August 2026

Program Spotlight Advancing the Workforce

IEC Foundation Equipment & Training Grant Sponsors

The IEC Foundation is excited to welcome Dakota Prep as a new sponsor of our Equipment & Training Grant program!


Dakota Prep is the all-in-one training platform for electrical schools and apprenticeship programs, combining hands-on digital labs with Dakota Exam Prep. Dakota Labs, our flagship product, is a digital lab simulator where apprentices build and wire real electrical circuits on their computer. Our proprietary physics engine makes them behave exactly like real gear, with an AI tutor guiding students as they go. Students can safely wire, energize, and troubleshoot faults dangerous to stage in a real lab, and instructors can build custom labs and send them to students in minutes. Dakota Exam Prep gives programs an AI-powered tutor, trained by licensed electricians, plus a bank of 3,000+ vetted questions that coach students through their licensing exam anytime, anywhere. The result: more licensed electricians who walk onto the job ready to work from day one.


Thank you, Dakota Prep, for your generous support! We are looking forward to watching this partnership flourish. Welcome to the IEC Foundation family!

Online Electrician Training & NEC Exam Prep | Dakota Prep

The IEC Foundation is proud to welcome 2060 Digital as a new sponsor of our Equipment & Training Grant program!


2060 Digital is a performance-driven marketing and advertising agency with offices spanning the country, from Chicago and Cincinnati to Seattle and Washington, D.C. Their approach, which they call "Connected Performance™," combines deep customer insight with expertly executed campaigns to deliver results that can actually be seen and measured.


We're grateful for 2060 Digital's generosity and we're excited to see this partnership grow. Welcome to the IEC Foundation family!

2060 Digital: Driving Growth through Connected Performance™

Standing Strong With Justin

The IEC Foundation is calling on our IECF family and industry partners to rally around one of our own — Justin Durham of the IEC Texas Gulf Coast Chapter. Justin has a long recovery ahead of him, and we're coming together to support him and his family through this difficult time.


Every gift, big or small, helps lighten the financial load so Justin can focus on what matters most: healing. We invite the entire IECF community to show the same strength, compassion, and generosity that make our family so special.


To learn more or make a donation, visit the campaign page: Standing Strong With Justin


Thank you for standing strong with Justin on his road to recovery!

Powered By Determination

Featured in the July/August issue of IEC Insights, "Powered by Determination" tells the story of Haylee Hyde's passion for the trade, her drive for excellence, and the opportunities apprenticeship offers the next generation of skilled professionals.


Read her full story here: Powered by Determination: Haylee Hyde Carries a Four-Generation Electrical Legacy Forward


You can view the July/August online issue of IEC Insights magazine by clicking this link: July/August 2026 - IECI

Beyond the Classroom Serving Our Communities

We're honored to return for a second time to support the Home of the Innocents through this meaningful community service project. Together, we can make a lasting impact by bringing hope, comfort, and care while uniting our supporters and partners in service to others.


A heartfelt thank you to our generous sponsors, Kings Electric Services & New Jersey IEC! Thanks to their support, every summer fun kit has been completed and delivered to the Home of the Innocents. We're excited to shift gears next and start work on the welcome kits, continuing to make a real impact along the way.

Investing In Futures Scholarship & Grant Opportunities

Mike Rowe Works Foundation Scholarship

This year, you can apply for a scholarship any time between February 23, 2026 until October 31, 2026.


Apply here: https://mikeroweworks.org/scholarship/

Bring Back the Trades Scholarships

Bring Back the Trades Inc. awards scholarships to students from across the United States who are attending post-secondary education in the Skilled Trades.

Monthly scholarships of $1,500 are awarded and sent directly to the secondary school the award recipient attends. Additional scholarships are awarded periodically as additional funds are raised through donations or sponsorships of our events.


https://bringbackthetrades.org/scholarship-application/

Bring Back the Trades Tool Grant Program

Bring Back the Trades Inc. awards Tool Grants to public schools and nonprofit organizations across the United States that offer education in the Skilled Trades. Milwaukee Tool is sponsoring this program in 2026.


Monthly tool grants valued at $1,500 are awarded and sent directly to the school or nonprofit organization chosen.



