Independent Electrical Contractors

IEC National Award

Receiving an IEC National Award is a tremendous achievement, and we urge members and chapters to take advantage of this significant opportunity for visible and tangible recognition. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by! Nominations close June 30, 2025. 

Achievement Awards

The IEC Achievement Awards recognize the excellence, achievement, and impact of individuals, industry partners, and teams on their communities, IEC, and the electrical and systems contracting industry over the previous calendar year, and throughout the course of an individual’s career. 

The IEC Industry Impact Award recognizes a member who has shown outstanding dedication to the industry and the merit-shop philosophy. Through leadership and advocacy, they drive initiatives that advance IEC, champion merit-shop policies, and enhance training. Their influence inspires others, shaping the industry’s future and empowering positive change. 

The IEC Community Impact Award recognizes members who unite for a community-focused initiative to create positive change through volunteer efforts. Members participate in activities like park clean-ups, home repairs, food drives, and shelter volunteering. These efforts, supported by donors and partners, address critical needs and improve lives.

The Gene Mini Lifetime Achievement Award honors a member who has significantly impacted IEC and the industry through innovative contributions and exemplary leadership. With a focus on longevity, experience, and team-building, the nominee actively mentors others, fosters growth, and shares knowledge at IEC National events, demonstrating a commitment to collaboration and development within the organization. 

Individual Awards

The IEC Individual Awards recognize the excellence, achievement, and impact of individual members on IEC and the electrical and systems contracting industry over the previous calendar year. 

The IEC Alumni Impact Award honors an IEC apprentice program alumni who demonstrates exceptional dedication, skill, and commitment to excellence. They have made significant contributions to IEC, both nationally and locally, by actively participating in initiatives that advance the organization’s mission. 

The IEC Contractor Impact Award recognizes an IEC Contractor member who has distinguished themselves as a leader through exceptional contributions to both IEC and the industry. With a long-standing commitment to excellence and innovation, their leadership has driven progress, fostered collaboration, and made a lasting impact on the organization and community. 

The IEC Future Impact Award recognizes a member who has consistently supported IEC both nationally and within their Chapter through dedication and active involvement. Nominees demonstrate leadership, influence the profession, and represent the next generation of electrical professionals ready to lead and inspire others to achieve their goals. 

Chapter Awards

The IEC Chapter Awards recognize the excellence, achievement, and impact of chapters on IEC and the electrical and systems contracting industry over the previous calendar year. 

The IEC Apprenticeship Impact Award recognizes a Chapter whose innovative apprenticeship program enhances learning outcomes through diverse teaching methods. With strong retention rates, mentorship, and career development, the program thrives. Active involvement in curriculum development and strategic partnerships strengthens its impact on apprentices and the industry. 

The IEC Chapter Executive Director of the Year Award recognizes an Executive Director who has shown exceptional leadership, accomplishments, and service. They have driven collaboration among Chapters, supported IEC’s national growth, and contributed to legislative efforts. Their proactive leadership has boosted Chapter growth, and their involvement in educational programs and National events showcases their commitment to the IEC community. 

The IEC Chapter of the Year Award recognizes IEC Chapters who have provided their members with exemplary service and demonstrated notable growth over the past year.   

  • Category A: 1-30 Contractor members  
  • Category B: 31-59 Contractor members  
  • Category C: 60+ Contractor members  

The IEC Legislative Impact Award recognizes an IEC Chapter that has made significant strides in achieving IEC’s legislative goals by pursuing initiatives that seek to promote and support the merit shop philosophy. 

The IEC National Advocacy Awards recognize IEC Chapters with the highest level of member participation in IEC’s advocacy efforts, including PAC authorizations, number of PAC contributors and contributions, Freedom Fund contributions, meetings with members of Congress and IEC Policy Conference attendance.  No formal submission is required.  Winning Chapters are chosen based on metrics tracked by IEC Policy Staff. 

