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NEWSLETTER March 2026: New Education Class, Safety Program Update, ELECTRI, Bidding, and Gen-Z

Updated: Mar 2

By Stephanie Corken, Jan 5, 2026


March is about momentum.

From chapter meetings and safety training to national education opportunities and legislative updates, this month brings practical tools to help you protect your workforce, strengthen your operations, and stay competitive.

As always, our focus is simple. Support your business. Protect the standard. Power progress together.


📚 Chapter Meetings, Education Courses, & Safety Classes


CHAPTER MEETINGS:

🤝280 LMCC | Tuesday, March 3, 2026 | 1-2 p.m. | Central Electrical Training Center Change from previously scheduled meeting on March 11th

🦺659 Safety | Tuesday, March 24, 2026 | 11 a.m. -12 p.m. | Crater Lake Electrical Training Center

🤝659 LMCC | Tuesday, March 24, 2026 | 12-1 p.m. | Crater Lake Electrical Training Center

🦺932 Safety | Wednesday, March 25, 2026 | 3-4 p.m. | Pacific Electrical Training Center

🤝932 LMCC | Wednesday, March 25, 2026 | 4-5 p.m. | Pacific Electrical Training Center

🦺280 Safety | Thursday, March 26, 2026 | 4-5 p.m. | Central Electrical Training Center


LOCAL IN-PERSON EVENTS & TRAINING:

Administrative Professionals Luncheon


Foreman Development Series


Safety Break for Oregon Safety Walks

  • Crater Lake 659 Division: May 11, 2026

  • Cascade 280 Division: May 12-13, 2026

  • Sunset 932 Division: May 14, 2026


NATIONAL IN-PERSON EVENTS & TRAINING:

🛠 NECA Emerge | Atlanta, GA | April 13-25, 2026

📜 NECA Legislative Conference | Washington, D.C. | May 4-6, 2026

🦺 Safety Professionals Conference | Atlanta, GA | May 18-20, 2026

🎓 Advanced Executive Leadership Institute | Durham, NC | May 31-June 5, 2026


WEBINARS & VIRTUAL LEARNING:

🎓 Worker’s Compensation Insurance SAIF | Webinars and Classroom Trainings available year-round:

📊Project Risk Analysis & the Strategic Review of Your WIP | Tuesday, March 3, 2026 | 12 p.m. ET

💻 Microsoft Copilot Webinar | Monday, March 9, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM - Contact Stephanie to register, Deadline: March 6

📐 Basic Estimating of Electrical Construction | Monday, March 9-Thursday, March 19, 2026 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. ET

📐 Advanced Estimating Strategies | Monday, March 9-Friday, March 13, 2026 | 12:30-3:30 p.m. ET

More Virtual Estimating Classes coming in June

🧠How to Define and Manage AI Initiatives | Thursday, April 2, 2026 | 3 p.m. ET



February Reports Are Open in EPRLive

February payroll reports are now open in EPRLive.

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.

⚠️ Because March 15, 2026, falls on a Sunday, payments must be received by Friday, March 13, 2026.

There are no exceptions or grace periods due to NEBF policies and IRS regulations related to 401(k) contributions. Payments are processed by date received, not postmarked 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.

Failure to meet the 15th deadline may result in liquidated damages and interest.

Please ensure your payroll team or third-party provider is aware of these requirements.

If you have any questions, reach out to Melinda.



NECA Safety Program Update: Hybrid Structure Now in Place

We have implemented an update to the Oregon Pacific-Cascade NECA Safety Program designed to strengthen proactive safety education while preserving expert regulatory support when it matters most.

This hybrid structure separates prevention from enforcement response, ensuring members receive the right expertise at the right time.

Prevention and Education LeadershipTaunia Blakely will serve as Interim NECA Safety Coordinator, focusing on safety meetings, training classes, committee alignment, toolbox topics, quarterly check-ins, and safety manual support to help contractors stay ahead of risk.

Incident and Enforcement SupportVaughn Pugh with Integrity Safety Services will continue handling OR-OSHA investigations, post-incident investigations, compliance documentation, OSHA 300 logs, and on-site enforcement support.

All Injury and Incident Report forms should continue to be submitted directly to the Chapter office.

Most importantly, you are not navigating safety alone.

👉 Read the full Safety Program update and access reporting forms HERE.



Save the Date: NECA 2026 Convention and Trade Show

We are beginning early planning for the NECA 2026 Convention and Trade Show in Las Vegas, October 4 to 7, 2026.

This national event remains one of the most valuable gatherings for union electrical contractors. It is dedicated time to step away from daily operations and focus on strengthening your business.

In three days, contractors can:

  • Connect with 400 plus manufacturers and service providers

  • Attend education sessions built for NECA contractors

  • Participate in leadership and innovation workshops

  • Network with contractors from across the country

The value is practical. Real tools and strategies you can bring back to your shop.

Help Us Plan

Please reply to this email and let us know:

  • Are you planning to attend NECA 2026?

  • How many from your company may attend?

Even a Yes, No, or Maybe helps.

If our members are going, we want to be ready to support you.

Thank you for taking a moment to respond. We appreciate your input.



New ELECTRI Research & Education for NECA Contractors

ELECTRI International has released new resources designed to help electrical contractors operate smarter, safer, and more profitably. These are practical tools you can apply directly to your business.

Service & Maintenance + NFPA 70B/E

Clear, contractor-focused guidance on aligning your service work with NFPA 70B and NFPA 70E. Includes a practical guide and process road map to help you strengthen compliance and reduce risk.👉 View Report HERE.

