NEWS - March 2004
Titles:
The Electric League’s initial “3Rs seminar” was a success. Thanks to all who organized the event, to the presenters, and of course the attendees. The seminar reminded many of the issues facing the electrical industry. Remember if you are not performing your roles, responsibilities and relationships properly then how can you expect those you deal with to perform properly? Think about this and see if we as an industry can do better.
The Safety Luncheon on April 23 is a “must attend.” We will roll out the “red carpet” for our budding “film stars.” The awards are our own “Eddy’s” (Thomas Edison) for the best amateur films on electrical safety and/or electrical careers. Winning films will be shown. It is really a great experience. Allow some extra time and view some of the winning films from last year – they are very good.
Have you looked at your insurance coverage(s) lately? Does it need updating? Do you want to have a knowledgeable person look at your present coverage and costs? Well don’t forget that one of the Electric League membership benefits is very favorable programs and costs from Federated Insurance on your company insurance needs. For more information and contact numbers Call the Electric League or go unto our website- www.electricleague.org.
And finally a repeat plea from last month – please start working on your plans for the the Trade Show in April 2005. We all know that we need to have the equipment and the monies committed by our suppliers and our firms long before “showtime.” The trade shows are the Electric League’s means of financial survival and a great chance to show our products and services to a large, diverse group. Participate in the Electric League! You get more out of it if you put more effort into it. As always any brilliant ideas and comments can be forwarded to me at jkelble@aap-kc.com.
John Kelble,
President
The second annual Thomas Edison Electrical Awareness Awards (Eddy’s) will be presented at the Safety Luncheon April 23 at the Kansas City Marriott on the Country Club Plaza in the Brushcreek Room. Registration will begin at 11:30 a.m. with the lunch served at noon. The Eddy’s are part of an electrical education program aimed at middle school and high school students. The purpose of the awards is to raise awareness of the electrical industry and safety issues.
Students entered into the contest must work together to create a five to 10 minute video on one of three topics related to electricity – careers in the electrical industry, electrical safety, and/or how electricity has changed the way we live.
At the luncheon, the first place winners in two divisions, elementary/middle school and high school, will be recognized for their accomplishments and the winning videos will be shown. The video entries will in turn be made available by The Electric League to all K-12 schools in the area for use in their curriculum.
A registration form for the luncheon is included with this newsletter. Mark your calendar for April 23 to attend the Second Annual Thomas Edison Electrical Awareness Luncheon.
Retirement congratulations to Grant Kitchen (Eaton Cutler Hammer) in February and Ted Horning (Rensenhouse) in March. What are we going to do for a Santa Claus at the Holiday Luncheon? Best wishes to Sue Pilant at Bernie Electric on the engagement of her daughter.
Kudos to Cindy McGough (daughter of Doug McGough at C&O) a freshman at KU upon receiving a NEMRA scholarship for the 2004/2005 scholastic year. See y’all next time ... keep those e-mails coming in.
peoplecolumn@electricleague.org or phone them in to Kim Swank at the League office (816-561-5323).
Electric League members will want to keep Monday, May 17 open for the Annual Spring Golf Outing. This year, we are playing at Grand Summit Golf Course in Grandview, Mo. The 18-hole championship course was built in 2002 and includes all the amenities of a top flight country
club - spacious clubhouse, professionally designed golf course, swimming pools, tennis courts, fitness center, pro shop and dinning facilities.
The course is located at 14902 Grand Summit Blvd. in Grandview, Mo. From Highway 71 go east on 150 Highway approximately 1/4 mile then south on Grand Summit Blvd. More information about Grand Summit can be seen on their website: www.lindseymanagement.com/golf_course_detail.html.
A golf outing registration form is included with this newsletter. See you on the course!
On Monday, March 8, testimony was given before Karen Brownlee’s Senate Commerce Committee. The presentations went well, and the group, which included Electric League members, left the room feeling that we made a successful presentation. The following day, Tuesday, we testified before the House Federal and State Affairs Committee, William Mason, Chairperson. I think our testimony went well, however, it is the chairman’s prerogative whether he “works” with the bill. By working the bill, the committee considers whether the bill should be sent to the floor for a vote or should die in committee.
Electric League members need to keep the pressure on. We have sent out the names and addresses of the members of the Senate Commerce Committee. Please contact them again and encourage support of SB445. Again, these communications should be e-mailed, faxed or mailed.
Kenneth R. Keller, Legislative Committee
Missouri House Considering Tort Reform
The Missouri House is considering the issue of tort reform the week of March 8.
Summary of tort reform contained in House Bill 1304
At issue in the proposal are economic caps, venue, and joint and several liability. The legislation:
- Attempts to more clearly define venue
- Provides that a defendant will be jointly and severally liable for the amount of compensatory and non-economic damages only if the defendant is found to bear 50 percent or more of the fault.
- Increases the cap on non-economic damages from $350,000 to $400,000, removes the “per occurrence” language in order to overrule a Missouri Supreme Court decision, and eliminates the requirement that award limitations for non-economic damages be adjusted annually for inflation.
If passed and signed by the Governor, provisions of the bill will apply to causes of action filed after August 28, 2004.
Suggested Talking Points for Correspondence With Legislators
- Significant, meaningful tort reform would keep qualified practitioners working in Missouri at affordable rates.
- Access to quality, affordable services of all kinds enhances the quality of life for all Missourians, while creating an incentive for businesses to relocate and expand in Missouri.
- This, in turn, works to stimulate the state economy and grow state budget revenues.
Please welcome the following new members who have joined the Electric League since January 1, 2004:
Electric Utility Innovations, Inc.
Tony Winslow, (913) 685-2724
A new Electric League program was unveiled on February 10 – the 3Rs of the Electrical Industry. The 3Rs stand for roles, responsibilities and relationships. Bob Herzig, Bob Herzig & Associates, Inc., served as moderator of the half-day event as well as the key person involved in developing the program.
The League offers its thanks and appreciation to the following individuals and their companies who shared their knowledge and expertise on the 3Rs related to their particular industry niche:
- Contractor, Rosie Privitera Biondo, Mark One Electric
- Distributor, Tom Isenberg, Western Extralite Co.
- Inspector, Barry Walthall, City of Lawrence
- Manufacturer, Tom McLeod, Hubbell Wiring Device/Kellems
- Manufacturers’ Representative, Duff Greenwood, CBM
- Engineer, Tim Scott, Gibbens Drake Scott
- Utility, Vern Skripsky, KCPL
- Electric League, John Kelble, Associated Air Products
The Electric League appreciates the hospitality extended by Mark One for the use of their conference room and audio-visual equipment for this event. Kristen Graybar at Mark One made sure the coffee was fresh and the more than 20 attendees were well taken care of during this event.
The League looks forward to offering this event at least once more in 2004. Watch future newsletters for details.
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