NAED, Associations Sign Historic Collaboration Agreement

In a first-of-its-kind event, the Presidents and CEOs of the four major supply chain associations today signed a memorandum of understanding to create a collaborative effort aimed at developing the electrical industry of the future.

NAED’s President and CEO Wes Smith, along with NEMA’s Debra Phillips, NECA’s David Long, and NEMRA’s Jim Johnson signed the agreement at the end of a panel discussion at the NAED National Meeting, which is happening right now in Austin, Texas. Rich Stinson, NEMA Board President and President and CEO of Southwire, moderated the panel discussion, titled “Project Spotlight: Cross Industry Collaboration”.

The new collaboration laid out three objectives that the associations will work toward, including:

• Reducing project cycle time across target industries
• Attract, develop, and retain the people necessary to support and sustain the electrical industry
• Lay the foundation for grid expansion well into the next century

Panelists at the NAED National Meeting explained the strategies that each association will employ together to reach the goals of the new alliance, which included meeting or exceeding projected demand for electricity right now and in the future. That included increased advocacy in Washington, D.C. and at the state level to make sure the interests of our supply chain are a part of future electrification legislation.

The associations also agreed to develop joint training and apprenticeship programs to attract the next generations to our supply chain while ensuring that we do not lose industry knowledge that has been acquired for decades.

Our supply chain is leading the transition to an all-electric economy, and all four associations recognize the value and essential need to meet future demand. As we become more connected, sustainable, and digitized in the future, the collaboration will develop a skilled workforce required to manufacture, distribute, and install electrical products through a strong, domestic supply chain.

“I am thrilled to sign this agreement today that represents our industry’s growing collaboration and focus on the future,” said Debra Phillips, President and CEO, NEMA. “The electroindustry accounted for more than 450,000 jobs in 2022, and this number is poised to grow alongside energy demand and electrification. But none of this is possible without initiatives for workforce development. This year, we are focused on preparing the upcoming generation of workers to fulfill the evolving requirements of our domestic manufacturing sector, from battery manufacturing to minerals extraction to building semiconductors and complex components.”

NECA CEO David Long told the audience contractors have a strong lobbying effort in Washington D.C., and this collaboration will allow all associations to speak on every bill being proposed and have a say in how it will impact all four of the organizations.

“I am thrilled to be a part of this historic cross-industry partnership to promote and strengthen the electrical industry, from the manufacturing of tools and technology to the installation and operation of those resources,” said NECA CEO David Long. “This collaborative effort is more than just a partnership; it’s a strategic imperative to ensure the strength and sustainability of our industry. As we stand alongside NEMA, NAED, and NEMRA, we are not only preparing to meet the increased demand for electrical infrastructure but are also taking significant steps towards building a resilient, skilled workforce that can propel us into a future where electrification is at the forefront. This MOU is a milestone in our journey to innovate and lead in an all-electric economy, and I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for developing our workforce through shared initiatives and resources. “The idea for the collaboration came from a meeting earlier this spring in Washington, D.C., when all four associations and Rich Stinson gathered to talk about issues we are all facing. That quickly developed into the idea of having all four associations not only discuss the objectives at the NAED National Meeting for distributor and manufacturer members to witness, but also to sign the memorandum of understanding.

“Creating this new alliance comes at an essential time when we are facing a critical demand for electricity,” Wes Smith, President and CEO of NAED added, “Working in partnership with NEMA, NECA, and NEMRA creates a strong, multi-dimensional effort that addresses the key issues impacting all of our members. Our collaboration will grow into the future, providing a unified force aimed at expanding electrification in America, building national sustainability, and growing the businesses of our members. The value to members of all four associations will be nearly immeasurable in the decade ahead and beyond.”

NEMRA President and CEO James Johnson sees this cross-industry collaboration as something that will improve alignment and accelerate success. “I am very proud to represent NEMRA, and its members on this momentous day”, said Jim Johnson, NEMRA President and CEO. “This alliance signifies a historic event that will propel the progress of America’s future electrical infrastructure. It marks a noteworthy step in establishing a scalable, sustainable, and secure future for the electrical industry. By harnessing the collective strength of our exceptional talent, we will expedite and drive innovation that will not only support the present but also future generations.

“This alliance provides members across all four associations to ‘put their fingerprint’, and leave lasting impact, on how we power America”.

The associations have a “call to action” to all members, asking them to be involved in initiatives and stay active in the advocacy related to decisions made at the national, state, and local level. NAED also provided a recruitment video that members can use on their websites, social media, and at career fairs to attract the next generations to their companies.