Fleet Management

Industry benchmarks and real-world insights to improve fleet safety, cost control, technology use, and operational efficiency.👉 View Report HERE.

Planning for Productivity

Best practices from 20 leading contractors to better align estimating, purchasing, and project execution. Protect margins and improve field performance.👉 View Report HERE.

AI in Construction Virtual Series

NECA Education, Powered by ELECTRI, is launching a seven-part virtual series focused on where AI fits in construction. Learn what’s working now and how to apply it responsibly in your operations. Grounded. Practical. No hype.

👉 Register HERE.

New Webinar Series: Service & 70Brew

A new, relaxed discussion forum for service-focused professionals. If service and maintenance are part of your growth strategy, this is worth your time.👉 Sign up HERE to receive an invitation.

Business Coaching Available

ELECTRI’s Business Coaching Program is open to all NECA contractors, offering strategic guidance to strengthen operations and leadership.

Learn more HERE, or contact Jessica Cardenas with questions.



NEBF Notices and What to Do

If you receive any correspondence from NEBF indicating that a payment is due or identifying any deficiencies, please contact Melinda Sinay at 541-736-1443 or via email at bookkeeper@orpacneca.org with a copy of the letter attached. She will be happy to assist you in reviewing the notice and working toward a prompt resolution.



Legislative Snapshot from Pac/West Lobby Group

Here is a quick snapshot of key bills that could impact wage standards, costs, and future work opportunities for electrical contractors.

1️⃣ Prevailing Wage and Affordable Housing

SB 1566Would modify prevailing wage exemptions on certain public housing projects. Union leaders testified in opposition.Status: Still in committee.Why it matters: Potential impact on wage standards and apprenticeship funding.

2️⃣ BOLI Funding Proposals

SB 1506 / HB 4027Proposes increasing the prevailing wage fee cap and the Workers’ Benefit Fund assessment to address backlog.Impact: Higher administrative costs and increased enforcement activity.

3️⃣ Housing and Industrial Development

Measures advancing on UGB adjustments, manufactured housing expansion, and financing tools.SB 1586 – Oregon JOBS Act would expand advanced manufacturing through industrial land access and tax incentives. NECA has expressed support.Impact: Potential increase in project volume and long term work pipeline.

What NECA Is Watching

  • Prevailing wage standards

  • BOLI funding and enforcement

  • Housing production

  • Workforce and apprenticeship impacts

We remain engaged and focused on protecting contractor competitiveness and wage standards. We will keep you informed as these measures move forward.



The Safety Circuit: Good News in Construction Safety

Construction deaths from slips, trips, and falls appear to be trending downward heading into 2026, based on the latest federal data showing an overall decline in construction fatalities. While the Bureau of Labor Statistics hasn’t yet released the detailed 2024 breakdown for fall‑related incidents, total construction deaths dropped by 41 compared to the previous year, and because falls remain the leading cause of fatalities in the industry, this overall decrease strongly suggests improvement in fall‑prevention outcomes as well.

By Taunia Blakely, Interim NECA Safety Coordinator



📱 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.



Transparency, Principle, and a Gap in Senate Rules

In a recent reflection, former State Sen. Rick Metsger shares the story behind a decades-old gap in Oregon Senate rules and the principled stand of former Sen. Avel Gordly.

The article recounts how Gordly helped lead an effort to open Senate caucus meetings to the press in the early 2000s, setting a new standard for transparency. When partisan tensions later led to closed-door meetings, Gordly refused to participate, standing firmly by her commitment to open government. When Senate Rule 2.30, which encouraged open caucus meetings, was later removed, a gap was left in the rulebook that remains today.

It is a reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability, and the individuals willing to stand on principle.

👉 Read the full article here by Rick Metsger with The Political Center HERE.



⚡ 60% of Gen Z Is Considering the Skilled Trades

A new survey shows 6 in 10 Gen Zers plan to pursue careers in the skilled trades. Last year, it was under 40 percent.

That’s a real shift. Why?College debt concerns.Job security.Strong earning potential.Concern about AI replacing office jobs.

Electrical work cannot be automated. It requires training, judgment, and real world problem solving.

What This Means

Around 80,000 electrician openings are projected each year, while thousands retire annually. We feel that shortage every day.

If Gen Z is looking at the trades, this is our opportunity.

Through partnership with the IBEW and NECA, we already have proven apprenticeship pathways, recognized training, clear wage progression, and strong safety standards.

Gen Z wants stability and growth. Union electrical contracting delivers.

Now it’s on us to train, mentor, and retain them.

Read the full article at Construction Dive HERE.



Mastering Advanced Bidding Strategies in Electrical Contracting

Winning profitable electrical work today requires more than accurate takeoffs. Strong estimating is a disciplined process that combines careful document review, smart project selection, and ongoing market awareness.

Successful bids start with a thorough review of all drawings, specifications, and addenda to uncover hidden scope, testing requirements, and other costs that can erode margins if missed. Beyond the plans, proactive engagement with general contractors and suppliers helps expand bidding opportunities and gather insight into competition, pricing trends, and which projects are truly worth pursuing. Not every job is a good fit, and risk-and-effort analysis allows contractors to focus on work with higher win potential and better alignment with their capabilities.

Consistent bidders also treat estimating as a continuous business function, maintaining a steady pipeline to avoid feast-or-famine cycles. Post-bid follow-up is just as important, providing feedback that helps refine labor rates, markups, and strategy over time. Contractors who build repeatable estimating systems, rather than chasing every job, are better positioned to win work that is properly scoped, competitively priced, and profitable from day one.

Read the full article at EC&M HERE.



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