Applying is easy! Simply complete the Bring Back the Trades Tool Grant Program Application Form. Applications are considered for up to six months. You may reapply after six months and can win up to once every three years.


https://bringbackthetrades.org/news-and-media/bring-back-the-trades-tool-grant-program/

Stay Connected

 Upcoming Events

Stop by Booth #340 for a chance to win our raffle and complimentary headshots

Premier Sponsor

PowerHouse Sponsors

Voltage Sponsors

Amped Sponsors

Circuit Sponsors

The IEC Foundation Amped Up Hour Returns to IEC SPARK 2026

The IEC Foundation is thrilled to bring back the Amped Up Hour Fundraiser, a high-energy networking and fundraising tradition that unites contractors, industry partners, and supporters from across the country.


Every dollar raised helps power IEC Foundation scholarships, grants, and workforce development programs, giving students and apprentices the support they need to build careers in the electrical industry. Come ready for an evening of connection, celebration, and giving back, as we keep Powering Possibilities for the next generation of electrical professionals.


Visit the IEC Foundation at IEC SPARK Booth #340 to say hello, enter our raffle, and take advantage of our FREE professional headshots. We can't wait to see you all there!

Power the Future

Get Involved

Why Support the IEC Foundation?

When you support the IEC Foundation, you're investing directly in the future of the electrical industry. Your contribution helps open doors to high-quality apprenticeship programs, builds a stronger pipeline of skilled workers, and creates career opportunities that truly change lives.


Every donation helps shape the next generation of electricians while driving workforce development, innovation, and lasting impact in our communities.


IEC Foundation Donors

To learn more about the program and how you can support the IEC Foundation visit: https://www.iec-foundation.org/iecf-home-depot-pro-xtra-program

If you need assistance with your Pro Xtra account, please send an email to info@iec-foundation.org

Powering Partnerships

Graybar

Services | Graybar

Abercrombie Giles Wealth Management

Abercrombie Giles Wealth Management Announces Merger, Expands Commitment to Serving Electrical Contractors and Construction Industry Leaders


After more than two decades of involvement with Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC), Jesse Abercrombie and Sheryl Giles are proud to announce the formation of Abercrombie Giles Wealth Management, a practice dedicated to serving successful business owners, executives, and families throughout the construction and electrical contracting industries.


The newly formed team combines decades of experience helping contractors navigate the financial complexities of business ownership, including retirement planning, succession planning, business transitions, mergers and acquisitions, executive compensation, and wealth management.


For Jesse Abercrombie, the announcement represents more than a business milestone—it reflects a 23-year relationship with an organization that has helped shape both his professional career and personal network.


“IEC has been one of the most impactful organizations in my life,” said Abercrombie. “Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of serving on membership and government affairs committees, advocating for contractors in Washington, D.C., supporting chapters across the country, and building lasting relationships with some of the finest business owners in America. Many of the clients we serve today were first introduced through the IEC community.”


Today, Abercrombie Giles Wealth Management serves contractors, executives, and industry leaders across the country. The team advises business owners on both personal and corporate financial matters, including retirement plans, executive benefits, succession planning, exit planning, and multigenerational wealth strategies. The practice also works with numerous IEC chapters, foundations, associations, and contractor families nationwide.


“Contractors face unique challenges,” said Sheryl Giles. “Many have built significant value in their businesses but have not yet developed a comprehensive plan for transferring that value to their families, employees, or future buyers. Our mission is to help them create clarity, confidence, and control over their financial future.”


As part of the merger, the firm recently relocated to Ryan Tower in Plano, creating a collaborative space designed to serve business owners, centers of influence, and high-net-worth families throughout North Texas and beyond.


While the new office reflects the firm’s growth, Abercrombie says the mission remains unchanged.


“Our commitment to the contractor community has never been stronger. We are grateful for the trust IEC members have placed in us over the years and look forward to continuing to serve the people and businesses that keep America’s infrastructure growing.”


For more information about Abercrombie Giles Wealth Management, please contact Jesse Abercrombie or Sheryl Giles.


About Abercrombie Giles Wealth Management


Abercrombie Giles Wealth Management is an Edward Jones team specializing in wealth management, retirement planning, exit planning, succession planning, and business owner solutions. The team works closely with business owners, executives, multigenerational families, and contractors across the United States to help them build, preserve, and transition wealth with purpose.

Abercrombie Giles Wealth Management | Edward Jones

Facebook  Instagram  LinkedIn  TikTok  YouTube