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October 2014
●
Issue 10
●
Electrical Contractors Association of B.C.
201-3989 Henning Drive, Burnaby, BC, V5C 6N5 | Phone: (604) 294-4123 | Fax: (604) 294-4120 | E-mail: eca@eca.bc.ca | Website: www.eca.bc.ca
Current News
...Now You Are Connected!
BC Safety Authority Announces
2015 – 2017 Fee Changes
New Members
Vancouver Island Chapter Update
Member Benefits
Fall is always a busy time of year for our Chapters and
Committees around the province.
After a few weeks off for the summer our Chapters are
back to business and it is inspiring to see so many new
faces helping out with ideas and sharing the work load
with other volunteers. One of the best events in the
last few weeks was our Open House in Prince George.
As you will read in this newsletter we had a sold out
event. This was not easily accomplished, but thanks to
the dedicated effort from our Chapter Task Force who
worked with our office and executed our marketing
plan perfectly, it was the biggest event ever for our
Central Chapter! This result showed that there is a
growing support for our association and after more
than 60 years, we continue to thrive and build
membership across the province. Growth will continue
to be our theme for the winter and spring with similar
Open Houses planned on Vancouver Island and
central BC. Stay tuned!
In addition to growth, ECABC is dedicated to building
more value for our members as your voice and
advocate. Our training courses and Tech Talks are
unique and are created specifically for the electrical
trade and are constantly updated to benefit all
stakeholders. Our Education and Training Committee
invites your input for new ideas and suggestions on
what you need to improve your skills.
In this Issue...
Chairman's Report
President's
Message
As members of ECABC, your company and all workers
can take advantage of selected discounts and benefits
from a list of suppliers. All you need to do is register
names with our office and you have exclusive access
online. There is no charge for this service.
Central Chapter Update
2014 VRCA Annual Awards of
Excellence
Vancouver Chapter Update
A Stroll Down Memory Lane
2014 Innovative and Sustainable
Electrical Energy Conference
Upcoming ECABC Training
Courses
I look forward to seeing you at one of our many events
in the next few weeks.
Best regards,
Sparky's Shorts
The ECABC's Mission is to
strengthen and promote the
Electrical Contracting Industry.
Our SIX Core Values:
Safety - Education - Integrity - Respect Team Work - Quality of Life
Deborah Cahill
ECABC President
PAGE 02
ECABC CURRENT NEWS ...Now You Are Connected!
Chairman’s Report:
Mike Crucil
It’s been a busy few weeks and here are some things we have been
working on from the Board level:
The NECA 2014 Convention & Trade Show in Chicago, September
27 - 30: The NECA Convention was billed as a “mix of opportunities
for education, inspiration, networking, and fun,” and it lived up to all
expectations. In fact it was one of the best conferences I have ever
attended. ECABC is fortunate to be a part of this association and for
the help they give in guiding CECA. The convention had many events,
for professional development and networking, including a massive
trade show where attendees could discover new technology,
products and service solutions for the electrical industry.
The highlight for me was the guest speakers who included Chris
Gardener and Rob O’Neill. Gardener was the keynote speaker at the
convention opening. He wrote the book “The Pursuit of Happyness”
and his story was portrayed by Will Smith in the Hollywood movie of
the same name. Chris was very inspirational in addressing how to
overcome obstacles in everyday life while still appreciating the small
stuff!
Rob O’Neill is a Decorated Military Veteran and Navy Seal. He spoke
about a range of topics including making informed decisions and
teamwork. One message I took away from his talk was eliminating the
words “it can’t be done” from our vocabulary. Rob is a veteran of 400
missions and he learned to never give up! His description of those
missions was truly incredible, life-and-death situations. Sure, we all
face adversity in business, but nothing like combat or terrorist
situations. His experience taught him how to succeed as a team
leader and over the years he was cast into some 400 missions and he
was lucky to report his unit suffered zero casualties. If he can lead in
in those extreme situations, we can lead our companies and projects
to success too.
The convention also organized some evening social and networking
events that were very professionally done and memorable. One
function was at The Field Museum of Natural History where we
walked through the Museum, met Sue the Dinosaur, while listening to
a band, networking with other contractors, and enjoying a glass of
wine.
