Electrical Association

09/08/2026

Some of the most important work happens behind the scenes, and for the past three years, Tim Dokken has helped keep countless pieces of the Electrical Association moving in the right direction.

As our Operations Coordinator, Tim supports everything from member and customer questions to event logistics and the day-to-day details that keep our office running smoothly. If something needs to be organized, scheduled or handled, Tim is often involved.

But what makes Tim such an incredible asset goes well beyond his responsibilities. He is smart, reliable and always willing to step in wherever he is needed. He is also simply a great person to work with and a wonderful fit for our team.

Our members, customers and staff are all fortunate to have him in their corner.

Happy three-year anniversary, Tim! We are so glad you are part of EA.

09/03/2026

https://www.electricalassociation.com/Online/Online/Education/Continuing_Education_Landing_Page.aspx

Minnesota’s 2026 National Electrical Code is now in effect. Are you confident you understand the changes, and how they will affect your work in the field?

Electrical Association’s 2026 NEC Code Update training goes beyond simply identifying what changed. Through practical applications and examples, you’ll explore updates affecting:

⚡ Branch-circuit, feeder and service load calculations
⚡ Wiring methods, conductors and receptacles
⚡ Switchboards, switchgear and panelboards
⚡ EV charging, solar and energy storage systems
⚡ Emergency and standby power systems
⚡ Healthcare, agricultural and other special installations
⚡ Limited-energy and Class 4 fault-managed power systems

Choose the learning format that works best for you:

💻 Self-paced: EA members can access 16 hours of code-update education for $150.

👥 In person: Learn face-to-face with an experienced instructor at a location near you.

• Sept. 17–18 | St. Louis Park
• Sept. 25–26 | Plymouth
• Oct. 8–9 | St. Cloud
• Oct. 15–16 | Cottage Grove
• Nov. 5–6 | Brooklyn Park
• Nov. 12–13 | Minneapolis
• Dec. 4–5 | Rochester

The new code is here. Make sure you (and your team) are prepared to apply it.

Explore your options and register:
https://www.electricalassociation.com/Online/Online/Education/Continuing_Education_Landing_Page.aspx

09/02/2026

https://www.electricalassociation.com/Online/Online/TrainingEvents/Networking_Events.aspx?hkey=b3ad7ecb-8181-4d9e-bcb1-acbb5760b7f0

September 15 (4pm) - Free to attend

Learn from Leaders Who've Been There!

Karl Von Knobelsdorff (Knobelsdorff Enterprises)
Matt Bergmann (Laketown Electric)
Nick Bischoff (Design Electric)

—leaders of multigenerational family businesses who have transformed their companies into some of the region's most respected electrical contractors.

08/31/2026

Today we’re celebrating Megan Fink and her 4-year anniversary with the Electrical Association!

As our Senior Education Coordinator, Megan plays a critical role in supporting our apprenticeship programs, including both related technical instruction and registered apprenticeship. She helps apprentices stay on track, supports contractors and instructors, answers education and licensing questions, and keeps countless program details organized behind the scenes.

Megan is thoughtful, dependable, smart, and always willing to jump in wherever needed — and do it well. Our apprentices, members, instructors, and team are incredibly lucky to have her.

Thank you, Megan, for all you do to support EA and the future of the electrical industry!

08/29/2026

https://www.electricalassociation.com/Online/Online/Events/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=PR260922

Preparing for Minnesota’s Journeyworker A electrical license exam takes more than memorizing a few code sections. It takes repetition, practice and knowing how to find the right answer under pressure.

Our live, online 11-week Exam Prep Series gives participants the structure and support to prepare over time.

Beginning September 22, participants will meet with expert electrical trainer Mike Miller every Tuesday evening. The series includes:

• Live instruction with opportunities to ask questions
• Recordings available after each session
• An Exam Prep Study Guide and Minnesota Rules and Regulations book
• Weekly homework and quizzes
• A mid-course exam and final practice exam
• Guidance on what to expect on exam day

The series is designed specifically for those preparing for Minnesota’s Journeyworker A exam.

Build your knowledge, practice using your resources and walk into exam day better prepared.

08/28/2026

Today we’re celebrating Cynthia Bennett as she wraps up her first year with the Electrical Association as our Head of Strategic Partnerships!

Cynthia has brought tremendous energy, creativity, and industry insight to EA’s partnership work. She has a gift for connecting people, ideas, and resources in ways that create real value for contractor members and strengthen the electrical industry.

Her work continues to help us build more intentional partnerships around workforce, education, business development, and industry collaboration.

We’re also excited to congratulate Cynthia on being named Interim Executive Director of the Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association during their leadership transition. Cynthia will continue supporting EA’s strategic partnership work, and we’re excited for the perspective and potential collaboration this connection may bring across the electrical, solar, and energy industries.

Thank you, Cynthia, for all you do to support EA, our members, and the broader energy and electrical community!

08/27/2026

https://www.electricalassociation.com/Online/Education/Apprentice.aspx?Apprentice

Get your apprentices the best training possible with our Electrical Apprenticeship Training Program!

Starting in September, this 4-year course includes 144 hours of related technical instruction and live online training. Graduates can also opt for a 1-year course for MN exam prep, solar, 70E safety, transformers, and more. Plus, they'll learn from top experts in the industry!

08/26/2026

https://www.electricalassociation.com/Online/Online/TrainingEvents/Networking_Events.aspx?hkey=b3ad7ecb-8181-4d9e-bcb1-acbb5760b7f0

Legacy to Leadership Panel

Learn from Leaders Who've Been There: ​Hear directly from Karl Von Knobelsdorff (Knobelsdorff Enterprises), Matt Bergmann (Laketown Electric), and Nick Bischoff (Design Electric)—leaders of multigenerational family businesses who have transformed their companies into some of the region's most respected electrical contractors.

Explore the Decisions Behind the Growth

Leave with Practical Ideas and New Connections

08/25/2026

https://www.electricalassociation.com/Online/Membership/Health_Plan.aspx

For a small electrical contractor, offering competitive health insurance can be challenging.

You want to take care of your employees (and attract and retain great people) but you may not have the size or buying power of a large company.

That is exactly why the Electrical Association created Health Spark.

For more than four years, this member health plan has helped Minnesota electrical contractors access large-group rates through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, with nine plan designs and two statewide network options.

Today, more than 30 EA member contractors participate in the plan.

The program is available to Minnesota electrical contractors with at least one employee and offers the flexibility to choose coverage that fits the company and its workforce.

If you have not compared Health Spark with your current coverage recently, it may be worth another look. A member benefit can only create value if members know it exists and understand how it could help their business.

Learn more: https://www.electricalassociation.com/Online/Membership/Health_Plan.aspx

08/19/2026

https://infohye.podbean.com/e/episode-54-code-talk-the-2026-nec-w-ryan-jackson-ryan-jackson-electrical-training/

New PODCAST Alert! Join Mike Miller and Ryan Jackson, a nationally recognized code panelist and educator, for a focused review of the 2026 NEC revisions. Ryan provides an informed perspective on the decision‑making behind recent changes and offers a forward‑looking view on emerging influences, including AI, NFPA direction, and broader industry developments.

Join Mike Miller and Ryan Jackson, a nationally recognized code panelist and educator, for a focused review of the 2026 NEC revisions. Ryan provides an informed perspective on the decision‑making behind recent changes and offers a forward‑looking view on emerging influences, including AI, NFPA d...