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow connect
Working Capital: How to measure it, grow it, and protect it
Margin vs. Markup: The difference that quietly costs contractors real money
Why Service Billing Takes So Long: Common cash flow leaks and how to fix them
Pick the Date and Location That Works for Your Team
📅 Cascade Division (Local 280) | Monday, September 14, 2026📍 Central Electrical Training Center⏰ 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📅 Sunset Division (Local 932) | Tuesday, September 15, 2026📍 Driftwood Shores⏰ 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📅 Crater Lake Division (Local 659) | Wednesday, September 16, 2026📍 Crater Lake Electrical Training Center⏰ 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Bring your team. Better financial visibility leads to better bids, better jobs, and better decisions all year long.
Thanks for a great weekend on the Rogue!
Thank you for joining us in Grants Pass for the Hellgate Jetboat Excursion and Dinner. It was a great turnout, and the day would not have been the same without each of you there.
A few highlights worth calling out:
The ride: Hellgate Canyon delivered, and the crew did a fantastic job showing us the best of the Rogue.
The dinner: Hellgate River Lodge took great care of us, and the food and setting made it easy to slow down and catch up.
The people: The best part of any of our events is watching contractors, partners, and guests connect. Plenty of good conversations happened at those tables.
These are the moments that make our chapter what it is. Thank you for showing up, bringing your teams, and being part of it. See you next year!
Make Time to Connect in 2026
One of the biggest advantages of being part of NECA is the chance to step away from the day-to-day and connect with contractors who understand the work.
We’ve got strong events lined up this year, each designed to help you recharge and build relationships across the chapter.
🚤 Hellgate Jetboat Excursion & DinnerAugust 15, 2026 | Grants PassA high-energy jetboat ride through Hellgate Canyon, followed by dinner and time with fellow contractors. Contact Stephanie to be added to the waitlist.
⛳4th Annual Golf TournamentSeptember 11, 2026, 8:30AM Shotgun Start | Emerald Valley, CreswellJoin us for a day on the course with great golf, good company, and a little friendly competition. Register and/or donate HERE.
❄ Winter Holiday Meeting – Salishan Coastal LodgeDecember 4-5, 2026 | SalishanA chance to wrap up the year with great food, live music, and time with your peers and families.
These events are built by contractors, for contractors. They are some of the best opportunities all year to stay connected.
We look forward to seeing you there!
New ELECTRI Research: Six Resources Released
ELECTRI released six new research reports and tools to help electrical contractors stay informed and competitive. Share them with colleagues or fellow contractors who may benefit.
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): A Roadmap for Electrical Contractors — Where contractors fit into the SMR project lifecycle and how to prepare. Includes full report, executive summary, interactive roadmap, dashboard, and FAQ.
Built to Sell: Building a More Valuable Electrical Contracting Company — Leadership, systems, and practices that build long-term value for growth, succession, or ownership transition.
Data Centers: What the Evidence Shows — An objective fact sheet from ELECTRI Executive Director Josh Bone answering the questions contractors are asking.
HR Onboarding Guide — An adaptable checklist for consistent onboarding of office and field employees.
Sample Job Descriptions — A starting-point job description to define responsibilities and support hiring.
Project Checklist — A customizable tool to track ownership, milestones, and risks from preconstruction through closeout.
And don’t forget about ELECTRI’s September Webinars:
Best Practices in Offsite Construction led by Josh Bone: September 11th at 1:30PM Sign-Up & Zoom link for September 11th webinar
Service & 70Brew: The Importance of Closing Out the Contract led by Toby Mitchell with Classic Electric: September 15th at 3PM eastern Sign-Up & Zoom link for September 15th webinar
ELECTRI Research Spotlight: EC Job Descriptions and Checklists Webinar, Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 2:00 - 3:00 PM ET Sign Up HERE
ConTech & Coffee: Unknown Costs of AI led by Mica Ashmore with Alterman and Toby Mitchell with Classic Electric: September 24th at 11AM Eastern for a discussion led by Sign-Up & Zoom link for September 24th webinar
State Leaders get another Budget Update - Update from Mark Long at Pac/West Lobby Group
On August 26, the legislature and governor’s office received the third quarter (Q3) budget update and revenue forecast. Part of the update compares information from last quarter to the biennial budget adopted in June 2025. The outlook has improved slightly since last quarter’s report, as Oregon’s economy shows modest growth.
State budgets are set on a two-year cycle and then updated every quarter thereafter. In 2027, the Oregon Legislature will develop a new biennial budget for 2027-29.
When compared to the estimates made in June 2025 (which set the actual budget framework), personal income tax revenue is up $10.6 million (not statistically significant), corporate tax revenue is up $61.3 million (1.8%) and net general fund dollars plus lottery/marijuana taxes are up $89.9 million (0.2%). Since the data coming in closely aligns with the budget set in 2025, forecasters are not anticipating either a personal or corporate “kicker” for the next budget cycle (2027 to 2029).
Oregon real GDP growth remains below national averages. Construction, utilities, manufacturing, and retail continue to show declines from 2025 to 2026. Healthcare and education spending continue the trend upwards in Oregon, significantly outpacing national GDP averages. Late corporate filers and continued impacts from HR1 make it difficult for state forecasters to identify any current trend.
Since population and economic growth remain flat, budget writers in the Q3 update are mostly concerned with impacts of inflation and energy costs on the budget, which could effectively reduce available revenues in some state and local program areas. For now, a flat revenue forecast is good news as long as cost increases due to inflation don’t outpace the budget or any small gains in corporate tax revenue.
📱 Connect with us on social media
Follow us on social media for the latest updates, behind-the-scenes content, and exclusive insights.