The trade show was huge and very informative featuring the newest
industry tools, technology and tons of take-away materials. There
certainly was a lot to see for my first time at a NECA event!
In September we also attended a CECA national meeting in
Chicago where we made a presentation giving feedback from our
Board to our Canadian association. It was clear that CECA’s
Executive will develop a new strategic plan that will better serve us
here in BC and other provinces. We will keep you posted on that.
We have been working on developing solutions for the problems
created by Change Orders. As contractors these create confusion,
waste time and cost all stakeholders money. To come up with ideas
ECABC is sponsoring a special meeting and workshop with invited
engineers and the leading authority on the subject, Dr. Awad Hanna.
www.youtube.com/user/ecabcTV
Our Task Force is led by Dan Mott and this meeting will take make major steps
towards coming up with a fair solution for all parties. Thanks to everyone who
has volunteered time on this ground-breaking meeting.
I’d like to thank Jason McCormick, Bill Strain, Terry Lange, Morris Lansing and
Deborah Cahill who are working on the Dues Task Force. We appreciate all their
hours of committed time to reviewing our dues structure and moving into the
future.
I look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming events. Good luck and stay
safe this fall!
Mike Crucil
ECABC Chairman
PAGE 03
ECABC CURRENT NEWS ...Now You Are Connected!
Members’ Benefits:
For YOU, Your Company AND All Employees!
ECABC Members enjoy a select list of benefits and discounts
including… seasonal specials on hotels, office supplies, vehicle
sales and leasing, work and safety wear, cell phone
accessories and a lot more!
For a complete list of benefits and discounts go to:
http://eca.bc.ca/pages/benefits_contractors
These benefits are available to all ECABC Member Company
employees. To take advantage of the discounts, employees
must register with Wanda Hickey at ECABC Member Services:
memberservices@eca.bc.ca
or call: 604.294.4123.
2014 VRCA Annual
Awards of Excellence
Each year the Vancouver Regional Construction
Association recognizes the province’s best
companies, individuals and projects in the
construction industry at the VRCA Awards of
Excellence gala on October 16, 2014. One of
ECABC’s Hall of Famers, Hank Paquin was
presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award
– congratulations Hank!
Congratulations Hank Paquin!
ECABC Hall of Famer and VRCA's
2014 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient!
project management. One Silver Award winner
from each category was chosen as the Gold
Award winner. The Electrical Contractor award
winners are below.
For a complete list of winners in all categories
go to:
http://www.vrca.bc.ca/VRCAAwards/page/2014%
Three Silver Award winners were selected in the 20award%20winners.aspx#.VEW0oEvvZg0
Electrical Contracting categories for innovative
techniques, new materials and/or exceptional
Welcome New ECABC Members!
Electrical Contractors - Up to $2 Million: Silver Award Winners:
IBEW Union Affiliated Contractors:
RS Line Construction Inc.
Park Enterprises Inc.
Stratford Hall Private School
Dilawri Audi Dealership
Cargill Dust Mitigation Program
Non-IBEW Contractors:
Compass Electric Ltd.
High Point Electric
MDE Enterprises
Associates Members:
Ouellet Canada
Standard Products
HD Supply (Brafasco)
K.M. Roberts & Assoc. Ltd
BlackHawk Energy Saver Corp.
The Cat Rental Store
Connect-Air International
Finning (Canada)
Vancouver
Vancouver
Vancouver
Bridge Electric Corp.
Anton Electrical Services Inc.
Houle Electric Limited
Gold Award Winner: Anton Electrical Services
Electrical Contractors – Over $2 Million: Silver Award Winners:
Surrey Memorial Hospital Critical Care Tower Surrey
Houle Electric Limited
Surrey Pretrial Services Centre Expansion
Surrey
Western Pacific Enterprises GP
Schneider Electric Solar MicroGrid Lab
Burnaby Power Pros Electrical
Gold Award Winner: Houle Electric Limited
Lifetime Achievement Award: Hank Paquin, Sasco Contractors Ltd.
PAGE 04
ECABC CURRENT NEWS ...Now You Are Connected!
