AEC JOURNAL - Association of Electrical Contractors

AEC JOURNAL
April/May 2006 www.aecnyc.com
Inside
this
issue
THE
NECA General Membership Meeting
For the first time, other than
for a contract ratification
meeting, the two associations
that constitute the New York
City Chapter of NECA met in joint
session on May 3, 2006.
The reports of committee chairs
were followed by an address of
Local Union No. 3, IBEW
Business Manager Thomas Van
Arsdale and remarks by Assistant
Business Manager Raymond
Melville.
More than 125 members of the
two associations had the opportunity
to share important industry
information and the chance to get
to better know one another.
Chapter President Gina Addeo and
Chapter Vice-President Michael
Castellano, along with NECA
Governor David Pinter also
addressed the assemblage.
President
Michael Castellano
Backrow, Left to Right: Richard Wishnie, Howard Hirsch. Front, Left to Right:
David Pinter, Ray Melville, Gina Addeo, Thomas Van Arsdale, Michael Castellano
and Edwin Lopez.
Page 2
Jerry Rosenberg
UPCOMING EVENT
The 35th Annual Scholarship will be held on
Wednesday, June 21, 2006 at Terrace on
the Park, in Flushing Meadow at 5 PM.
This year’s special recognition for outstanding
service to the industry will be presented to Jerome
J. Rosenberg of J.J. Rosenberg Electrical
Contractors. Inc.
Spotlight on Raquel Nunez
Pages 4 & 5
AEC Spring Seminar
Page 7

April/May 2006
President’s Corner
Michael J. Castellano
At the time of this writing, our Scholarship
Committee is arduously preparing for the 35th
Annual Scholarship Awards program.
Awards will be presented to promising and deserving
scholars who will be encouraged to pursue careers in
the electrical industry.
In addition, four Local Union No. 3, IBEW apprentices
will be recognized with receipt of the second annual
Cup Award for their scholarship and winning essay
submissions.
Special recognition will be given to Jerome J. Rosenberg for his decades’ long commitment to
the AEC and the electrical industry. We are proud of Jerry and all he has given to strengthen the
industry, particularly through his many years as Chairman of the Joint Apprentice Training
Committee.
We are indeed fortunate to be part of an industry that has continuously supported and encouraged
educational opportunity and helped meet the social needs of those that are less fortunate.
Through the Joint Industry Board Annual Scholarship Awards program or the outstanding contributions
of Local Union No. 3, IBEW clubs, millions of dollars have been unselfishly contributed
to the community’s non-profit agencies and to those in need.
I know how proud I am to be part of the industry’s activities and grateful for the opportunity to
play a small part in supporting its progress.
I want to recognize the financial support of our members, their employees and the many friends
who have contributed to our Scholarship Fund. The generosity displayed is heartwarming,
despite the high unemployment and difficult period we have experienced in recent years.
Thank you for helping to make the 35th Annual Scholarship Awards program another very successful
event.
Michael J. Castellano
President
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April/May 2006
Snapshots of NECA GM Meeting
1 2 3
4 5 6
7 8 9
1. Ron Berger, Executive Director - STA and Michael Castellano, President - AEC
2. Steve Lazzaro, Vice President - NECA
3. Herb Flaum, Board Of Director - NECA
4. David Samuels, Board Of Director - NECA
5. Edwin Lopez, Executive Secretary - NECA and Raymond Melville, Assistant Business Manager - Local 3, IBEW
6. David Pinter, Governor - NECA
7. Howard Hirsch, Past President - NECA
8. Thomas Van Arsdale, Business Manager - Local 3, IBEW
9. John Pinto, 1st Vice President - AEC
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April/May 2006
Nunez Electric, Inc.
SPOTLIG HT
RAQQUEL NUNEZ
Nunez Electric is recognized
throughout New York City for
quality, commitment and outstanding
dedication. It is a New York
City and State Certified minority firm located
in LIC, Queens. The company has been in
business twenty years. Raquel Nunez is a
second generation entrepreneur responsible
for overall management, sales, estimating,
and customer relations. Under her dynamic
leadership the firm has been experiencing a
35% annual growth.
This quality oriented family business was
established by Raquel’s father, Jose Nunez.
His dream from early childhood was to be an
electrician. After realizing his dream, Jose
Nunez worked as a Local Union No. 3, IBEW
‘A’rated Foreman working for over twenty
years at Courtlite Electric, and Forest Electric.
In 1987 he decided to open his own electrical
contracting firm and later, in 1994, the firm
joined Local Union No. 3, IBEW signing a collective bargaining agreement with six electricians.
In 1999, due to health reasons, Jose asked his daughter, Raquel, to come into the business. He
recognized the energy, value and dynamic leadership she could bring to the company. Raquel
began to learn the basics of the electrical contracting business, taking advantage of as many
technical courses she could attend and spending many hours in the field as well as in the office
to acquire as much knowledge as possible.
Raquel says, “At the age of nine, I was typing change orders for Howard Hirsch from Forest
Electric and my first paycheck was $ 25.00. I also remember Saturday mornings at Liberty
Electrical Supply buying material with my father while I waited at the counter eating jelly
doughnuts with the owner Harvey Ball. It shouldn’t be a big surprise to anyone that electrical
contracting is my passion!”
“Raquel says, “no matter how hard it gets, your integrity must outshine
the hardship. ”
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Cont’d on Page 5

