Sponsorship opportunities at the 53rd Annual IEC
National Convention & Electric Expo
IEC
The 53rd Annual IEC National Convention & Electric Expo will be one of this year's largest events for electrical contractors. Don't miss the event or the opportunity to showcase your products and services. See the many different ways to sponsor at the convention by reviewing the sponsorship form or contact Tim Welsh.More

Attend the IEC University Webinar:
Surviving and Prospering in 2011 and Beyond!
IEC
During the 90 minute webinar speaker Mike Brunner will give IEC members tips on surviving and prospering in 2011 and beyond. Register now to learn how to prosper in 2011.More

Construction activity declines 1 percent in July
The Washington Post
Construction spending tumbled in July to the lowest level in a decade, as the housing market struggles in the weak economy and without a popular home-buying tax credit. Construction activity dropped 1 percent in July, the third straight monthly decline, the Commerce Department said recently. Government revisions showed much weaker activity than previously reported for May and June.More

Obama: GOP should back small business bill
The Philadelphia Inquirer
Acknowledging that the economy remains fragile, President Obama called on Congress to pass a package of aid for small business and said he would soon propose additional steps to promote hiring and economic growth. The president said Congress should make passage of a long-languishing small business aid package its first order of business when it returns on Sept. 13, from its summer break.More

Residential wiring 101
SecurityInfoWatch.com
Just as residential and commercial fire alarm requirements differ significantly, so do the rules governing their wiring. The wiring types and unique exceptions allowed for residential (one- and two-family homes) fire alarm systems are found in the National Electrical Code, Article 760. Before you hang anything anywhere, from panels to sensors, and detectors to speakers and other accessories, you have to know the correct wiring requirements.More

Small businesses aren't hiring, either
The Business Insider
The rate of job recovery at small businesses has slowed to 1 percent since April, according to Intuit's August update to its Small Business Employment Index. The SMB Index polls 60,000 small businesses with less than 20 employees to reveal monthly trends in employment, compensation and hours worked.More