A Stroll Down
Memory Lane…
While strolling down memory lane recently it
occurred to me that you might be interested in a
story about the annual convention in Victoria during
the 1970’s, a story which will not appear in the
official record.
At the time, Ernie Almerling was President, Ross
Kinneard was Business Manager (ably assisted by
the redoubtable 'Berta') & I was a member of the
Executive Committee. As President of the Victoria
chapter it fell to me to arrange accommodation,
meeting rooms etc. with the Empress Hotel and my
wife, Marie, undertook planning a program for the
women’s activities. On the second morning Marie
held a breakfast for the women while the men
attended a seminar in the adjacent salon. As a
special treat Marie enlisted the aid of Dennis
Chatfield, George Pitman and Bill Morris to serve
“Harvey Wallbangers” - a popular cocktail back in
the 70’s. Wallbangers include a mix of vodka,
orange juice and Galiano liqueur. We heard later the
drinks went down so well that the hotel had to make
a quick run to the liquor store for more Galiano! As
the meal progressed the noise level escalated to a
point where our seminar, in the adjacent room, was
all but inaudible, much to Ross’s dismay! Eventually
the ladies quieted down and staggered off to their
respective rooms.
The following day one of the contractor’s wives
congratulated Marie but asked that prior warning be
given for any future events so that she could ‘go into
training’!
As a side note: Ross was responsible for unifying the
local chapters into what became a force in the BC
construction industry. Prior to this unification each
town had its own independent chapter and bargained
with its own IBEW Local. So in a way he was the
‘father’ of today's ECA.
Best Regards,
Ron Heaps
Ron Heaps is former CEO of Glen Valley Electrical Company in
Victoria and has sat on numerous ECABC Executive Committees.
2014 Innovative and
Sustainable Electrical
Energy Conference
Sign up and join leading experts in exploring:
Alternative energy resources
Electrical code development
Emerging technologies
New market opportunities
Wednesday, November 12th
8 am - 1 pm
Tickets
$45 ($35 early bird)
$600 Exhibitor
Executive Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre
405 North Road, Coquitlam BC
Register at
http://www.bcsaelectricalconference2014.eventbrite.ca/
Guest Speakers: Nigel Protter, BC Sustainable Energy Association;
Jared Donald, Conergy, Sun Mine Project; Laird Brown, Whistler
Blackcomb Solar, Hydro-electric, Energy Efficiency and Energy
Management Projects; Ark Tsisserev, Electrical Code Expert,
Applied Engineering Specialists
Details:
• Approximately 200 Electrical Professionals expected
• 20 Exhibitor Booths
• Full Buffet Breakfast & refreshment break
• 4 Expert Speakers
• Networking & booth exploration time
• Grand Prize draw & registration bags
• Tickets $45 ($35 early bird) and $600 Exhibitor
PAGE 05
ECABC CURRENT NEWS ...Now You Are Connected!
Sparky’s
Shorts:
•
•
•
If someone shows you their true
colors, don’t try to repaint them!
What’s your philosophy? Do you
want to play it safe and be good or
do you want to take a chance and
be great?
To win, learn the rules of the game
and then play better than everyone
else.
• There is no Wi-Fi in the forest, but I
promise you a better connection!
BC Safety Authority Announces
2015 – 2017 Fee Changes
ECABC met with representatives from the BC Safety Authority this past summer to discuss
proposed changes to their fee structure. In a follow up email to ECABC, Frank Do, Leader,
Stakeholder Engagement for BCSA announced the following changes.
The fees affect the electrical, gas, elevating devices and boiler, pressure vessels and
refrigeration technologies. The approved changes take effect on January 12, 2015.
•
•
•
•
Advertise in this space
and on our website.
Contact Member Services
memberservices@eca.bc.ca
•
•
An average 3% per annum increase in fees for 2015, 2016 and 2017;
Removal of the fee cap on electrical contractor installation permits;
A gradual removal of the fee cap for electrical operating permit holders (distributed sites
clients only) by 2018;
Simplifying the gas fee schedule by combining the fee tables for new residential
installations;
Gradually introducing a new re-assessment fee structure for elevating devices that fail
their final inspection; and
Replacing the existing hourly billing process for boiler design registrations with
standardized flat fees.
