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November 20, 2024 Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Instagram
Industry News
Treasure Island is calling—don’t miss the Annual Electrical Contractor’s Summit!
Pack your bags—our Electrical Contractor’s Summit is returning to Treasure Island Resort & Casino January 29-31! This premier event is packed with sessions designed to support your success in the electrical industry.
Stay Competitive! 2025 Wage & Benefit Report Survey Now Open
We are now collecting data for our 2025 Wage & Benefit Report! By participating, you’ll receive a free copy of the report in April, providing you with crucial insights to help shape your employment packages and stay competitive in the industry. 
Address Your Customers’ Winter Lighting Needs
As winter approaches and daylight hours shorten, ensuring the performance and visibility of your customers’ commercial LED lighting becomes increasingly vital. For businesses, clear, well-maintained signage not only represents their brand but also plays a key role in safety.
Windows 10 End of Support: Oct 14, 2025
Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 will reach its End of Support (EOS) date on October 14, 2025. While this may seem far off, we encourage you to start planning now, especially as you prepare your IT budget for 2025.
Compliance With Recent Minnesota Legislation
Peters, Revnew, Kappenman & Anderson, P.A®
With the January 1, 2024, implementation of the earned sick and safe time legislation and all of the other recently enacted employment-related legislation in Minnesota, it’s important to ensure your company’s policies and handbooks are in compliance with all the new laws. If you have not updated your handbook this year, your company is almost certainly not in compliance.

Contact Martin Kappenman at 952.921.4603 or mkappenman@pklaborlaw.com for policy/handbook review or questions regarding any employment-related concerns. 
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Education and NEC
Master License Renewal Reminder!
As the Director of Education at the Electrical Association, I want to remind all Master Electricians that the deadline to renew your license is fast approaching.
2024 Beyond Code: The Case for Surge Protective Devices in Electrical Safety
Surge protective devices (SPDs) were first introduced into the National Electrical Code (NEC) in 2002, specifically in Section 285, where they were identified as Transient Voltage Surge Suppressors (TVSS). Notably, at that time, their use was restricted to circuits below 600 volts.
Center for Energy and Environment
Naylor Association Solutions
MEMBER NEWS
Chad Kurdi Celebrates 10 Years with BKV Group
If you've taken classes with us, you've probably heard Chad's name. He is an instructor for our Code continuing education classes and our two-day Exam Prep Crash Course. His credentials are too many to list here but he just passed his 10-year anniversay working as a Senior Electrical Engineer at BKV Group. 
Bavolak Electric Sold
After 47 years in business, George Bavolak has sold his company Bavolak Electric (Minneapolis). The new owners are Bobie and Ryen Laganiere. The business name, location, phone number and electricians have largely remained the same. Congratulations to George on his retirement, and we wish the Laganieres much success in their new venture! 
Safety and Compliance
Confined-space hazards: What employers need to know
Recently, Minnesota OSHA (MNOSHA) Compliance had a significant case regarding a worker fatality in a confined space. Employers are required to keep employees safe in confined spaces, which can be dangerous and deadly for entrants, through proper entry procedures in compliance with OSHA’s standards.
New Laws Taking Effect on January 1, 2025
There are a number of laws going into effect on January 1, 2025, that will have wide-reaching ramifications for Minnesota employers. The following is a summary of some of the new laws that Minnesota employers should keep in mind as the new year approaches.
Workplace Posters – Required January 1, 2025
The state's new minimum wage poster is available to print or order on DLI's website. Minnesota's minimum-wage rates will be adjusted for inflation beginning Jan. 1, 2025.
Outsourced Accounting vs. In-House Team: Which is Right for Your Business?
From managing daily transactions to preparing for tax season, accurate and efficient accounting practices are essential for maintaining financial health and ensuring compliance with regulations. However, one of the key decisions business owners face is whether to handle these tasks with an in-house accounting team or outsource them to a specialized firm. This decision can significantly impact the business’s operational efficiency, cost structure, and long-term financial strategy. Learn more from our member, Smith Schafer.
Naylor Association Solutions
Naylor Association Solutions
Workforce News
We Can Showcase Your Company at Career Fairs
While hiring has slowed since the beginning of the year, finding quality talent is still a top pain point, with 55% of members looking to hire in the near future.