Spark’n Conversations

Episode 29 - Answering 2023 Code Questions w/ Dean Hunter, MN Dept of Labor and Industry

Dean Hunter, the Chief Electrical Inspector with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, is making a return appearance on our podcast to tackle questions about the 2023 electrical code.

Episode 28 - Insurance 101 w/ Jordy Christian, Federated Insurance

The Electrical Association and Federated Insurance have been partnering for over 60 years. In our latest podcast, Mike sits down with Regional Marketing Manager, Jordy Christian, to discuss everything you need to know about insurance.  
 
After listening to the podcast you can go directly to the Federated Insurance website: 
https://www.federatedinsurance.com/

Episode 27 -Medium Voltage Changes w/ Chris Yelle, ElectroTech

Join Mike and Chris in this episode as they unpack the 2023 electrical code amendments, with a spotlight on alterations to medium voltage regulations. Get insights into the extended rules and a comprehensive discussion on how these changes will shape the landscape of the electrical industry.
 
After listening to the podcast you can go directly to ElectroTech's website: 
https://www.electrotech-inc.com/

Episode 26 - Buying or Selling A Business w/Richard Jahnke, Business Broker

Have you considered buying or selling a business? Do you need help in figuring out how the process works? Richard sits down with Mike in our latest episode to help answer your questions when it comes to buying or selling a business. 
 
After listening to the podcast you can go directly to the Sunbelt Business Solutions website for more information: 
https://www.sunbeltmidwest.com/
 

Episode 25 - Lake Street Works w/ Jess Coykendall, Program Director

The Electrical Association has collaborated with Lake Street Works well before the creation of their workforce development program. Jess and Mike sit down for a discussion, delving into what the program is, the students, and so much more! 
 
After listening to the podcast you can go directly to the Lake Street Works website to learn more: 
https://www.lakestreetworks.org/

Episode 24 - Goodwill-Easter Seals w/ Kristen Hoyles, Workforce Development Manager

Goodwill-Easter Seals is a workforce partner of the Electrical Association. Mike sits down with Kristen to learn about the organization, the YouthBuild program, and more! 
 
After listening to the podcast you can go directly to the Goodwill-Easter Seals YouthBuild website to learn more: 
https://www.goodwilleasterseals.org/services/youthyoung-adult-services/youthbuild 

Episode 23 - Summit Academy OIC w/ Amanda Hardy, Employment Engagement Manager

Summit Academy OIC is one of the Electrical Association's workforce partners. Mike sits down with Amanda to learn about the school, the participants, and much more. Take a listen! 
 
After listening to the podcast you can go directly to Summit Academy's website to learn more: 
https://saoic.org/ 

Episode 22 - EV Charging Station Certification w/ Beth Kallestad, MN Dept of Transportation

Electrical vehicle charging stations are popping up all over Minnesota and there is a need for more electricians to be certified to work on them. Beth Kallestad, Principal Sustainability Planner at the Office of Sustainability and Public Health for the Minnesota Department of Transportation, discusses with Mike the requirements for EV charging station certification, Minnesota's EV Infrastructure Plan and more!  
 
To learn more about Minnesota's Electrical Vehicle Infrastructure Plan please visit there website: 
https://talk.dot.state.mn.us/ev-infrastructure-plan
 
You can also e-mail Beth directly at Elizabeth.Croteau.Kallestad@state.mn.us 

Episode 21 - Employee Handbooks w/ Kate Bischoff, k8bisch LLC

Employment laws have changed since the last time Kate was a guest. Kate came back to chat with Mike about the latest legislative session and how employers should update their employee handbooks to reflect the new changes. 

Episode 20 - Marijuana in the Workplace w/ Kate Bischoff, k8bisch LLC

As of August 1, 2023 recreational marijuana will be legal in Minnesota. Employment law attorney, Kate Bischoff, joins Mike Miller in this episode to discuss what employers can expect when this new law goes into effect.