The Results are In -- 2015 Annual Report

by Tim Zinniel, Chair

The officers, directors, committee members and staff have done a great job of working together to produce important results in 2015. It has made me aware of how unique our association is, in that, it is a state association that owns a national business. MEA has done such an amazing job of developing and sourcing excellent products for the industry—that only 10% of its revenue comes from dues. 

Government Action: MEA was very effective in protecting the right of electrical contractors to employ electricians from temporary agencies; several industries seeking exemption from licensing or special licenses were defeated; contractors licensing fees were lowered, and the amount of compliance information provided to members was increased.

Technology: Like every business, MEA has been chasing the right software to serve our members. As we update, we are starting to put more and more on the cloud. We are excited about feedback on our new website and have assembled a team of specialists to take us through the end of the decade.

Building & Grounds: We finally persuaded our thrifty staff that we needed to update the office building, landscaping and parking lot. Judi, John, and Jeff worked closely with members George Bavolak (Bavolak Electric), Steve Hahn (Luma Lighting) and Mike Klein to provide high-value lighting, acoustic tile ceilings, carpet tiles, new trim, paint, landscaping and parking lot surfacing. They did a beautiful job!

Business Products: John Riley, MEA’s National Sales Manager, retired at the end of the year, but will be working part time with his replacement, Alex Hyatt. They did a great job of finishing 2015 with a profit. They already have a great start on sales for 2016. 

Overhead: Salaries were higher than expected as MEA took a significant amount of IT consulting in house for a savings of $35,000; desktop publishing back in house, which lowered cost of goods primarily for curriculum development; awarded a bonus to John Riley for his many years of service; and had double salaries as we hired and trained the replacement for Alex.

Education: The education team took on some big challenges this year—updating the standards for ETN’s apprentice program, updating the learning management systems for the apprentice program, updating AWAIR, putting the prep class into 24/7 computer-based training, increasing private sales and more. Many of those investments will provide a good return for the association in the next few years.

Membership: DLI made it so easy for contractors to register their bonds online that MEA’s bond program was no longer needed. While this resulted in a significant reduction in revenues for 2015—it made life easier for contractors.

Being involved in MEA is the best investment of time that I make. We make great business relationships, and we get introduced to the commissioners and other regulators who govern our business. If you want to see why MEA produces such great results for us, volunteer to join one of our many committees. It’s a great learning experience and has definitely made it easier to succeed. I invite you to join us on April 11-13 at the MEA Annual Spring Conference. I know you will find it as beneficial as much as I will.