Electrical Asssociation of Rochester

The Electrical Association of Rochester (EAR) is an association, of all segments in the electrical community, whose primary purpose is to educate the community on the safe and efficient use of electricity and technology as well as to promote the common interests of the electrical industry in the exchange of information.

That mission is still true today...over 76 years later. The organization sponsors educational classes and training programs, social events, an annual luncheon in honor of Thomas Edison, a scholarship program, a contractor referral program, group medical coverage for members and their employees, a tri-annual trade show, an industry newsletter, a web site, the Industrial Maintenance Division and the new Voice/Data/Video Division.

The most popular feature offered by the association is it’s educational agenda. Courses are offered throughout the year on a variety of subjects ranging from Fundamentals of Electricity to Troubleshooting PLC’s, from Fire Alarm Installation to Industrial & Commercial Power Distribution. The Education Committee meets regularly to assess membership needs and identify course content/instructors.

The Construction & Maintenance Division [CMD] is a separate component of the EAR. It offers educational programs monthly [October through May] at a nominal expense. The programs are primarily aimed at the industrial electrician but not exclusively. Individuals who register for the IMD, are also entitled to a discount on EAR education programs and association events.

Attendees have the opportunity to see products, etc. that are being talked about in the program, share ideas and experiences with their colleagues/peers and they get to enjoy refreshments that are provided by the sponsors after the program.

Individuals register for CMD programs also for a modest fee. For an CMD registration form, contact the EAR office or print the CMD REGISTRATION FORM.

Several functions are held each year which provide a venue to network and entertain customers and employees. These include the Electrical Week Luncheon [March]; Golf Tournament [July] and Clambake [September]. The costs are reasonable and the events are very popular with the members.

The association responds to several hundred inquiries for qualified electricians each year. A Referral List is maintained and three contractors are provided for each inquiry. Contractors are required to apply for this program and to meet several qualifications in order to be eligible.

Members may elect to offer Medical Health Coverage to their employees through the association. This qualifies them for group rates and benefit coverage in several programs through Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Preferred Care.

The association maintains a web site [as a resource for members of the electrical community] which you already know about otherwise you wouldn't be here. It includes links to many important sites; local industry news; a calendar of events; and information about the association. We also publish a quarterly newsletter which is distributed to members and placed on distributors counters.

The EAR awards two $500 Academic Scholarships and two $500 School-to-Work Scholarships

They are awarded on a competitive basis to eligible applicants. Each applicant is evaluated on the basis of academic achievement and personal characteristics by a Scholarship Selection Committee composed of non-Electrical Association members.

Every three years, the EAR sponsors a trade show for the benefit of the electrical community. Exhibitors get to show their latest lines and products and attendees get to see everything new in one sweeping visit. Distributors serve as “Hosts” by providing seminars and food and beverage. Members wishing to exhibit receive a discount providing they have been a member for at least two years.

Ask anyone who has ever become active in a non profit organization and chances are they will tell you that they get far more out of it than they have ever given. The experience of helping to run an organization adds a different perspective to their everyday lives and provides valuable insight into the industry and the people that make up the industry.

The association contracts with a local Association Management firm [Association Management Specialties] to provide association management expertise and to complete the work of the organization. Feel free to call upon them to answer any questions you may have.

Companies join the EAR for a modest fee and that membership covers all their employees. For an application form, contact the EAR office or PRINT APPLICATION.