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	Subject - IAEI Section Meeting Pierre Belarge I just came back from our Eastern Section meeting today. It was a 4 day event that is very well done, and includes information from the 'horse's mouth' as they say. We had many code making panel members there. More later, but this one point: There use to be 3 times as many attendees. I am not too sure, why do so few attend these meetings? Other than being busy (I have two businesses and 3 girls, oh yeah and a wife :) )- we are all busy - what are some of the other reasons? Pierre Scott Vickrey Maybe, most people don't know what it is and didn't know it was going to take place. Ryan_J I think it is a money issue. We had the NW section meeting here in Utah this year, and as the 2nd VP of the chapter I was quite involved in putting it together. We had poor turn out from not only the inspectors, but vendors as well. Same as the Salt Lake NFPA world expo in May. I think the bottom line is money. My city won't pay for me to attend any section meetings unless they are here, or when I am president and have to attend the meeting in Alaska. I was asked by my chapter to represent Utah as the NW section VP, but my city won't fund it. I think more and more cities are facing this as permit fees continue to go into the general fund instead of in the building department. :( Scott Vickrey This would be a good place to explain what it is you are talking about. I know this is not a secret society but, it may as well be as far as a lot of people are concerned. Off the top of my head, I cannot think of two better people to ask for more information. Pierre Belarge Thanks Ryan. It is a shame that so many are so short sighted. Scott I will in my way try to explain this a litte further - one of my problems is I am so RAH RAH about this industry, that some people think I tend to be 'nuts' There are many organizations and associations that exist across this great country of ours, that represent in some fashion the different segments of our industry. For instance: NEMA - National Electrical Manufacturers Association NFPA - National Fire Protection Association IAEI - International Association of Electrical Inspectors IEEE - Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers the list goes on; Then there are the local organizations, such as the ones I belong to, WCLECA - Westchester County Licensed Electrical Contractors Association PCECA - Putnam County Electrical Contractors Association I spend 16 weeknights per month at different meetings and teaching classes - my wife knew this before we were married, and somehow puts up with my busy schedule. Of course there is my traveling to the different classes and seminars as well - like the 4 days I was away this past weekend. If one is involved in the installation of electrical work and does not make some kind of time or is not aware that there may be an organization in his/her area (I know that some areas have no organizations), than shame on him/her. The world we live in today has much to offer, but we have to seek it out. Those who wait for it to come to them are 'reactive' type people and usually find out too late about issues and do not always fare as well as the ones who actively seek to help the industry by joining an organization(s)/ association(s). How to find an organization in your area? Talk to the local electrical vendors - they are usually involved, as they benefit from these meetings as well. Ask other electricians. Why join? This is always a loaded question . 1. To learn about the most current events and information in your jurisdiction. 2. Meet your 'competition'. You will find out most of them are just like you, and one day you may help them or they may help you. 3. Education 4. Comraderie 5. For some it is a social night from the wife . 6. Help the industry !!! How - many ways - join one of the committees, seek out the POCO, Building departments, politicians, etc.. these are some of the issues these organizations deal with. 7. Be proactive in the industry - don't wait for things to happen, make things happen. When you make things happen, they usually are better than when you find out after they occur. 8. Put ideas together from many individuals to try and solve some of the issues we are dealing with these days - Labor shortage for one. 9.Did I say it is a way out during the week that is always a good one, worth mentioning more than once. 10. While being involved with these org/assoc, you will meet more of the people who can make your life easier, by developing working relationships with them. The best reason of all: Did you ever wonder why some of the guys/gals get so involved and spend their free time and not be compensated financially for what they do? 11. YOU WILL FEEL REALLY GOOD ABOUT YOURSELF WHEN YOU GIVE SOMETHING BACK TO THE INDUSTRY THAT IS SUPPORTING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!!! Pierre Scott Vickrey Thanks for taking the time to include this information Pierre. I do truely believe you enjoy helping your fellow electricians as do many regulars on this site. I hope you don't mind that I made a little edit in your post I made "make your life easier" bold type. Because I belive it to be true and important. There is alot of info on the net now that will help electrical profesionals become more active in there trade. I welcome all must see links to be posted here! I hope this helps others. Good information...