Hello my Brothers and Sisters,
I hope you are well and making the best out of the day.
I am working hard to answer everything the members are asking. I am able to answer many questions about our plan when meeting members but I want to keep those informed until I get the great opportunity to meet every member, so I will share part of our Business Development Plan now.
I believe building relationships is vital with every one we come in contact with. And relationships start with those that truly understand our business. And we understand their business.
The future of our work will depend on how many of those relationships we build and solidify. This is with our Union Contractor counter part as well as Developers that hire Union and those that don’t.
But first you have to have people that actually have existed in the field and are truly capable of still existing there as Supt.’s, GF’s and Foremen. To be respected in the field in which we promote.
Most of but not all of the current administration could barely keep a job in the field when they were out there. We know that. Many of the current staff think buying them a cup of coffee and handing them a business card is going to win them over.
We have members onboard with us that can speak accurately to those who want us to do their million dollar projects and develop long lasting bonds to keep our members working.
We have members that work for our contractors doing this same work for individual contractors who are willing to come on board and work with our staff. Members that have proven their ability to get contractors jobs.
I will personally make myself available to assist our Business Development staff. As former Contractors Liaison position, I already had many, many contacts and relationships with our contractors and developers.
I was on staff for close to 10 years and utilized my time always fighting for our members and contractors for jobs that will put our members to work. I was out in the field working with members and running projects. I know our need first hand. I know what it is like to be on the books when work is slow.
It is hard to give you an answer by numbers but I do know that only hàving honest, dedicated and problem solving people will we get the respect we need to keep us at the table.
I know there is a lot to be said and this is already long but I will leave you with bits of letters I received from a some of our contractors what their thoughts are about the job I can… and will do.
“Ivan has demonstrated utmost professionalism and knowledge in understanding how important it is for contractors to be successful within the electrical industry and detrimental effects it can have on labor.”
From another:
“He has worked tirelessly to promote the IBEW. I am often contacted by potential clients who were educated by Ivan on the many benefits of employing union labor/contractors.”
…”His experience, attitude, outlook and industry impact are irreplaceable. He is an asset to Local 11 as well as all of the signatory electrical contractors in the Los Angeles area.”
I hope this holds you over till we get a chance to speak more.
As always, may God bless you, yours and our IBEW family.
Brother Ivan
