Spark’n Conversations

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. 

Episode 19 - Changes in Labor Laws w/ Tom Revnew, Peters, Revnew, Kappenman & Anderson

The 2023 legislative session was a busy one for Minnesota. A lot of changes have been made to the labor laws. Tom joins Mike on the podcast again to inform listeners of the new laws to help keep everyone informed and up to date. 

Episode 18 - Cyber Security w/ Marc Miller, Co-Owner Imagine IT

Cyber attacks happen all the time. People and businesses needs to understand the importance of cyber security. Marc Miller and his employees at Imagine IT are here to help. Marc sits down with Mike in our latest episode to discusses the importance of being aware of cyber attacks and what to do if your system is compromised. 
 
After listening to the episode, feel free to learn more about ImagineIT and the Gunnar Project by going to the following websites: 
ImagineIT:
https://imagineiti.com/
 
The Gunnar Project: 
http://www.gunnarproject.org/ 
 

Episode 17 - GAP School w/Tony Zahradka, Director of Employment & Training

The GAP School is one of the newest workforce partnerships with the association. Mike sits down with Tony to learn about the school, the participants, and much more. Take a listen! 
 
After listening to the podcast you can go directly to the GAP School website to learn more: 
https://www.thechangeinc.org/gap-school.html

Episode 16 - Electrical Violations Investigations w/ Sean O’Neil, MN DLI

MN DLI Investigation Supervisor, Sean O'Neil, joins our host, Mike Miller, on our latest podcast episode. Sean and Mike discuss many things including how people act when they learn they are being investigated, what it is like during an investigation and the top violation complaints that Sean and his team receive. 
 
 
 
 

Episode15 - Project 2 Payment w/ Ryan Beck, VP of Sales

The newest service available through the Electrical Association is Project 2 Payment. Vice President of Sales, Ryan Beck, discusses with Mike Miller how this service can help make the customer experience easier and more efficient during your projects. 
 
After listening to the podcast you can go directly to the Project 2 Payment website to learn more: 
https://project2payment.com/electrical-association/

Episode 14 - Inflation Reduction Act w/ Katie Jones, Community Program & Policy Manager, Center for Energy & Environment

The Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law on August 16, 2022. Katie Jones from CEE talks with our host, Mike Miller, about how this law will help you both personally and professionally. 
 
After listening to the podcast you can go directly to the CEE website to learn more: 
https://www.mncee.org/ 

Episode 13 - Women in the Electrical Industry w/ Polly Friendshuh, Dean of Construction Sciences & Building Technology at Dunwoody

Polly has been working in the electrical industry for decades. She went from working on the jobsite to now being the Dean of Construction Sciences & Building Technology at Dunwoody College. Polly talks with our host Mike Miller as to what it is like being a woman in the industry.