On January 1, 2017, I am joining the ever-expanding mass of baby boomers who are re-defining what it means to be retired. While I am looking forward to “what’s next” and new adventures with my husband, family and friends—I will miss daily conversations with the many electrical contractors who I have come to think of as my “band of brothers...and a few sisters”!

The electrical contractors who led MEA 23 years ago hired me to help them accomplish four goals. I want to thank the smart, successful leaders, members and co-workers who have made it possible to deliver the following goals and more:

To Bring Training as close to Your Business as Possible. We started by holding classes throughout Minnesota. Then MEA became the first to eliminate hours of travel time by bringing Online Classes to you and your employees—at your home, shop or working in another state or country.  Today this includes classes on the NEC, licensing exam preparation, apprentice training, compliance webinars and more.

Fair Laws and Regulations. We hired Bill Strusinski in 1994 to assure that your needs would be respected by regulatory agencies such as the Board of Electricity and OSHA as well as your senators and representatives. Together—members and staff working with Bill—will continue to succeed.

A Partner in Success by providing the answers, business tools and information you need. Today you they are available on MEA’s website, Facebook, Twitter, classes, meetings with other contractors, an email, a text or an old-fashioned phone call. 

Value & Financial Stability... Together we expanded MEA’s business nationally, which helped pay for some of the best training and member benefits in the country. 

MEA’s Search Committee interviewed excellent candidates for my position and selected Clara DeRosier as MEA’s new Executive Director. The outstanding results delivered by Clara over the last three years were the deciding factors. I know that Clara will do a great job for you and it will be exciting to work with her during the next 3 months to give you a smooth transition.

In accepting this position, Clara said, “I am honored to have been selected as the new Executive Director of this amazing association. As business owners, electrical contractors face a wide variety of challenges daily. My vision is that by working together we can keep the industry healthy, our communities strong, and continue to find ways to make it easier to succeed by achieving the goals in the Strategic Plan, which are to provide:

  • A supply of skilled labor by recruiting individuals into the electrical trade
  • Website/information to you in a fast and efficient way
  • Government representation that is strong and effective
  • Quality, affordable and easily accessible education for you and your electricians.”

Please save the date—December 2—for a drink and dinner so I can thank you for an interesting, challenging and exciting 23.6 years—and Clara can greet you as your new Executive Director. 

We will have a great time talking about “What’s the next adventure for you, me, and MEA?”