April/May 2006
Following in the foot steps of her father,
Raquel perpetuates the values she learned
from him integrating the business principles
of “upholding high standards of workmanship,
quality and integrity”. Raquel says, “no matter
how hard it gets, your integrity must outshine the
hardship. The harder it gets, the stronger you must
become. This business is all about reputation….
always fulfill your debts and obligations.” This is
the honorable legacy of the Nunez family.
Another business principle Raquel recognizes is that
relationships are key for the survival of any business.
Nunez Electric has been a subcontractor to Five Star
Electric, developing a relationship with Five Star that
has strengthened and helped their business grow. “I
am more grateful than words can express to Five Star
Electric,” Raquel said, and she gives special thanks
to Malkiat Gosal for initially bringing them into the
fold. Raquel adds, “Gary Segal has touched many
lives with his kindness, including ours.”
To date, Nunez Electric has successfully completed a
total of one hundred projects for the New York City
School Construction Authority. According to officials
at the SCA, “Nunez Electric has demonstrated
the ability to complete projects safely, timely and
within budget. The firm has a stellar track record of
achievement at the SCA and we are proud to be associated
with such a quality oriented firm.”
Nunez Electric is a preferred contractor for several
important clients including CBS Broadcasting
(Channel 2), Bloomberg and the New York Mets, as
well as special projects in the Mayor's Office of Film
and Development.
AEC MEMBER
Other work includes various public agencies such as
NY/ NJ Port Authority, Con Edison, the NYC
Department of Design and Construction, the
Metropolitan Transit Authority, and the Department
of Environmental Protection.
Raquel is a Director of the Subcontractors’ Trade
Association and Association of Electrical
Contractors. She serves as co-chair of the AEC’s
WBE-MBE Committee and was recently appointed
as a member of the Executive Committee of the
Electrical Employers Self Insurance Safety Plan.
In addition, Raquel is Vice President of the Women
Builders’ Council and is very active in promoting the
growth of women owned businesses by helping them
break through what she perceives as the “concrete
barrier”.
Raquel holds a BS in Accounting, and a BA in
Finance and Business Administration from Hofstra
University. She also holds a degree in electrical
design from New York University.
Raquel is the proud mother of an 18 year old daughter,
Monica. When she has time from her busy
professional schedule, Raquel enjoys biking, horse
back riding and eclectic music. She is currently
involved with charitable organizations such as
Angel’s Gate, helping the elderly and those who are
not strong enough to help themselves.
We are proud to have Raquel Nunez and Nunez
Electric as active members of the AEC.
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April/May 2006
Spring Convention and Seminar
drive from the New York City region to
Cambridge, Maryland was certainly a good invest-
Thelong
ment that paid many dividends for our members,
their families and special guests. The Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay
Golf Resort and Spa was a spectacular setting for the AEC sponsored
event.
The convention committee members Steve Gianotti, Lisa Ranello and
Steven Smith received many accolades for planning a well coordinated
event for young and old. Carol Anelli provided her expertise with special
gifts for all the attendees that attracted attention throughout the convention
center.
President Michael Castellano welcomed special guests Edwin Lopez,
Executive Secretary of the New York Electrical Contractors
Association, Michael Bennett, NECA Albany Lobbyist, John Marich,
Chairman of the New York State Association of Electrical Contractors
and Lee Schrager, retired Executive Secretary of the AEC.
General Counsel of the AEC, Leonard Taubenblatt updated the assembly
on important contract law issues that impact on daily business activities.
He discussed recent case law and answered questions. Mr.
Marich reported on issues and activities of the state association and Mr.
Bennett reviewed key legislative issues that are under discussion by the
New York State Legislature. President Castellano led a lively discussion
on industry issues and concerns.
Sal Anelli and David Harron organized golf and fishing tournaments
and presented prizes to the sportsmen. Donna Falk of Travel Concepts
was our delightful travel coordinator and Bingo extraordinaire.
Of particular joy was the participation of so many children of all ages
who were able to enjoy a clown, magician, receive gifts and participate
in many activities over the weekend. Seven–year old Lauren Gold
summed it all up, “Smores night was one of the best nights of my whole
life.”
Association of Electrical Contractors, Inc.
Michael Castellano
Sal Anelli
John Marich
Michael Bennett
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April/May 2006
in Chesapeake, Maryland
Lisa Ranello Lorraine Lifton Stephen Gianotti Leonard Taubenblatt John Mannino Dan Hernandez
Mr. & Mrs. John Pinto Timothy Gold and family enjoy the festivities
Ivan Drazic Werner Wex
John Pinto Andrew Drazic David Harron
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April/May 2006
Richard G. Wishnie
Association of Electrical Contractors, Inc
11-51 47th Avenue, PO Box 1707
Long Island City, NY 11101
718-752-0800
718-752-0805
www.aecnyc.com
rwishnie@aecnyc.com
debbie@aecnyc.com
alewis@aecnyc.com
Photos by Richard Wishnie
OFFICERS DIRECTORS OBSERVERS
Michael J. Castellano Robert Amabile Andrew Drazic
PRESIDENT Joseph Barbaro Ira Grunther
George Cecala Raquel Nunez
Salvatore Anelli David Harron Fred Zambon
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Dan Hernandez
Barry Katzen* HONORARY
John Pinto Carol Kleinberg Mattia DeAngelo
FIRST VICE PRESIDENT John Mannino Herbert Flaum*
Monet Milad Frank Heske
Stephen Gianotti Richard Millwater Walter D. Whitelaw*
SECOND VICE PRESIDENT J.J. Rosenberg*
Albert J. Samilenko* GENERAL COUNSEL
Steven Smith Gary Segal Leonard Taubenblatt
RECORDING SECRETARY David Spindell
Nicholas J. Stefanou Executive Secretary
Lisa Ranello
FINANCIAL SECRETARY/TREASURER
Robert J. White Richard G. Wishnie
STAFF
Rudy Weissberg *Denotes Past Presidents Debbie Eschoe
SERGEANT-AT-ARMS Adrian Lewis
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Designed by Debbie Eschoe