Coming off a great Mizzou football season, the Tigers are engaged in a $250 million project to transform and modernize Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Mo. with the help of NECA contractor PayneCrest Electric and its IBEW workforce. The project, led by DLR Group, was recently profiled in the national trade publication Hospitality Design. With goal of preserving “traditional elements of the stadium while improving the fan experience,” “The north end of the stadium will be enclosed, adding 160,500 square feet of new construction that includes 98,000 square feet dedicated to premium seating. These improvements will introduce 2,000 new premium seats—comprising 600 loge box seats, 260 mezzanine club seats, and 66 suites—and increase the stadium’s total capacity to nearly 65,000.” Learn more.

On Martin Luther King Day, Electrical Connection Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion was a guest on America’s Workforce podcast. It noted that “Taylor's experience in the IBEW has been transformative, not just for him but for the communities he serves. He emphasized the importance of opportunity. By providing a new path to the trades for minority and other underrepresented workers, they are provided the opportunity to improve their lives and make a difference. His work in diversity and inclusion aims to ensure that underserved communities have access to the trades, which he sees as a pathway to the middle class.” Listen to Taylor’s remarks beginning at 35:00 on the podcast.

BJC HealthCare has saluted NECA contractor Guarantee Electrical Co. in its inaugural construction diversity awards.  Guarantee was named “Subcontractor of the Year.” In accepting the honor Dave Gralike, chief construction officer and president, Guarantee Electrical Company noted: "We believe that diversity is not just a goal—it’s a strength that fuels innovation, collaboration, and success. Receiving this award from BJC is a testament to our commitment to empowering diverse talent, supporting minority- and women-owned business enterprises, and building a more inclusive workforce for the future. Guarantee has long championed initiatives that promote opportunities for underrepresented groups in construction, with a focus on mentorship, workforce development, and creating pathways for success in electrical contracting. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to BJC for recognizing our efforts and providing a platform for contractors to make a positive impact."  Learn more.