October 2026

IEC Foundation Equipment & Training Grant Sponsors

Copperweld® Partners with the IEC Foundation

The IEC Foundation is excited to welcome Copperweld as a new sponsor supporting the future of the electrical industry.

Copperweld is the global leader in bimetallic wire and cable and the North American leader in Copper-Clad Aluminum (CCA) Building Wire. For more than 110 years, Copperweld has developed bimetallic solutions for the electrical industry through metallurgical expertise and value engineering.

Copperweld® CCA Building Wire delivers economic and performance benefits over traditional solid-copper wire, helping reduce exposure to copper price volatility, improve installation efficiency, deliver efficient electrical performance, and reduce theft incentives.

For more information, please visit: https://www.copperweld.com/products/building-wire/who-we-serve/commercial

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

Graybar Podcast: Keepin' The Lights on with Todd Reed

The IEC Foundation was featured on the latest episode of Keepin’ The Lights On!

IEC Foundation CEO LaNa Al-Amin and IEC Foundation Chairman Tom Alexander joined host Todd Reed for a conversation about building the future of the electrical workforce and the resources that help apprentices succeed.

From scholarships, tools, mentoring, and job-readiness programs to the earn-while-you-learn apprenticeship model, the conversation explores how we can remove barriers for students, reach the next generation earlier, and work alongside industry partners to strengthen IEC chapters and training programs across the country.

We’re proud to continue supporting apprentices, chapters, and communities as they build pathways to successful careers in the electrical industry.

Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform, YouTube, or at graybar.com/podcast.

Events That Power Our Mission

Striking Up Support for a Great Cause

On September 27th, the IEC Foundation came together at Nesbit's Lanes in Pittsburgh for an afternoon of bowling, fun, and community, all in support of our mission to strengthen the future of the electrical industry.

Bowlers enjoyed two hours on the lanes, plenty of pizza, soft drinks, and dessert, and a chance to win door prizes throughout the afternoon. Whether guests were chasing strikes or just trying to stay out of the gutter, the lanes were full of laughter, friendly competition, and great conversation.

More than just a good time, every lane and every bowler helped support the IEC Foundation's work in electrical workforce training, apprenticeships, and scholarships, investing directly in the next generation of skilled electrical professionals.

A huge thank you to everyone who bowled, cheered, and volunteered. Your support made this event a true strike for a great cause. 

Beyond the Classroom Serving Our Communities

Phase Two Underway: Welcome Kits for the Home of the Innocents

We're honored to return for a second time to support the Home of the Innocents through this meaningful community service project. Phase one is complete. Thanks to our generous sponsors, Kings Electric Services and New Jersey IEC, every summer fun kit has been delivered to the children and families at the Home of the Innocents.

Now we're moving into phase two: the welcome kits. These kits will help bring comfort, care, and a sense of belonging to those arriving at the Home of the Innocents. Together, we can make a lasting impact while uniting our supporters and partners in service to others.

A heartfelt thank you to Kings Electric Services and New Jersey IEC for making phase one possible. Stay tuned for updates as the welcome kits come together, and for ways you can get involved!

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/

Stay Connected

 Upcoming Events

Premier Sponsor

PowerHouse Sponsors

Voltage Sponsors

Amped Sponsors

Circuit Sponsors

Pop Into National Popcorn Month with Double Good

October is National Popcorn Month, and we're celebrating in the tastiest way possible! From October 18th through October 25th, the IEC Foundation is hosting a Double Good popcorn fundraiser.

Double Good's award-winning popcorn comes in a variety of fun flavors, and 50% of every sale goes directly to the IEC Foundation, helping us support electrical workforce training, apprenticeships, and scholarships across our chapter network.

It's easy to get involved: grab a bag (or a few!) for yourself, share the link with family, friends, and coworkers, and help us make this our most successful popcorn season yet. Popcorn makes a great snack for the office, game nights, or early holiday gifts.

Thank you for your support. Every bag makes a difference!

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

At Schneider Electric, we believe the future of our industry depends on investing in people, advancing technical expertise, and supporting the next generation of electrical professionals.

This summer, Kelly Becker was named President of North America Operations, bringing more than a decade of leadership experience within Schneider Electric and a strong track record of driving innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable growth. Her leadership will help guide Schneider Electric's efforts to support customers, contractors, and communities as demand for electrification and energy resilience continues to grow.

Schneider Electric is also proud to support the educational mission of the IEC Foundation. At SPARK 2026, attendees are invited to stop by Schneider Electric's Codes & Coffee table and connect with Chad Kennedy, Director of Industry Standards. A nationally recognized codes expert, Kennedy helps shape industry standards for emerging technologies including energy storage, microgrids, renewable energy, electric vehicles, and power distribution systems.

For IEC members, apprentices, and instructors, understanding evolving code requirements and new technologies is essential to staying ahead in a rapidly changing industry. Through thought leadership, education, and active participation in industry organizations, Schneider Electric remains committed to helping electrical professionals build the knowledge and skills needed for long-term success.

