Thank You to the Team

by Clara Albert, CAE, Executive Director

Happy New Year! I bet we are all very happy to be saying that right now. As hard as 2020 was, hopefully we can all find some positive or change that we want to incorporate into our lives and routines once everything does return to a somewhat new normal.

I want to take a moment to thank all of the staff who have made this year the successful year that it was. Everyone had to pivot often and sometimes quickly to comply with new laws and regulations. Not only to be there with information to help all of you in your businesses but to also keep each other safe and healthy, follow rules for classes, training and events that we typically hold. Becoming an almost completely remote team in one weekend came with a lot of learning and new ways of communicating. The team has all come together to find new norms fast. We will all be excited for the day we can meet in person and have a staff lunch but until then, we continue to thrive from afar.

The fantastic team that is working for you includes:

Alex Hyatt, National Sales Rep

Alex has been working for the Association for over a decade! He has held many hats while working here, he is well versed in most everything to help our members out. Most recently, he brings in all the money and then manages it. This includes the 2-4 million in sales that we complete in any given year for code book sales, 3-400 apprentices who utilize our apprenticeship program and over $200,000 in Private Education sales.

Jamie Quenzer, Program Manager Education and Operations

For the past 5 years, Jamie has been instrumental in streamlining the education department from online classes, in-person, private, apprenticeship, registered apprenticeship and our newest self-paced option. By having these operate like a well-oiled machine allows for more sales and satisfied customers. She also works hand in hand with our IT Company, Association Management Database, Website and vendors of the like to ensure technology is doing what we need it to do. This role has been even more instrumental throughout this past year as we recreated our website and transitioned to remote work and offerings.

Michelle Dreier, Membership and Government Affairs Manager

In 2016, Michelle came to us after working with the MN Department of Labor and Industries for over 20 years. Her knowledge of compliance and regulation for the construction industry is just what our members need to stay competitive in the industry. Michelle is an advocate for all of our members and can navigate the ins and outs of the highly regulated/ever changing business landscaping of the Electrical Contractor world.

Mike Miller, Director of Education

After running his own Electrical Contracting and Training business in South Dakota, Mike moved to Minnesota and took over the role as our Director of Education. He has since been updating and developing curriculum for electricians while continuing to train around the state and online. Mike’s passion for educating is clear and you will see it when you take his classes.

Rennell, Publication Specialist

Our longest standing employee started with the Association in the 90’s and has helped members through many business ups and downs. Rennell ensures the right information gets into your hands on time. She uses her graphic designer skills to produce great looking materials for all things that come out of the office (apprenticeship curriculum, emails, newsletters, electrical videos, directories, wage and benefit results, etc.). Her design skills were also instrumental in recreating our website this spring.

Katie Grams, Association Coordinator

So far, Katie has had 3 jobs in the Association in the past 2.5 years. Her willingness to adapt and shift as the needs of our business do is admirable. She is now well versed in most areas of the Association which is perfect for her latest role in helping members. She is front line in answering incoming calls and can assist at a high level.

Kelly Kristo, Education Coordinator

One of our newest staffers began with us at the beginning of 2020. Although the first year with the Association was different than most, Kelly jumped right in to help as she was able. Her role in booking classes and handling all details for the Education Department was instrumental. Communication to students and trainers was heavy and handled with ease.

Kirsten Marcus, Business Coordinator

Kirsten also started with the Association at the beginning of 2020. She has been managing the ins and outs of business products which continues to bring in the most dollars for the Association year after year as well as her execution of all things shipping and receiving. Accounting functions and managing our cash flow have been in her court and she has been ensuring smoothness for all.

Among these 8 amazing staffers working day in and day out for you all, we work with Pierre Productions for all things advertising and sponsorship, Smith Schafer as our Accounting consultants, Oasis for 3rd party HR services, Thriveon/Ensync and ASI for all things Technology and Mercury Creative Group for Marketing and Communications. And we can’t forget our FANTASTIC trainers, without them—we would not be able to train the over 3000 students a year that we are able to!