Paula Simmons, Southwire’s vice president of Human Resources for the company’s commercial team, spoke about megatrends and labor strategies at the 2019 NECA Now Executive Leadership Conference in Phoenix, AZ. Hosted by the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), the three-day experience focused on professional and personal growth.

NECA Now kicked off on April 1 with the first of three keynote sessions where a nationally-known expert delivered personal and professional development information, followed by a networking session and dinner to welcome participants. Each of the following two days included three breakout sessions – 35 classes broken down into five tracks offering attendees the opportunity to concentrate their learning in one segment, or to pick and choose across the disciplines. In addition to these sessions, the conference included two interactive breaks – short, small group sessions that give participants the opportunity to ask questions and get specific information on topics that matter to them – and a keynote session featuring a different speaker each day.

On the third day, Simmons discussed initiatives to address the skilled trade gap and industry trends including the value of educational and industry partnerships, the importance of developing a culture of trust, empowerment and inclusion, and the impact of meaningful strategies that build leadership, teams and talent for the future.

“Understanding megatrends and the impact they have on your business is critical,” said Simmons. “We are in a climate where disruptions are more of the norm than an exception and being educated and prepared is a business necessity.”

The conferenced closed out on April 3 with the final keynote session and a closing reception.

“NECA Now was an incredible opportunity for me to meet and interact with some of our key customers and partners,” said Simmons. “It was great hearing how much they love and use Southwire products, and it truly reinforced that we are succeeding in our mission to deliver speed, simplicity and coordination.”

For more information about how Southwire continues to Build Organizational Capability and inspire others to do the same, visit southwire.com/sustainability or follow Southwire Community on Facebook.