Together with the IEC Foundation, Schneider Electric is working to strengthen the skilled trades, support workforce development, and inspire the next generation of electricians who will help power a more sustainable future.

www.se.com

Services | Graybar

Copperweld

Visit Copperweld® at IEC Spark

At IEC SPARK 2026, visit new IEC Foundation sponsor Copperweld at Booth #531 to discuss the future of building wire and how Copperweld® CCA Building Wire’s bimetallic design is engineered for today’s construction challenges, delivering reliable electrical performance while helping stabilize project costs and improve cycle times. 

Jonathan Acosta, Copperweld Business Development Manager, will also be hosting a Copperweld 101 Theater Session on Thursday, October 22 to discuss the benefits of Copperweld CCA.

Then on October 23, Copperweld is also proud to support the “Try the Trades” event in their booth and on the expo floor to help introduce the next generation of electricians to careers in the electrical trade.

For more information, please visit: copperweld.com/commercialbuildingwire

The Home Depot

Powering Your Projects: How The Home Depot is Evolving to Serve IEC Members



By Randy Light, Senior Merchant, Electrical Department, The Home Depot

As a Senior Merchant in the Electrical Department at The Home Depot, I spend my days focused on one clear goal: making the lives of professional electricians easier, more efficient, and more profitable. I know that for members of the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC), time is quite literally money. You need the right products at the right price, exactly when and where you need them.

Beyond our current offerings for electrical pros, we are constantly innovating to serve your businesses in new, targeted, and highly tailored ways.

The Ultimate One-Stop Shop at Unmatched Scale

We proudly stand as the largest electrical distributor in the world. With over 2,000 convenient locations and dedicated direct-to-customer distribution centers nationwide, we are built to be your ultimate partner. Because the trade doesn't operate on a traditional 9-to-5 schedule, our doors are open 363 days a year, most locations, from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, including weekends and most holidays.

Our true advantage, however, lies in our cross-category, "one-stop shop" capability. Every electrician knows that a job rarely requires just wire and conduit. At some point, you’re going to need a 2x4, a bag of concrete, or a specialized fastener. We save your crew from making multiple time-wasting trips to different specialty supply houses by providing everything under a single roof.

Jobsite Assortment and the Brands You Trust

If you don't see an item on our shelves, it doesn't mean we can't get it. We offer an "endless aisle" of hundreds of thousands of products accessible through our Pro Desk or via THD.com.

We carry the industry-leading brands that anchor your day-to-day operations, including:

• Milwaukee
• Klein
• Southwire
• Carlon
• Square D
• ABB
• Eaton
• Leviton
• Lutron
• Ideal

Beyond everyday tools and materials, we scale directly to your needs. We regularly fulfill bulk wire runs, high-volume conduit orders, and comprehensive lighting packages and take-offs through Comp+, our exclusive lighting agent program.

Maximizing Your Margins with ProXtra

If you aren't utilizing a ProXtra account, you are leaving money on the table. We designed this loyalty program specifically to boost your bottom line. By signing up, you immediately unlock:

• Annual Rebates: Earn an approximate 2% rebate back on your yearly spend while automatically ensuring the IEC foundation receives credit in addition to what you are earning back
• Pro Perks: Gain access to valuable discounts on tool rentals, future purchase credits, fuel rewards, and more.
• Preferred Pricing: Unlock immediate, upfront discounts on the key electrical products and every day jobsite essentials you use most, keeping your bids competitive and improving profitability from day one.

Modern Solutions for the Evolving Contractor

The electrical industry is changing, and so is our approach to supporting your business. We are rolling out digital tools and financial services designed to streamline your back-office management:

1. AI-Powered List Builder: Once logged into your Pro Xtra account on THD.com, you have access to our List Builder. This AI-driven tool helps you efficiently build, expand, and organize material lists for specific projects. Saving hours of manual planning and ensuring no critical component is left behind.
2. Seamless Purchase Tracking: Managing physical receipts is a headache of the past. With our Purchase Tracker, as long as your crew enters your Pro Xtra phone number at checkout, every receipt is automatically cataloged and organized. Your back-office team can access this data instantly to streamline accounting and job-costing.
3. Commercial Trade Credit: Much like traditional specialty distributors, we offer Trade Credit (House Accounts) to help optimize your cash flow. This allows you to manage your capital by invoicing at the time of delivery rather than purchase, providing a convenient Net-30 payment window. You can easily establish an account through your dedicated sales rep or the Pro Desk.
4. Priority Delivery: While we offer standard same-day and next-day delivery on most goods, Pro Xtra members receive prioritized scheduling. When your job site is at a standstill waiting on materials, we fast-track your order to the front of the line. We now also offer ‘express delivery’ in certain markets, with plans to roll it out nationwide soon, with deliveries as quick as 3 hours. Keeping you on your jobsite, all day long.

Let’s Build the Future Together

My team and I are incredibly proud of the partnerships we've built with IEC members across the country, but we are always looking to do more. Before you map out your next project, let us help you streamline the process—whether that means building your materials list online with our AI tools or partnering with the Pro Desk to secure your Trade Credit.

We are here to ensure that no matter the size, scope, or complexity of your next project, you have the materials, the financial flexibility, and the logistical support you need to succeed.