As we close out 2025, it’s impossible not to feel a deep sense of pride in what NECA has accomplished this year. Across every corner of our association—from labor relations to education, from advocacy to unparalleled events—NECA has demonstrated once again why we are the voice and the driving force of the electrical construction industry.

NECA now stands stronger than ever, growing our membership, expanding our industry leadership and delivering unprecedented value to electrical contractors nationwide. This year has brought transformational achievements from every corner of the association: from securing major wins in Washington, to advancing workforce development through a $12.7 million Google grant with our partners at the eTA and IBEW. Our labor relations team has successfully resolved CIR cases, strengthened our wage and agreement database, and helped deliver one of our most successful IBEW-NECA Benefits Conferences in history. Across the country, our 118 chapters are creating new recruitment pipelines, expanding training access and elevating NECA’s role in community engagement—from high school outreach to veteran workforce partnerships. Our convention and events footprint is reaching new heights as well, anchored by Chicago’s record-breaking show with the largest international presence we’ve ever had, including Japan and Australia. Finally, we had a rapidly growing ecosystem of innovation, safety, codes, standards and education resources that now touch hundreds of thousands of professionals every year. 

Yet the successes of 2025 are only the beginning. NECA is entering a period of historic opportunity, powered by a surge in clean energy, resiliency, A.I.-driven construction and national infrastructure investment—and we are preparing our contractors to lead. In the months ahead, we will continue scaling training programs and advancing vital initiatives in safety, systems integration, industry innovation and workforce development. ELECTRI International’s research and benchmarking tools, the NECA Innovation Institute’s expanding alumni network and our rapidly growing digital communications footprint all reinforce NECA’s position as the indispensable partner for the modern electrical contractor. As we look toward 2026—our 125th anniversary—we are not merely reflecting on a proud history. We are building the foundation for the next century of growth, leadership and industry excellence. 

Finally, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to NECA President Kirk Davis, whose four years of service have strengthened our association in countless ways. I also want to thank the departing members of the Executive Committee for their years of dedication and service to NECA: Steve Gianotti, Terry Lette, Shawn Smith, Don Laffoon, Greg Long and Mark Harasha. Lastly, I am so proud and excited to welcome Mark Walter as NECA’s new president as well as Michael McDonald, Christopher Foster, Gregory Padalecki, Daniel Smith, Fredrick Neubauer, Steven Stone and Mitch Murphy as the newest members of the Executive Committee, beginning Jan. 1, 2026. I look forward to working alongside him as we lead NECA into its next century of excellence.

Together, we are powering America’s future—and the best is yet to come.

David Long
NECA CEO