During the 2018 section meetings, I spent a few minutes describing the international annual report. For those of you who weren’t able to attend, I’d like to share that content with you.
This year, the International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI) has reached a major milestone – 90 years since being established in 1928. At that time, a number of individual inspector organizations came together to form one association. It is an exciting time for IAEI, and over the past 90 years we have gone through major changes from being an organization managed by volunteers to having a full-time staff with many dedicated volunteers at our section, chapter, and division levels.
Since our inception in 1928 to present day, we continue to be true to our core value of being committed to public safety through the prevention of electrically-caused fires and accidents while uniting the electrical industry in this cause.
So, what are we doing to build on 90 years of success and be committed to our mission and values?
In 2015, we embarked on developing a strategic plan for the Association. We received input from a broad spectrum of the IAEI community including the Board of Directors, members, staff, and consultants. However, the most important thing to us was to hear the voice of our members. We did this through membership surveys, interviews with both external and internal stakeholders, focus groups during the section meetings, and interviews of our key ally organizations.
The four key areas that set the framework for developing the strategic plan were: membership, financial, governance, and business operations. In November 2016, the Board of Directors approved the new strategic plan called Vision 2021. The goals of this plan are to:
Grow Association membership across the electrical industry.
Improve member satisfaction and retention.
Reinforce the reputation of IAEI as the Voice of Electrical Safety across the electrical community.
How are we to fulfill our goals? By enabling broader participation and providing current, relevant benefits for existing and new members. Here are some of the ways we are implementing this vision:
MISSION
With our long-standing vision “to keep the public safe from electrical hazards,” we are well-positioned to protect the public and have revised our mission statement “to educate and equip electrical professionals while unifying the industry to promote electrical safety.” IAEI is, and has always been known as, “The Voice of Electrical Safety.” We take this responsibility seriously and continue our brand promise, “To elevate electrical safety through education, advocacy, and community.” Together our vision and mission provide a strategic direction for the Association.
GOVERNING STRUCTURE
The IAEI Board of Directors on August 16, 2017 approved the Restated and Amended Certificate of Formation of International Association of Electrical Inspectors. The changes were necessary to align with current Texas Business Organizations Code, Chapter 22 (referred to as the “Act.”)
In compliance with our existing Articles of Incorporation Article VIII, we are required to give notice of the proposed amendment or restatement to members entitled to vote at least 20 days prior to a voting ballot being issued. We have complied. The IAEI International Board of Directors is requesting approval of the Restated and Amended Certificate of Formation of International Association of Electrical Inspectors. Ballots were issued during the business sessions of each section meeting.
The Board has approved new bylaws that better reflect our future governance, operational, and policy model and provide greater flexibility to adapt quickly to changes in the Industry.
MEMBERSHIP STRUCTURE
We have implemented a new membership model that will be inclusive and allow for all our members to have a greater voice and to become involved at all levels within the organization. We continue to stay true and committed to ensuring we continue to support the electrical inspector. This is the core principle in which our organization was founded on by our forefathers.
PROGRAMS
We are focusing on online courses and webinars to provide individuals greater flexibility in scheduling and completing their training.
MOBILE APP
Our new mobile app has been released, and the first thing you’ll notice is that it has one screen that is clear and readable. It features an improved digital magazine in which all articles are scrollable. Among the helpful information, you’ll find a Contact Us page, a member link to a profile, a digital membership card, and informational pages with specific links. We have an incentive offer of product discounts to encourage individuals to download the app. It also houses three sponsor spots for revenue generation.
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN & FACILITIES
Our building project started as a search for a new home for the IAEI International Office due to facility deterioration and changing needs. A capital campaign was formulated to raise funds for this purpose. The Board researched options and determined that renovation was more practical than relocation. You can get more information on the capital campaign under the About Us tab at www.iaei.org.
Our office building has undergone extensive renovations during the summer of 2018 including a new roof, complete interior renovation, and all new furniture. I would like to extend a huge thank you to all those who have donated to the capital campaign. We are planning to celebrate the grand reopening of the facility during the month of November coinciding with the International Board of Directors annual meeting. We are also planning to have coverage of the entire renovation process in the January/February issue of this magazine.
FINANCIALS
During the past eight years, there has been a concerted effort to streamline costs at the international office. This effort has contributed to keeping the Association in the black, and only once during this period has a minimal dues increase been implemented.
I am proud of the progress this Association has made in the last 90 years, and I’m looking forward to what we can accomplish together in in the next 90 years.
