When most people think about the work of an electrical contractor, they think about projects, safety, deadlines, and keeping clients happy. What many don’t think about is how decisions made at city hall, the state capitol, or even in Washington can affect your business every day.
From licensing requirements to building codes to workforce development programs, public policy has a real impact on how you operate. The good news is you don’t have to be a political expert to make sure your voice is heard. You just need to take a few simple steps to connect with your elected officials and help them understand your world.
This isn’t about politics. It’s about relationships, communication, and making sure the people making decisions know what it’s like to run a business in the trades.
Elected leaders rely on input from people who live and work in their communities, and that includes contractors. Most of them don’t know what it takes to wire a building, manage a crew, or keep up with changing codes. They depend on real-world stories and examples to guide their decisions. If they never hear from electrical contractors, those policies are made without your perspective — and that can cost you time, money, and opportunities.
Being involved also builds your reputation. When local leaders see you not only as a business owner but as someone who creates jobs, trains young people, and invests in the community, you become a trusted resource. That credibility pays off over the long term.
How Do You Get Started?
It’s easier than you might think. The key is to start building relationships before you ever need to ask for something. Here are some simple, practical ways to do that.
Introduce yourself. A short email is all it takes. Let your city council member, county official, or state representative know who you are, what your business does, and that you’re happy to be a resource if they ever want to understand how policies affect contractors
Invite them to see your work. If you’re on a school, hospital, or major project, extend an invitation for them to stop by. Seeing your team in action makes a big impression.
Attend local meetings. City council, county commission, or state legislative meetings and hearings are open to the public. You don’t need to be a regular but showing up now and then keeps you informed and puts you on their radar
Tell clear stories. When you have a chance to share your perspective, keep it simple. Skip the jargon. Explain how a policy or regulation directly affects your ability to hire workers, finish projects, or meet customer expectations
Stay professional. Even if you disagree with a decision, keep the relationship respectful. Today’s disagreement doesn’t mean you can’t work together tomorrow
Engaging with public policy isn’t just about one issue, it’s about shaping the environment in which your business operates. Strong relationships with local leaders mean your industry is seen as essential, respected, and supported. When workforce training dollars are on the table, wouldn’t you want them thinking about the need for skilled electricians? When permitting delays are debated, wouldn’t it help if they already understood how those delays impact small businesses?
Your voice makes that possible. By sharing your experiences, you make sure decision-makers are working with the full picture.
If you’re new to this, don’t overthink it. Pick one easy step to take this year — whether that’s sending a short introductory email, attending a local meeting, or sharing one story about how a rule or regulation has affected your work over a cup of coffee. Each of those actions is a building block, and over time they create a relationship that benefits both you and your community.
At the end of the day, engaging with local leaders isn’t about politics, it’s about people making decisions that affect your work. You already build the systems that keep the lights on. By being part of public policy conversation, you can also help build a stronger foundation for your business and your industry.
About the Authors
Caleb Hunter is owner of Extreme Electrical Contractors, LLC and a lifelong resident of Missouri. He co-founded his own electrical business in 2009 as a way to give back to the community that supported him throughout his life. With over two decades of experience as a licensed electrician and a lifetime immersed in the electrical and construction industries, Caleb brings both technical expertise and deep-rooted community insight to his work.
Dave Berry is vice president of government affairs at First Capitol Advisors, LLC. LLC. He is a trusted advocate and policy strategist with more than a decade of experience representing businesses and nonprofit clients before the Missouri General Assembly. He works at the intersection of policy and politics, helping organizations navigate the legislative process and achieve meaningful results.
This material from Caleb and Dave is just one of the SPARK 2025 speaker articles on pages 60-81 in the November / December 2025 issue of IEC Insights magazine.