As the nation celebrates its 250 anniversary this year, a solemn remembrance is being planned with the aid of NECA contractor Guarantee Electrical.  More than two thousand flags are being carefully stored in Guarantee’s warehouse for the Flags of Valor remembrance on Sept 11, 2026 in Forest Park. The memorial will honor those who lost lives 25 years ago on 9/11 and veterans killed in action in the war on terror. Orchestrated by Rick Randall, it will be one of the largest memorials in the nation. Guarantee is partnering with others to lay out the grid for flag placements on Art Hill and will help set up the flags as the memorial approaches. Joining Guarantee in ensuring the flags are carefully stored was Gold Star mom Chris Andrews. Learn more.

Rick Randall, Photo Credit Flags of Valor                Gold Star Mom Chris Andrews

Industrial transformers are exposed to high electrical and thermal stress, hence periodic inspections are necessary to avoid failures from aging or malfunction and to extend the lifespan of equipment. In its latest blog, NECA contractor MidStates Energy explores the nuances of transformer maintenance to ensure they operate safely and efficiently throughout their service lifetime. This includes:

·         Preventive inspections;

·         Oil testing and analysis;

·         Electrical diagnostics; and

·         Component repairs and replacements.

Without proper maintenance, industrial transformers can be susceptible to insulation failure, high temperatures, and water intrusion – all of which result in failure. A single transformer failure can take out whole production lines, costing millions in downtime, equipment damage and safety issues. Learn more.

ArchKey Solutions President of National Installation Joseph T Barnard has earned duel national honors from the National Electrical Contractors Association. He is the recipient of the McGraw Award which is given “in recognition of the most important personal contribution of progress in the electrical industry.” Honorees have “contributed an idea or constructive service to the advancement of the industry, over and above their own responsibilities toward their company's progress.” Barnard was also inducted into NECA’s Academy of Electrical Contracting, which honors outstanding leaders in the electrical contracting industry. Learn more.