Story by Cathleen Francois and Neelam Haider
The Local 58 International Brotherhood Electrical Workers and the Detroit Electrical Industry Training Center was once again the hosts and venue to one of the most informative events for the latest infrastructure technologies statewide. A remarkable number of people braved the blizzard and graced the no cost event, indicating the interest in seeing technology’s alliance with infrastructure. The event was co-sponsored by National Electrical Contractors Association under the leadership of their Business Development Consultant, Diana Nash, LLED AP and President/Founder of the Green Team Coalition,(which is targeted towards energy efficient engineering, sustainable technology and helping businesses towards a more cost effective infrastructure) and Director of Business Development at MEP Engineers, LLC.
The event opened with a welcome note from Jennifer Mafford of the IBEW/NECA and Jerry Eden of Synergy Systems Solutions, in the morning, who spoke about the format of the day and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 58 and its facility.
The nine presentations included keynote Speaker David Engebretson, President of Slayton Solutions, Certified Electronic Security Networking Technician (ESNT) Trainer, discussed financial preparedness for future technology, connectivity, and the industries support from its contractors.
Speaker James Carlini, author of Location, Location, Connectivity discussed the role of more efficient and integrated technical systems on the economic development of society and how we need to combine the efforts of real estate with construction and technology in early stages of development to maintain the ecological balance of our world.
Mathew Thomas of the Michigan Energy Office also offered information about the Building Operator Certification Program (BOC) for building owners, facility managers & engineers and other energy management and small commercial applications training programs through their state programs.
During the bountiful lunch provided during the program, a rapid fire session, conducted by Diana Nash, offered vendors a chance leave their tables and introduce themselves and their organizations to the attendees.
Another highlighted speaker was Justin Palm, President of Lumerica LED Lighting Solutions who focused on LED technology’s evolution for commercial and industrial applications. LUMERICA is a Michigan-based developer and manufacturer of LED lighting products that allows end user to save energy, save money, increase productivity and promote a cleaner environment. His explanation of how LED lights use 50 to 90% less energy, last much longer than traditional light sources, and contain no mercury or CFC’s, was both informative and entertaining.
With main headquarters in Washington D.C., the IBEW has been training the world’s best electricians and contractors for over 100 years. Known as the Detroit EITC, (Electrical Industry Training Center), Local 58’s facility is located at 2277 E. 11 Mile Rd. in Warren Michigan. It includes members from a variety of fields, including utilities, construction, telecommunications, broadcasting, manufacturing, railroads and government. Apart from training and construction work, they negotiate for the rights, benefits and wages for their members.