  • 5-30 Contractor Members  
  • 31-60 Contractor Members  
  • 61-89 Contractor Members  
  • 90+ Contractor Members 

Excellence in Construction

The Awards of Excellence in Electrical Construction recognize IEC contractor members that exhibit excellence in electrical or systems construction by striving for total quality and excellence. Only projects completed from July 16, 2024 – July 15, 2025 may be submitted, regardless of start date. An independent panel of electrical contractors, inspectors, and other experts in the field will judge submissions. 

(Includes new construction or renovation)

Category A: Single Family Residences

Category B: Multi-Family Residences with contract amounts up to $5,000,000

Category C: Multi-Family Residences with contract amounts over $5,000,000

(Includes office buildings, institutions, banks, restaurants, retail facilities, churches, outdoor lighting, etc.)

Category A: Electrical contract amounts up to $500,000

Category B: Electrical contract amounts from $500,001-$2,000,000

Category C: Electrical contract amounts from $2,000,001-$5,000,000

Category D: Electrical contract amounts from $5,000,001-$7,000,000

Category E: Electrical contract amounts over $7,000,000

(Includes manufacturing, utilities, processing, transportation, warehouses, etc.)

Category A: Electrical contract amounts up to $3,000,000

Category B: Electrical contract amounts from $3,000,001-$7,000,000

Category C: Electrical contract amounts over $7,000,000

Recognizes IEC Contractor members for excellence in low-voltage systems construction, emphasizing innovation, quality, cost efficiency, and environmental responsibility.

Category A: Power Generation / Solar & Wind

Category B: LEED / Green Building

Category C: Energy Efficient Retrofit

The IEC Excellence in Construction Service Award recognizes an IEC Contractor member company that excels in providing electrical service and/or low-voltage work to its customers. The award may be presented to a company or service department of a company specializing in residential, commercial, low-voltage, or industrial electrical service. 

Safety Awards

IEC strives to communicate the importance of safety to our members and encourages them to make it a top priority within their companies. To recognize achievement in the area of safety, IEC offers annual awards and recognition to its members. 

The IEC Contractor Safety Awards honor IEC Contractor members who exceed OSHA, NFPA 70E, and other relevant standards to create a safe and healthy workplace. Contractors are evaluated on their safety records and commitment to going above and beyond conventional safety programs for electrical contractors. 

  • Category A: 1-40 Employees 
  • Category B: 41-100 Employees  
  • Category C: 101-199 Employees  
  • Category D: 200-299 Employees  
  • Category E: 300+ Employees 

The IEC Safety Professional of the Year Award recognizes an IEC member who has achieved outstanding success in occupational safety and health (OSH). This individual demonstrates unique, engaging, and effective approaches to safety programs, making a profound and positive impact on safety within the electrical industry. 

The SPARK program allows member companies to evaluate their safety program through a “safety check-up.” This is not a competition; the document is for survey purposes only and will not be reprinted, circulated, or published by IEC or its chapters. Companies that achieve Grand, Superior, or SPARK Achievement will receive a SPARK Recognition Certificate. 

  • Grand Achievement  
  • Superior Achievement  
  • SPARK Achievement 

Need Help Applying for an IEC Award?

Make the process easier with our IEC Awards Checklist! This handy guide outlines everything you need to gather and submit a strong application. Download it now to stay organized as you compile your materials and ensure you don’t miss a step.

Want a visual walkthrough? Watch the “How to Submit an IEC Award” video below for a step-by-step guidance.

Questions? Contact communications@ieci.org

All Award Recipients Receive

  • Recognition at an IEC National Event
  • An impressive, professional-quality award for display
  • A digital media kit including:
    • Downloadable press release
    • Official winner logo
    • Videos/Photos​​​​​​​
    • A featured article in Insights
    • Recognition on the IEC National website
    • Recipients of Excellence in Electrical Construction Awards will receive a digital poster file.

2024 Award Winners

We’re thrilled to unveil the 2024 IEC Award winners, celebrated during the IEC Business Summit in San Antonio! While SPARK: The Electricians’ Expo was unfortunately canceled, we’re proud to recognize these remarkable individuals and companies who exemplify excellence in the electrical industry.