The Switch

August 30, 2010 - The Switch – Summer 2010

Oregon has strived and succeeded to be a national leader in the renewable energy arena. One would be hard pressed to travel the state without seeing evidence of Oregon’s dedication to renewable energy by way of wind turbines and solar paneling dotting the landscape. In addition to these more visible renewable energy tools, wave energy is an up and coming renewable energy possibility for Oregon to harvest.

Experts place Oregon as a leader in ocean renewable energy within the United States due to the wave resources and the coastal infrastructure we have to offer. In fact, construction is underway near Reedsport, on what will be the nation’s first wave energy plant. This project is expected to initially generate a total of 2 megawatts, approximately 2.5 miles off the coast. The exciting possibility of harnessing enough wave energy for commercial use is not in our immediate future, but it is on the horizon and Oregon is at the forefront of utilizing this groundbreaking resource. Read more…

April 15, 2010 - The Switch – Spring 2010

A very wise businessman once said about a deep economic recession, “It is only going up from here!” That perspective and attitude is where contractors and electricians need to focus their efforts. Things cannot get much worse and there are several indicators that our national economy has bottomed out. In fact, consumer spending is creeping up, with unemployment numbers leveling off and improving. Plus, spring is here. For those in the trades, construction activity historically picks up starting in the spring.

Recently at a NECA Chapter meeting, well-respectedregional economist Bill Conerly gave his presentation titled: “Financial Storm, Economic Rainbow: How Recovery WillCome to America and the Northwest.” Conerly lamented thattoday’s business decision makers don’t necessarily haveexperience with real recessions. “Back in December 1982, abusiness manager with 25 years of experience had workedthrough five recessions. Now fast forward to December2007. The next generation of business leaders, those againwith 25 years of experience, had only managed through tworecessions….” Read more…

December 17, 2009 - The Switch – Winter 2010

This coming January, Portland’s IBEW Local 48 will host the 20th Annual Meeting of the Electrical Workers Minority Caucus (EWMC), which will be held at the Benson Hotel. The EWMC’s history dates back to 1974 when African American and Hispanic delegates to the 30th IBEW International Convention in Kansas City, Missouri met and formed the Caucus. Its charge—to address the lack of minority representation and other inequalities within the IBEW.

Since 1974, the EWMC has prospered and grown due to its strong vision and belief in the abilities of people of color. The Caucus is a strong advocate for equal rights, opportunities and greater minority representation in the IBEW. It is well respected in the labor movement because of its strong commitment and vigorous pursuit of social and economic justice for minority workers. Read more…

September 1, 2009 - The Switch – Summer 2009

The down time of the construction business cycle is a good opportunity to think about what we can do as union electricians to assure our future. Craft unionism is built on working together for our common benefit and also feeling pride for the quality of our work. While we have inherited the achievements of the union electricians who went before us, it is also our responsibility to prepare the way for those who follow.

We have all heard the line about learning everything we need to know in kindergarten. In a similar way, the future of our trade and our union relies on the rules we learn in the apprenticeship program. In particular, I like the guidance spelled out in the “teaching job skills” pocket card from NJATC. It is simple, direct, and practical. Read more…

May 5, 2009 - The Switch – Spring 2009

Over the last few decades, health care reform has been a part of just about every presidential, congressional and even some gubernatorial races. Former Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber, an emergency room doctor from Roseburg, was a champion of health care and he dramatically revamped the state’s system during his tenure. President Obama, Congress, Governor Kulongoski and the State Legislature have all made health care reform a priority. The challenges are great and the competing interests are significant. A recent nation-wide
survey by the Department of Health and Human Services found that the public’s concerns fell into the following categories:
• Cost of Health Insurance (31%)
• Cost of Health Care Services (24%)
Read more…

February 4, 2009 - The Switch – Winter 2009

On January 8, this was the theme of then Presidentelect’s Barack Obama speech that unveiled his “American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan.” With our unemployment numbers climbing and economic forecasts dismal, the new administration and the 111th Congress has their work cut out for them. The President’s bold plan recognizes that “the very fact that this crisis is largely of our own making means that it is not beyond our ability to solve. Our problems are rooted in past mistakes, not our capacity for future greatness.” His plan is aimed at saving or creating at lease 3 million jobs over the next few years through public investments in priorities to keep America strong and competitive in the 21st century like:

Energy, Education, Health Care, New Infrastructure Read more…

October 15, 2008 - The Switch – Fall 2008

This time of year, it is pretty easy to get voter apathy, with the airways jammed full of political ads, speeches and news coverage. In some cases, the goal of a campaign is to discourage certain voters from exercising their constitutional right. The good news is that in the United States, voting is a privilege and a right. All we have to do is register and then take the time to mark our ballot.

Every four years, we have a presidential election and this year’s is turning out to be quite a showdown. All the candidates, whether for the White House or local government positions, have staked out an Energy position. Next year, a new Administration, the new Congress and our State Legislatures will all be wrestling with the question of how to make our country more energy efficient, environmentally responsible and self sufficient. Read more…

July 10, 2008 - The Switch – Summer 2008

Every year, businesses, unions and legislative leaders support the local community through their charitable contributions and unmatched dedication to some of Oregon’s most deserving organizations. The B.U.L.L. Session is one catalyst for their generosity. The two-day fundraiser, attended by many of the area’s most prestigious leaders, begins with a dinner and auction and continues on day two with a large golf tournament. Since its inception in 1990, the B.U.L.L. Session has raised over $3 million.

It’s hard to believe that it’s been 18 years since NECA and IBEW joined forces with other construction industry power-houses to initiate this community outreach. Alongside founding members Tim Gauthier of NECA and Jerry Bruce of IBEW, was SMACNA’s Bob Blake and McMorgan & Company’s Jim Moss among other community leaders. Read more…

April 14, 2008 - The Switch – Spring 2008

The combination of rising energy prices, tax credits and other government incentives has shown businesses that going green can be profitable and has helped move renewable energy from the margins into the mainstream. Long before “sustainability” became a popular buzz word, leaders in green building have quietly and successfully implemented change. NECA/IBEW Local 48 has worked collectively with other interested parties to enact legislation and implement best practices for ensuring equipment efficiency and overall safety. The result is apparent in the passage of laws and the promotion of safety codes, as well as in the collaborative process that has emerged between builders, contractors and their electricians, designers and owners.

The rapid adoption of LEED certification is a case in point. Together, design build teams are taking the challenge to new heights, often striving for the highest “Platinum” ranking possible. Read more…

January 11, 2008 - The Switch – Winter 2008

Over the last decade, small and large businesses of all kinds have invested millions of dollars into implementing safety initiatives and programs to protect employees, as well as to avoid violations and fines. An individual company’s safety rating significantly influences not only its ability to compete for new business, but also the morale and productivity of its employees. A business that places a high value on safety obviously places a high value on its people. A safe, well-trained workforce is a productive and efficient one.

More businesses could benefit from better safety records if they took their initiatives beyond the typical three ring safety manual. Many NECA contractors do just that. Dynalectric’s dynamic Zero Accident Program (ZAP) drives results through providing creative employee incentives—most recently a new 2008 Chevy Silverado truck. A major investment for the company, but the pay-off is significant. Read more…