Because I’m a football fan (and it’s playoff season), I want to use my first column of the new year to touch on a familiar concept in athletics: momentum. Specifically, the momentum produced by the remarkable progress the National Electrical Contractors Association made in 2018. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished. I want to keep it going—growing NECA and growing our members—and I know that, together, we can do that.

Last year, NECA focused on recruiting and retaining our workforce. We worked with labor leaders and other industry partners to appeal to a new and diverse class of employees, adapting along with those we represent. Traveling across the country—to dozens of states now—has been vital to my own ongoing education on how contractors find ways to add value to their businesses. They are doing it in more ways than I can count!

Now, it’s more important than ever to keep moving forward. NECA’s efforts to improve its market share are paramount. NECA will stand behind contractors on manpower demands. And, education must be a key part of NECA, so we plan to continue bolstering course offerings. We will develop new support structures for our limited energy and telecom contractors and enhance business development opportunities for all members. Finally, building field leadership programs and addressing future healthcare costs and strategic pension reform are key steps.

That is NECA’s game plan, to borrow another sports phrase, for the next 12 months. As our energy and drive propel us ahead, I welcome your input and ideas. Here’s to an exciting and fruitful future.