We’d love to hear from you! Engage with our posts, share your thoughts, and connect with like-minded professionals.
SBA Proposes Change That Could Requalify Many Members as Small Businesses
NECA National issued a Regulatory Alert on August 20 about a proposed SBA overhaul. Electrical contractor classification would shift from a $19 million revenue cap to an employee-based threshold of under 550. SBA estimates 1,804 additional electrical and wiring contractors would newly qualify.
Why it Matters: Small business status opens federal contracting doors that are largely closed to mid-size contractors today, including the "Rule of Two," auto-reserved contracts under $350,000, and subaward opportunities on large federal projects. It also unlocks SBA-backed financing and disaster assistance.
Two dates to know:
September 21: Comment period closes. NECA is collecting member input for its formal comment. Reach out HERE.
Tuesday, October 6: SBA's Rocky Mountain Regional Office will present at the NECA Convention in Las Vegas on what the proposal means for member businesses.
Heads Up: What the Type II Helmet Shift Means for Your Crews
Head protection standards are evolving across North American jobsites, and more owners and general contractors are specifying Type II helmets on major projects. Here is what contractors should know as the industry moves in this direction.
What's different about Type IITraditional Type I helmets are tested only for impacts to the top of the head. Type II helmets are engineered for both top and lateral impacts, addressing the reality that not every jobsite hit comes from directly overhead. Falls, slips on uneven ground, and contact with equipment can all deliver side impacts that Type I designs were never built to manage.
What's driving the change
Project specs. Owners and GCs are updating safety requirements to call for Type II on larger projects.
Insurance and risk posture. Carriers continue to emphasize proactive risk reduction, and Type II adoption aligns with that direction.
Worker acceptance. Newer designs offer better comfort, ventilation, chin straps, and integrated eye and hearing protection. Equipment workers actually wear correctly delivers more protection than gear that gets pushed back or removed.
What to consider before switching
Check project requirements. Some jobs still specify Type I and others now require Type II, so confirm before ordering.
Look for dual certification. Helmets certified to both ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 and CSA Z94.1 simplify inventory when your crews move across projects and state lines.
Plan the rollout. Talk with your safety lead about fit training, chin strap use, and inspection routines before the new lids show up on site.
Bottom lineThe transition will not happen overnight, and the direction is clear. Reviewing your head protection standard now puts you ahead of owner requirements and gives your crews better protection against the way real jobsite injuries actually happen.
Read the full article at Construction Dive HERE.
What Gen Z Wants From Construction (And Why Apprenticeship Already Delivers)
A recent Construction Dive panel with Gen Z construction workers laid out what younger workers want from the industry: a clear path up, mentorship from experienced hands, meaningful work, and a career without a mountain of student debt. For signatory contractors, that list should look familiar. It's the pitch our apprenticeship model has been making for decades.
Why it matters: The generational handoff is coming fast. Panelists pointed to a wave of senior leaders retiring over the next 10 to 15 years, which opens real advancement for the workers our members bring in now. Contractors who can articulate the union path clearly will win the recruits worth keeping.
What Gen Z is looking for, based on the panel:
A path up, not just a job. Younger workers see the retirement wave coming and want to know they can rise into it. Apprenticeship gives them a defined ladder with wages that climb at every step.
Skills over debt. Panelists noted many Gen Z workers are weighing college costs against uncertain job prospects. Our members can offer paid training, real earnings from day one, and no tuition bill at graduation.
Mentorship, not hazing. Gen Z wants to learn from experienced tradespeople willing to teach. That's what a JATC classroom and a strong crew culture are built around.
Pride in the finished product. Panelists talked about driving past buildings they helped build. Every service call, every commercial fit-out, every substation upgrade is the same story for our members.
A better way, not less work. Younger workers aren't afraid of the job. They want to know why things are done the way they are, and whether there's a smarter approach. That's a mindset worth channeling, not fighting.
For our members: When recruiting, lead with the ladder. Point to the apprenticeship path through Local 280, Local 659, or Local 932 and the training available through CETC, CLETC, and Pacific Inside. It's the clearest career pitch in construction, and it's already built for what Gen Z is asking for.
Read the full Construction Dive article HERE.
Electrical Room Reliability Starts at Install
An August EC&M piece makes a point worth passing along: by industry estimates, about 80% of an electrical room's long-term reliability is locked in during construction, and 20% is protected by ongoing maintenance. That puts the burden, and the opportunity, on the install side.
Install-phase priorities
Small oversights on the front end are what come back as warranty calls and finger-pointing months later. The ones worth catching:
Right-size the room. NEC 110.26 working space plus airflow, service access, and a replacement path.
Mind transformer orientation. Vents facing each other, a wall, or a service position shorten equipment life. Heat is the number one killer.
Plan the exhaust path. Vent to outside air when possible, not into occupied space.
Get grounding and bonding right. Ground the transformer per 250.30 and bond non-current-carrying metal to the EGC.
Label and document the as-built. Panel schedules, termination torque values, test data, and photos of nameplates and breaker settings. This is the record that protects you on a callback.
Offer temperature monitoring. An easy cost-benefit sell that prevents thermal failures.
The service opportunity
Most electrical rooms get no room-level PM. Members with service divisions can lead that conversation with owners: annual checks on airflow, lighting, moisture, dust, and enclosure integrity, plus keeping the room locked, dedicated, and out of storage duty.
Read the full article at EC&M.
📬 Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Stay informed with the latest updates and insights from Oregon Pacific Cascade NECA! Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and industry news or send this link to a friend. Don't miss out and sign up now by following this link. SIGN UP NOW!
Miss an issue or need to revisit a topic? Our newsletters are now on our website HERE!