For more details on the changes as well as the new fee schedules for the 2015 to 2017
period, visit BDSA’s site at: www.safetyauthority.ca\fee-consult
Vancouver Island
Chapter Update
Kevin Sumpton, Chapter Chair
On September 19, 2014 The Vancouver Island Chapter held our Annual
Charity Golf Tournament at The Cowichan Golf & Country Club. Again
this year it was a sold out event that raised $3,215 for The Multiple
Sclerosis Society. Players and guests bought 50/50 tickets and
Merciful Mulligans.
Thanks to Houle Electric for making a donation to our charity!
CONGRATULATIONS ROB WILLIAMS, DALE REID,
LEW WILLIAMS & KEVIN JAMES!
Congratulations to the winning foursome: Rob Williams, Dale Reid, Lew Williams and Kevin James. Our proximity winners were: Men’s
Long Drive: Ben Davies, Ladies’ Long Drive: Mary Canning, Men’s Closest to the Pin: Tyler Carson, Ladies’ Closest to the Pin: Ginny Alger
and the Straightest Drive winner was Chris Whalley.
Our Team Grand Prize Draw was for one night’s accommodation at The Black Rock Resort in Ucluelet. Congratulations to: Dale Risvold,
Morris Lansing, Ian Logan and Roger Dupuis.
Upcoming Vancouver Island Events: Chapter Meeting, October 30, 2014 at Oceanfront Suites at Cowichan Bay, and our Annual
Christmas Party on Friday November 21, 2014. For complete information and to register online go to:
http://eca.bc.ca/pages/events_calendar#id=102&wid=1&cid=669
Special thanks go out to all of our volunteers and our Executive Committee for helping to plan and organize our events. Our Executive
Committee Members for 1014 -2015 are: Kevin Sumpton, Mike Crucil, Jim Svenson, Randy Noble, Shaun Henneberry and Ross Richards.
PAGE 06
ECABC CURRENT NEWS ...Now You Are Connected!
Central
Chapter
Update
Darcy Bryant,
Chapter Chair
On October 7, 2014 The
ECABC’s Central Chapter
held its largest event ever.
“One of our goals is to build our Chapters
“The ECABC has a lot to offer,” adds Crucil. “And
throughout the province and I was blown away
in order for us to better represent the industry,
by the enthusiasm I saw from everyone who
we need new members to step up, become
attended. The words “what you put in - is what
Chapter members and weigh in on the issues we
you get out” really resonates with me and you
are dealing with now. But membership is very
could see the effort everyone put in. The mini-
much a give and take relationship. Our members
trade show was a big attraction too. We saw
have told us that the networking and problem
some new products, and the associate members
solving opportunities added with tangible
who put on the trade booths put out a great
benefits, like discounts, training courses and
effort and it showed. But the main purpose of the
being up to date on technology, code changes…
Open House was to show what ECABC can offer,
That’s why we see leading companies renew
as the industry representative, to new potential
their membership in ECABC year after year.”
members. I am happy to see the number of new
prospects we have to join Central Chapter”
Other Central Chapter Notes: The ECABC
Central Chapter/MCA 3rd Annual Golf
An Open House was held last spring at the
Tournament was held on September 11/14 in
Vancouver Chapter and resulted in 12 new
Prince George. 67 players enjoyed a great day
members. The planning and organization of the
registered…It was another successful tournament
event in Prince George was lead by the ECABC’s
raising $1,300 for charity. Our next tournament is
The Sandman Inn in Prince George was home to
Membership and Communications Committees
The 3rd Annual Fluorescent Cup Hockey
the Chapter’s Open House and New Technology
with a Chapter Task Force. “Our Task Force did
Tournament, December 29/14 in Prince George.
