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February 19, 2025 Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Instagram
Industry News
Getting Ready for the Busy Season
Good news for all of us—March 20 marks the first day of spring! Now’s the time to prepare for the busy season, and we hope it’s busier than ever for you! Get all hands on deck to prepare your shop and fleet for the work ahead.
Working with Subs
Managing risks when working with subcontractors is critical for every contractor's success. Federated Insurance outlines essential strategies like prequalification standards, claims history reviews, and safety protocols to ensure smooth operations and mitigate potential liabilities. 
Federated HR Question of the Month
Can we require that nonexempt employees work on holidays? Some of our employees said that they should not be required to work on holidays and that, if they do, we owe them extra pay. Is any of this true?
REPRESENTING EMPLOYERS IS WHAT WE DO
PRK&A Law®
Peters & Kappenman, P.A. handles a wide variety of employment and construction law matters, including representing contractors in mechanic’s lien disputes and collection matters involving subcontractors and suppliers.  Martin Kappenman has over 20 years of experience representing businesses of all sizes in this area of law.
 
Contact Martin Kappenman at 952.921.4603 or mkappenman@pklaborlaw.com for questions regarding your mechanic’s lien or collection concerns.
 
WWW.PKLABORLAW.COM
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Center for Energy and Environment
Viking Electric
MEMBER NEWS
Showcase Your Company at Career Fairs
We understand that all businesses don’t have time to spend a day at a career event, which is why we want to represent you! New to EA is your ability to sponsor and showcase your brand at an event near you. For a few extra dollars you can increase your visibility without lifting a finger.
Thank You!
Thank you for a great 2025 Summit. This year's Electrical Contractor's Summit was our most attended. The speakers were fantastic and we got a lot of great information in one short day. We're starting the year out with great energy! 
Meet Us at the EXPO! April 16-17
Contractors, licensed and unlicensed electricians, students, apprentices, and products & services vendors—we have a lot of information and a great staff to help you succeed in the industry. Stop in and learn about who we are!
Latest Podcast with Jay Lewis!
The Chair of the Electrical Association's Membership Committee, who is set to become the Chair of the Board of Directors, and owner of Lewis Electrical Contracting and Consulting Services Inc., Jay Lewis, joins Mike to discuss his journey and lessons learned from his years in the electrical trade. 
Safety and Compliance
NEW Toolbox Talks Topic!
Members log in to download the latest Toolbox Talks topic: Megger Safety.
Workforce News
Fair Chance Employment
The Electrical Association believes in second chances. Just because someone made a poor choice in their past doesn’t mean they wouldn’t make a great employee today. Navigating hiring someone with a criminal background can be tricky and confusing territory. That is why EA has partnered with Fair Chance Employer to guide our members through the process. 
HVAC Internships -- Looking for hosts and workers!
Looking for HVAC and insulation contractors to host an internship as an extension of a local workforce training program. The program is sponsored by Xcel Energy, Ramsey County and administered by CEE. Internships typically start in February, April, June and September. Conversations are welcome anytime throughout the year. 
Education and NEC
Customer Relations—Keep the Phone Ringing
Great electrical work gets the job done, but strong customer relationships are what keep the phone ringing—are you doing enough to turn one-time clients into lifelong advocates?
Quiz on the Code

Test your knowledge of TRANSFORMERS.
1.     Article 450 of the NEC covers transformers. Which transformer(s) are(is) NOT covered by Article 450?
(a)     Utility transformers.
(b)     Transformers used for power-limited fire alarm circuits.
(c)     Transformers for sign and outline lighting.
(d)     Answers B & C