As part of the reorganization, IES will refinance $50 million in senior convertible notes with the proceeds of a new term loan. The company will also convert outstanding common shares into about 15% of the new IES common stock, and issue to management 3% of the new IES common stock as restricted shares.

NEMA Releases Revised Panelboard and Distribution Switchboard Standards
The Low Voltage Distribution Equipment Panelboard and Distribution Board Product Group of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), Rosslyn, Va., recently published two revised standards covering panelboards and distribution switchboards. PB 1-2006, Panelboards, and PB 2-2006, Deadfront Distribution Switchboards, have been revised for the first time since 2000 and 2001.

PB 1-2006 is a general standard for panelboards providing information on panelboard types, voltage ratings, short-circuit current ratings, construction requirements, and test procedures. PB 2-2006 covers floor-mounted deadfront switchboards rated 6,000A or less, 600V or less, which consist of an enclosure, molded-case circuit breakers, low-voltage power circuit breakers, fusible or non-fusible switches, instruments, metering equipment, monitoring equipment or control equipment, with associated interconnections and supporting structures.

You can purchase the standards for $59 by visiting www.nema.org/stds/pb1.cfm and www.nema.org/stds/pb2.cfm or by contacting Global Engineering Documents at (800) 854-7179 (within the U.S.), (303) 397-7956 (international), (303) 397-2740 (fax), or on the Internet at http://global.ihs.com.

Florida Deemed Hot Spot for Merger and Acquisition Activity
According to Steve Gido, CFA, a principal with ZweigWhite, Natick, Mass., the Sunshine State is the most desired location in the country for external merger and acquisition (M&A) goals. In fact, Gido's firm has witnessed more than 40 transactions of Florida engineering, architecture, and environmental consulting firms since 2001 -- with another four announced in the first quarter of 2006.

Following are a few reasons why Gido feels Florida has become such a hot spot for expansion. An estimated 1,000 people are moving into the state every day, creating a huge demand for all types of residential, land development, institutional, commercial, environmental, and state and local infrastructure projects. The state's economy has also diversified over the last 30 years, and its low tax environment and mild climate encourage new business creation. Management at many firms has also realized it's more realistic to acquire an existing Florida firm with a strong management team, dedicated staff, strong client base, and brand name in the markets they serve rather than deal with the obstacles of opening up a new branch office out of state.

Construction Starts Up 14.2%
So Far This Year
The value of construction starts from January through April 2006, excluding residential projects, increased to $87.9 billion, according to a recent report from Reed Construction Data. In April 2006, starts increased 8.9% from March and 32.9% from April 2005. From the beginning of the year through April, the value of construction starts was 14.2% higher than the same period last year -- a trend that undoubtedly relates to the higher costs of construction and materials.

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Contractors Earn Free Merchandise from B-Line
Introducing the Great Gear program, a way to acquire free gifts by collecting and redeeming B-Line Bucks found on B-Line's fastener product boxes. Simply remove your B-Line Bucks from the box label and use them to select from a wide assortment of gear in B-Line's Great Gear catalog. To obtain a catalog and order forms, see your local B-Line distributor, or visit our website at www.b-line.com

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Business Brief
MDE Electric, a multi-family electrical contractor based in Sunnyvale, Calif., recently announced it is expanding operations by opening a new branch office in San Francisco to address the growing number of projects in this city as well as San Mateo and the North Bay. Mark Lynch, who was appointed general manager for MDE North, says the firm plans to extend the niche it's built in the South Bay multi-family market to the San Francisco area.

MDE North's services include pre-construction, trench work, design/build, electrical contracting, telecommunications wiring, and lighting design and installation. The new branch is currently working on several multi-family projects, including a 148-unit rental property, a 224-unit design/build condominium, a 236-unit apartment complex, a 280-unit condominium project, and the recently completed 25-unit transitional housing project.

For more business briefs, visit EC&M's Web site.

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Eye on Safety
OSHA Releases First Aid Guide
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Washington, D.C., recently issued a new guide to help employers and employees develop more effective workplace first aid programs. Entitled "Best Practices Guide: Fundamentals of a Workplace First-Aid Program," the literature identifies four essential elements for first-aid programs: management leadership and employee involvement; worksite analysis; hazard prevention and control; and safety and health training. The guide details the primary components of a first-aid program at the workplace, including: identifying and assessing workplace risks; designing a written program that is specific to the worksite and complies with OSHA first-aid requirements; instructing all workers about the program, including what to do if a coworker is injured or ill; and evaluating and modifying a program to keep it current, including regular assessment of the first-aid training course. OSHA recommends that training courses include instruction in general and workplace hazard-specific knowledge and skills, incorporating automated external defibrillator (AED) training into CPR training if an AED is available at the work site, and periodically repeating first-aid training to help maintain and update knowledge and skills.

Shows and Events
IEEE Power
Engineering Society General Meeting
The Power Engineering Society will hold its 2006 general meeting June 18-22, 2006 at the Palais des congreÌs in Montreal. With its theme "Innovation and Reinvestment in Power Infrastructure," the conference offers an international forum to address policy, infrastructure, and workforce issues. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in many technical sessions and tours, committee meetings, and networking opportunities. There will also be special student events and entertaining companion activities planned throughout the week. For more information, visit the event's Web site.

BICSI Link Workshops
With a choice of 32 workshops within four educational tracks, attendees can get their fill of technical topics, such as data centers, security, wireless, and diverse business management at the BICSI Link Workshops, held June 25-28 in Chicago at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers. You can stay within one track or jump around, choosing whatever workshops you like. In addition to the flexible educational sessions, there's also time allotted to see the latest exhibits from vendors or network with peers in the RCDD lounge. The 2006 BICSI Link Workshops fulfill the conference/workshops attendance requirement for RCDD renewal. All RCDDs attending the Link Workshops will receive 15 continuing education credits (CECs). For more information, visit the BICSI Web site.

EASA Annual Convention
& Expo
Focusing on the theme "Manage to Win," this year's EASA Annual Convention & Expo promises something for everyone. Held June 26-29 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the event's lineup includes informative educational sessions, exhibits, social events, and family-friendly entertainment programs. Flexible registration options are also available -- so if you or your technicians and sales people can't attend the entire convention, it's still convenient and affordable to come for part. For more information, visit the EASA Web site or download the conference program.

Harmonics & Power Quality Conference
EC&M, PowerQuality, and PQNewsBeat present the 2006 Harmonics & Power Quality conferences in Boston from June 15-16, Seattle from July 20-21, and St. Louis from Sept. 14-15. Presenters at this year's conferences will include: William Bush, director of engineering, Signals, Power & Grounding Specialists, Inc.; Bruce Lonie, president, PowerCET Corp.; Chris Melhorn, engineering manager, EPRI Solutions; and Alex McEachern, president, Power Systems Lab. For more information and to register, visit the conference's Web site.