Trade Show. The event attracted 45 Chapter
a terrific job inviting and following up with
members and invited guests who saw product
potential members and making sure our
For more on Chapter Meetings and other events
and service displays from Trinity Power,
exhibitors were well looked after. Thanks to Nick
Milwaukee Electric Tool, Mac’s II Agencies, Eecol
Hauff, Doug Engstrom, Roger Pelletier, Allen
go to:
http://eca.bc.ca/pages/events_calendar#cid=669
Electric, Elec-Tech Sales, Thomas & Betts, UBS
Crowe and Wanda Hickey from ECA’s head
&wid=1
Industries (Unistrut) and Hilti Canada.
office,” said Darcy Bryant. “It was great hearing
from our guest speakers too. When you hear
Guest speakers for the evening included Central
from guys who have helped build our association
Chapter Chair Darcy Bryant, ECABC Board of
you realize how far we have come as an industry,
Director’s Chairman Mike Crucil, Past Chair,
and you appreciate the work that the ECABC has
Robert Lashin, Hall of Famer Roger Pelletier and
done over the past 60 years for contractors, our
Associate Member Charles Park. “It was great to
workers and our affiliated manufacturers and
see such a large attendance,” said Mike Crucil.
distributors.”
PAGE 07
ECABC CURRENT NEWS ...Now You Are Connected!
Upcoming
ECABC
Training
Courses:
Members receive discount
registration fees for all Education
and Training Courses.
For more information and to register go to:
http://www.eca.bc.ca/pages/events_calendar#cid=669&wid=1
NOVEMBER 13:
EPS Electrical Project Supervision Level III – Vancouver
NOVEMBER 20:
Dr. Awad Hanna: Managing Field Productivity Improve the Bottom Line
NOVEMBER 26:
Tech Talk: Fire Alarms & Code Requirements for
Lighting Controls with Ark Tsisserev and Sunny
Ghataurah
NOVEMBER 27:
Managing Risks Contractually as a Subcontractor, with
Lawyer Dan Leduc
Arc Flash (ESTS): Online Training 24/7:
http://www.ecabctraining.com
Vancouver Chapter
Update
Dan Robertson is new Chapter Chair
After over 10 years on the Executive Committee, Graham Trafford
stepped down as Chairman of the Vancouver Chapter at the Annual
General Meeting held on September 23, 2014. “I was the Vicepresident in 2004 and became the Chapter Chair in January of
2009,” said Trafford. “I first started going to Chapter meetings in the
late 90’s and at that time we were lucky to get 8 contractors to
attend. Today we are consistently seeing 40 or more people attend
our meetings and social events. Increased participation has been the
biggest change over the years, thanks to the work of our members
who volunteered on our Executive Committees. When I started my
tenure as Chapter Chair I focused on the value of membership and I
think we have been able to show that to our members, both old and
new.”
At the AGM in September a new Executive was elected. The
incoming Chapter Chair is Dan Robertson and the Vice Chair is Rob
Romaniuk. Trafford adds, “I see the Chapter continuing to be strong
as the executive under the leadership of Dan and Rob have
embraced the vision of providing the members with value that will
strengthen and grow their businesses. As a chapter member I will
continue to attend meetings and be involved because I believe in
ECABC and the core values that our association stands for.”
Also joining the Vancouver Chapter Executive are Treasurer Mark
Worden and Directors Phil Adams, Rick Friesen, John Arnott and
Tony Smith.
New Chapter Chair Dan Robertson said, “I look forward to working
with a great chapter with such an active executive. We have some
topical meeting themes that will be of interest to all contractors and
some great social activities starting with our November Iron Chef
Challenge. Thanks to Graham who has led our chapter with integrity
and passion. We have been lucky to have his strong leadership for
the last 10 years. We hope to continue to provide membership value
and to build upon the foundation that Graham and the chapter
executive has laid.”
The Vancouver Chapter Meeting on October 28, 2014 at the Hilton
Metrotown featured Ted Simmons, BCIT Chief Instructor for the
Electrical Trades Program. His topic was: The Key Changes
Contained in the 2015 Canadian Electrical Code.
Upcoming Events: There is a special Social Night on November 27 at
the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts. “The Iron Chef Challenge” is a
fun, hands on cooking event that has ten competing teams to plan
and prepare dishes using mystery ingredients. It will be a unique
experience, even if you are not a skilled cook! Space is limited – only
60 aprons are available.
For complete information and to register for Chapter Meeting &
Events, go to:
http://eca.bc.ca/pages/events_calendar#id=113&wid=1&cid=669