Electric League News - July-Aug 03

Kansas Sales Tax Update

The State of Kansas will delay enforcement of the destination-based sales tax rule for six months. This statement was in concert with intentions expressed by Secretary of Revenue, Joan Wagnon. What this does is give the Kansas Department of Revenue a way to "buy time" to make available the necessary software, cards for cash registers, and other tools to help businesses comply with the law. Currently, none of this necessary assistance is available.

Fall Golf Outing at Shadow Glen Golf Club

Yes, it’s time again to get ready to hit the links! Mark your calendar for Monday, August 25 to play in the Annual Fall Electric League Golf Outing at Shadow Glen Golf Club in Olathe, Kansas.

Our day will begin with registration and lunch at noon followed by a shotgun start at 1 p.m. Awards and "19th-hole" refreshments are scheduled for 6 p.m.

Shadow Glen is considered one of the premier golf courses in the Kansas City area. This fall marks the first time the Electric League has scheduled an outing on this scenic and challenging course.

Start planning your foursome today. Registration materials are included with this newsletter. There are only a few spots remaining so return your registration as soon as possible.

August Luncheon

Friday, August 22 - The Savoy Grill
11:30 a.m. - Registration
12:15 - Lunch

Connie Cierpiot has spent the last eight years as a Republican Missouri State Representative. She was elected in 1994, defeating a 16-year incumbent. Due to term limits, Connie had to leave the legislature last year.

After her departure, she realized that there are issues the republicans in the legislature need to be educated on, specifically the electrical industry. Shortly thereafter, she began working with NECA to stop the repeal of the prevailing wage. Her first year as a lobbyist has been quite successful, thanks to her hard work and experience as a republican legislator.

Connie will share with the League some of the issues facing the Missouri State Legislature, answer your questions and welcome your comments and suggestions.

Welcome New Members

Arch Electric
Raymond Archambault, III

T D Electric LLC
Trent Daniels

Yarnell Associates
Mark Hershman

Legislative After Hours Briefing

The Electric League has planned a legislative after hours briefing in October.
Thursday, October 16
4:30 p.m.
Western Extralite Company
1470 Liberty St.
Kansas City, MO

Speaking at the briefing will be John Jones, National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB)/Missouri Assistant State Director. He is responsible for the political and governmental affair functions in Missouri. Hal Hudson, Kansas Lobbyist for NFIB will also be speaking. The Kansas president, Kenneth Daniel, will join us that afternoon as well. These gentlemen plan to give us some insight into what the States will be discussing in 2004 - but we want to hear from you as well. Bring issues from one or both legislatures you would like to see discussed during this briefing.

The Legislative Committee has included a legislative survey with this newsletter. Please take a few minutes to let us know what you feel the Electric League should do regarding legislative issues that effect you and your business.

You read it correctly...the always-popular Electric League Holiday Luncheon will be Thursday, December 11 - mark your calendar. We are at a new location this year, the Ameristar Casino.

It’s not too early to think about what door prizes you or your company plans to contribute to the luncheon. Don’t wait until the last minute, let’s help the Holiday Luncheon Committee out and send in your gift baskets, gift cards, electronics, or even cash. The luncheon is full of holiday cheer and your door prize contributions add to the smiles of all the guests.

To make a contribution, please call Kim Swank

(816) 561-5323, or e-mail kswank@swassn.com at the Electric League office to make arrangements.

We look forward to seeing you December 11!

Let the Electric League be your source for quality education, with classes designed to fit your schedule and budget! Classes are available in the evenings, one-day sessions or even in your office!

Our classes are designed with you in mind. The Education Committee has been working diligently to design the classes and schedules to fit your needs. Here are the classes that will be available this fall:

Transformer - Selection and Application
Electrical Fundamentals and Single Phase System
Electrical Three Phase Systems and Practical
Applications
Electrical Troubleshooting I, Basic Principles and Practical Applications
NEC Code Review
Lighting Fundamentals 101
Advanced Lighting Applications

The Fall class schedule will be mailed soon, so keep an eye out for it ... you’ll be glad you did!

1st Annual Electric League Road Show

The Electric League of Missouri and Kansas invites you to join us for a Barn Party! On Friday, September 19, 2003, we’ll be having a luncheon at the Privitera Ranch in Topeka! This event will enable the members of our industry from the Topeka, Lawrence, Manhattan and Kansas City areas to get together to network, share ideas, enjoy lunch and most importantly, strengthen the industry! The event will begin at 11:30 a.m., at the Privitera Ranch. This is a great opportunity to meet your peers in the industry, and learn a little bit about the Electric League and how it can benefit you and your business! Please join us for the 1st Annual Electric League Road Show on Friday, September 19th!

35th Annual Lighting Awards

We’re looking for a few great lighting projects - and one of them might be yours. Enclosed is an entry form for the Electric League’s 35th Annual Lighting Awards program. Each project is judged on originality, aesthetic value, fixture, lamp source, energy management, lighting techniques and appropriate light levels.

This is the second year for the Lighting Innovation Technology Award (L.I.T.). To reward the industry’s effort to promote new and creative approaches to lighting, the Electric League will present this special award that encompasses innovative lighting technologies. The L.I.T. Award is a single distinguished project. You may be entered into another category and also designate your interest in being considered for this award. (Please mark the L.I.T. box in the Category section of the entry form to be considered for the award).

All entry forms are due in the Electric League office no later than Thursday, July 31, 2003. Please note the entry fee of $40 per project per category. (Projects may be entered in as many categories as desired, but a $40 fee is required for each category entered.)

This year’s banquet is set for Monday, November 3, at the Downtown DoubleTree Hotel. We look forward to seeing your entries and visiting with you at the banquet. This gala event is always well attended, and it’s your opportunity to gain the recognition you deserve.

If you have any questions, please call Laura Simmons at the Electric League office. We’ll look forward to receiving your entries and seeing you on November 3rd.

Prospective Member Luncheon

The Electric League will hold its annual Prospective Member Luncheon at the Arrowhead Club in Arrowhead Stadium on Friday, Oct. 24. Make plans today to attend and bring a prospective member!

Small Business Legislation Vetoed By Governor Holden

Missouri Governor Bob Holden has vetoed the Small Business Regulatory Fairness Act, along with changes to unemployment compensation and tort reform.

The Small Business Regulatory Fairness Bill passed the state House and Senate with nearly unanimous, bi-partisan support. The legislation, which mirrors the federal Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Act, requires state agencies to give an economic impact analysis of their proposed regulations on small businesses. It also requires state agencies to examine possible, less burdensome alternatives to their proposed rules.

The governor also vetoed critical legislation that would have repaired the bankrupt unemployment compensation fund. After much debate by the General Assembly, legislation containing eligibility and efficiency reforms along with a modest rate increase was expected to restore integrity and fairness into the unemployment compensation system and bring the fund back into solvency by 2007.

A major portion of the bill vetoed by Governor Holden would have provided doctors some relief from sky rocketing medical malpractice insurance costs.

According to Brad Jones, National Federation of Independent Business/Missouri State Director, "Litigation has become a big business that puts small business and doctors out of business. The cost of health insurance is the number one concern of small business owners. If bringing down the cost of malpractice insurance reduces health care costs, then it should be done.

"When you consider that almost 70 percent of the total number of businesses in this state have less than 10 employees, you have to shake your head and think that they have had a pretty rough week - not from lack of sales or from a soft economy, but rather due to the actions of the Governor’s pen," Jones said.

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