Spark’n Conversations

Our very own Michelle Dreier, Director of Member Engagement & Government Affairs, sits down with Mike to talk about all the amazing benefits that the Electrical Association has to offer to our members.    You can learn more about the Electrical Association's membership benefits on our website:  https://www.electricalassociation.com/Online/Online/Membership/Member_Benefits_Tab.aspx?hkey=60938c16-be05-4d10-872f-7796edac71b4

On this episode, Mike Miller talks with Cody Larsen, Program Manager for Employee Benefits at North Risk Partners, about the Association Healthcare Plan, Health Spark, and the 2025 changes to the plan.   You can find more information about Health Spark on our website: https://www.electricalassociation.com/Online/Membership/Health_Plan.aspx   If you are interested in receiving a quote from North Risk, please contact Eveline Meidt at eveline.meidt@northriskpartners.com.

Tune in to our latest podcast episode featuring Dean Hunter and Mike Miller as they discuss the significant changes coming to the 2026 NEC and how you can still influence its outcome. Do not miss this timely and informative presentation!   August 28th, 2024 is the final day the NEC will accept public comment on the proposals to change the NEC for the 2026 Cycle.   Click the link to submit your input:  https://www.nfpa.org/en/For-Professionals/Codes-and-Standards/Standards-Development/Step-1-Input-Stage

Clean Energy Resource Teams is an organization that is helping individuals, businesses, and communities all over the state of Minnesota with their clean energy projects.    Nik joins Mike on this episode to discuss clean energy, what CERT can do to assist in projects, and so much more!    After listening to the podcast you can go directly to the Clean Energy Resource Teams website to learn more:  https://www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org/

With increasing awareness of environmental issues, solar energy is gaining prominence as a vital part of the energy conversation. The Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association (MnSEIA) is committed to advocating and supporting the growth of solar and energy sectors in Minnesota.    Logan appears on the podcast with Mike to highlight the crucial role of solar energy and MnSEIA's initiatives in providing Minnesotans with a safe, renewable energy source.    After listening to the podcast you can go directly to the MnSEIA website to learn more:  https://www.mnseia.org/

unCommon Construction is a nonprofit organization that provides students with opportunities to build houses together, enhancing their technical, professional, and personal skill sets. In this episode, Minneapolis Site Director Spence Grant joins Mike to discuss the program’s purpose, eligibility requirements, and additional details   After listening to the podcast you can go directly to the unCommon Construction website to learn more:  https://uncommonconstruction.org/

Dean Hunter, the Chief Electrical Inspector with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, is making a return appearance on our podcast to tackle questions about the 2023 electrical code.

The Electrical Association and Federated Insurance have been partnering for over 60 years. In our latest podcast, Mike sits down with Regional Marketing Manager, Jordy Christian, to discuss everything you need to know about insurance.     After listening to the podcast you can go directly to the Federated Insurance website:  https://www.federatedinsurance.com/

Join Mike and Chris in this episode as they unpack the 2023 electrical code amendments, with a spotlight on alterations to medium voltage regulations. Get insights into the extended rules and a comprehensive discussion on how these changes will shape the landscape of the electrical industry.   After listening to the podcast you can go directly to ElectroTech's website:  https://www.electrotech-inc.com/

Have you considered buying or selling a business? Do you need help in figuring out how the process works? Richard sits down with Mike in our latest episode to help answer your questions when it comes to buying or selling a business.    After listening to the podcast you can go directly to the Sunbelt Business Solutions website for more information:  https://www.sunbeltmidwest.com/

The Electrical Association has collaborated with Lake Street Works well before the creation of their workforce development program. Jess and Mike sit down for a discussion, delving into what the program is, the students, and so much more!    After listening to the podcast you can go directly to the Lake Street Works website to learn more:  https://www.lakestreetworks.org/

Goodwill-Easter Seals is a workforce partner of the Electrical Association. Mike sits down with Kristen to learn about the organization, the YouthBuild program, and more!    After listening to the podcast you can go directly to the Goodwill-Easter Seals YouthBuild website to learn more:  https://www.goodwilleasterseals.org/services/youthyoung-adult-services/youthbuild

Summit Academy OIC is one of the Electrical Association's workforce partners. Mike sits down with Amanda to learn about the school, the participants, and much more. Take a listen!    After listening to the podcast you can go directly to Summit Academy's website to learn more:  https://saoic.org/

Electrical vehicle charging stations are popping up all over Minnesota and there is a need for more electricians to be certified to work on them. Beth Kallestad, Principal Sustainability Planner at the Office of Sustainability and Public Health for the Minnesota Department of Transportation, discusses with Mike the requirements for EV charging station certification, Minnesota's EV Infrastructure Plan and more!     To learn more about Minnesota's Electrical Vehicle Infrastructure Plan please visit there website:  https://talk.dot.state.mn.us/ev-infrastructure-plan   You can also e-mail Beth directly at Elizabeth.Croteau.Kallestad@state.mn.us

Employment laws have changed since the last time Kate was a guest. Kate came back to chat with Mike about the latest legislative session and how employers should update their employee handbooks to reflect the new changes.

As of August 1, 2023 recreational marijuana will be legal in Minnesota. Employment law attorney, Kate Bischoff, joins Mike Miller in this episode to discuss what employers can expect when this new law goes into effect.

The 2023 legislative session was a busy one for Minnesota. A lot of changes have been made to the labor laws. Tom joins Mike on the podcast again to inform listeners of the new laws to help keep everyone informed and up to date.

Cyber attacks happen all the time. People and businesses needs to understand the importance of cyber security. Marc Miller and his employees at Imagine IT are here to help. Marc sits down with Mike in our latest episode to discusses the importance of being aware of cyber attacks and what to do if your system is compromised.    After listening to the episode, feel free to learn more about ImagineIT and the Gunnar Project by going to the following websites:  ImagineIT: https://imagineiti.com/   The Gunnar Project:  http://www.gunnarproject.org/

The GAP School is one of the newest workforce partnerships with the association. Mike sits down with Tony to learn about the school, the participants, and much more. Take a listen!    After listening to the podcast you can go directly to the GAP School website to learn more:  https://www.thechangeinc.org/gap-school.html

MN DLI Investigation Supervisor, Sean O'Neil, joins our host, Mike Miller, on our latest podcast episode. Sean and Mike discuss many things including how people act when they learn they are being investigated, what it is like during an investigation and the top violation complaints that Sean and his team receive.