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PrintGeorgia Energy & Industrial Construction Consortium (GEICC)
In August, Electric Cities of Georgia and MEAG Power were honored to again cohost the Georgia Energy and Industrial Construction Consortium (GEICC). GEICC is a partnership organization with members from all Georgia utilities, the Georgia Department of Labor, the Georgia Department of Education, and the Center for Energy Workforce Development. GEICC members share a passion to engage all utilities to ensure a skilled workforce to meet future industry demands.
Suzanne Powell, Electric Cities of Georgia, works diligently and is passionate about the common goals that GEICC and ECG share. “My role in Business Development at ECG allows me to contribute more effectively to GEICC,” Suzanne said.
Ron Jackson, Director of the Technical College System of Georgia, highlighted in his presentation the constantly changing demands for a skilled workforce in energy careers. “We need to identify the needs in the utilities field and then train the workforce to meet those needs,” Jackson said. “That way we create jobs, provide a workforce, and also attract this type of industry to plant companies in Georgia.”
Irene Munn, Legislative Counsel/Policy Director in the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, spoke about some of the financial benefits that GEICC has spear-headed in an effort to grow the technical workforce: GEICC has received financial support from US Department of Labor and has applied for funds from GEFA to help implement an Energy Career Academy.
“GEICC is a group that we are proud to be involved with. ECG is eager to facilitate our common goals for a well-trained workforce in the field of energy,” said Keith Bass, CEO of Electric Cities of Georgia.
*Suzanne Powell of ECG is a member of GEICC.
Red Flag Rule Deadline Extended
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is further delaying enforcement of the “Red Flags” Rule to prevent Identity Theft through December 31, 2010. The delay is to allow more time for Congress to consider legislation that would affect the scope of entities covered by the Rule. The original deadline to be in compliance with the Rule was November 1, 2008.
The Rule was meant to develop regulations requiring “creditors” and “financial institutions” to address the risk of identity theft. It requires that entities with “covered accounts” develop and implement written identity theft prevention programs to help identify, detect, and respond to patterns, practices, or specific activities, known as “red flags” to recognize identity theft.
The Rule became effective on January 1, 2009, allowing 10 months for full compliance. The FTC has issued several Enforcement Policies delaying the enforcement of the Rule to allow Congress time to finalize legislation that would limit the scope of business covered by the Rule.
Electric Cities of Georgia is committed to following this issue on behalf of its Participants. As new information arises, we will work to help our cities and commissions to prepare for any requirements that are federally mandated to prevent identity theft.
Memorial Ride for GPC Lineman
On August 14, Georgia Power Company organized a benefit motorcycle ride for the family of Kylan Warren, the GPC lineman who passed away the same day as a result of injuries he suffered in an accident on the line.
Originally billed as a benefit ride, the event became a memorial ride when word spread that Kylan had passed away only hours earlier. The more than 500 motorcycles became a moving tribute that rode from the Georgia Power Building in downtown Atlanta to Ellijay, shutting down I-75 to honor a power lineman.
Twenty participants and employees from Electric Cities of Georgia participated in the ride to raise money for the family and to honor Kylan’s memory. Participants from Griffin, Marietta and Cartersville rode in the event, along with Dan Thompson, one of ECG’s senior engineers. After the ride, Bill Bosch, Electric Director in Griffin, said, “It was humbling being a part of such a great cause. When we look at our organizations . . . we are part of something so much bigger than work.”
Electric Cities of Georgia and its Participants mourn the loss of a fellow lineman and extend sincere condolences to the Warren family.
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