Contents Features

Contents

Volume 3 • Issue 9

Features Parsons in Phoenix Company opens a new office to take advantage of a rapidly growing market ...................................................7 Health Care Facilities Parsons Electric prescribes the Design/Build method .............8 Jackpot! Parsons Electric is leading the way in this specialized market...............................................................18

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Industry Reports 10-Gbit Transmission Impact on Cable Pathways Larger and/or heavier cables affect such issues as conduit fill and bend radius .............................................14 The Code of Excellence Facilitating communication and enhancing strength and teamwork .....................................................................22 Current Trends in the Electrical Industry Examining the tools that will take the electrical construction industry into the future ....................................24

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In Every Issue Opening Remarks .................................................................. ..................................................................5 About the Cover .....................................................................5 Current Projects ...................................................................32 Resource Directory ..............................................................34

In our next issue: • What impact does the new code (NEC 2008) have on construction costs? • Construction Forecasting – 2008 and Beyond • “The Election Year” – The Impact on Construction

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Opening Remarks

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reetings from all of us at Parsons Electric. We hope your 2007 was successful. Welcome to the latest issue of The Electrical Connection.

In this issue we are featuring a detailed look at a renewed commitment to offering customers unequaled quality and productivity. Termed the Code of Excellence, this new program will benefit all customers using IBEW-trained personnel.

A publication from Parsons Electric LLC Headquarters: 5960 Main Street N.E. Minneapolis, MN 55432 (763) 571-8000 (763) 571-7210 Fax St. Paul Office: 479 Hayward Avenue N. St. Paul, MN 55128 (651) 735-2195 (651) 735-2196 Fax Phoenix Office: 1414 W. Broadway, Suite 145 Tempe, AZ 85282 (480) 968-6119 (480) 968-1988 Fax (888) 968-6119 Toll Free Milwaukee Office: Technical Services Milwaukee, WI (262) 385-2222 (920) 675-0608 Fax Visit us on the Web: www.parsonscorp.com

Joel Moryn

We are also featuring how the commitment to Green initiatives are providing many new opportunities in construction along with new innovations in communications technology with its impact on construction. We are profiling two of Parsons’ leading design and construction markets. The casino market and the health care market are both national markets for Parsons. In response to our customers’ demands, we have delivered several excellent major projects using our turnkey design and construction expertise. We continue to be convinced design/build markets will grow in both size and complexity of projects and are uniquely positioned to respond to our customers’ needs. We hope you have a fulfilling and robust 2008, and we hope you enjoy this issue.

Joel Moryn President

Joel Moryn President

Dave Nielsen

V.P., Business Development

Dave Karsky

V.P., Preconstruction

Steve Stone

V.P., Electrical Service

Steve Jandro

V.P., Project Management

Wendy Boosalis

Technologies Division

Dave Pawlik

Technical Services Division

The Electrical Connection is a resource for commercial end users, property managers, building owners and operators, facilities managers, general contractors, architects, and consulting engineers in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Designed to feature topics affecting the electrical and construction industries, The Electrical Connection also highlights the achievements, capabilities, and highprofile projects of Parsons Electric LLC.

ABOUT THE COVER: In 2000, Minnesota’s tribal casinos attracted more than 20.7 million patrons, about 17 percent (almost 3.7 million) from outside the state. Those visitors spent an estimated $191.2 million on lodging, food, gas, and other purchases on and off the reservation. Tribal gaming has enabled Minnesota’s Indian tribes to begin rebuilding their reservations after centuries of poverty and neglect. Parsons is designing and constructing the Black Bear Hotel & Casino in Carlton, Minnesota, for the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. The hotel portion of the project will feature 250 new rooms, 156 remodeled rooms, a 500,000-square-foot parking garage and more. For the casino, the project has involved knocking down the old casino, adding a convention center, 80,000 square feet for gaming, and 60,000 square feet for back-of-house operations. And outside, environmentally friendly LED lighting will give the façade a colorful look and maintain the casino manager’s ability to create unique designs and color schemes at will.

The Electrical Connection is published by QuestCorp Media Group, Inc., 885 E. Collins Blvd., Ste. 102, Richardson, TX 75081. Phone (972) 447-0910 or (888) 860-2442, fax (972) 447-0911, www.qcmedia.com. QuestCorp specializes in creating and publishing corporate magazines for businesses. Inquiries: Victor Horne, [email protected]. Editorial comments: Darren Nielsen, dnielsen@ qcmedia.com. Please call or fax for a new subscription, change of address, or single copy. Single copies: $5.95. This publication may not be reproduced in part or in whole without the express written permission of QuestCorp Media Group, Inc. To advertise in an upcoming issue of this publication, please contact us at (888) 860-2442 or visit us on the Web at www.qcmedia.com. January 2008

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Parsons in Phoenix Company opens a new office to take advantage of a rapidly growing market By Andrew Friedman

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or more than two decades, the southwestern United States has been the country’s fastest growing region. From 1990 to 2000, the state of New Mexico grew by 20 percent, the city of Las Vegas doubled in size, and the growth trends have continued into the new century. Perhaps the most dramatic change has taken place in Phoenix, Arizona. Known locally as the Valley of the Sun, Phoenix added a million residents during the 1990s, and Arizona State University in Tempe says it will be the country’s largest university by the end of the decade, with room for approximately 90,000 students. For Parsons, the unbridled growth is an opportunity for the company to serve the needs of their customers in this southwest community. The company has been active in the region since 2005, and business has grown fast enough to warrant opening the firm’s first interstate branch in April, 2007. Vice President Steve Jandro and Division Manager Marlin Kaelberer share responsibility for the new office. They say the effort to create something new has been a challenge, but has paid off in many ways. Since establishing the Phoenix office, Parsons has accomplished $7 million in work, and expects to rack up $20 million in contracts by the end of 2008. Work includes all manner of construction projects, from small data/call centers to large casinos.

Growth in the southwestern United States has allowed Parsons Electric to open its first interstate branch.

2008 will see the Phoenix office move to its permanent home, a 10,000-square foot office/ warehouse. When that opens, Jandro says the office will move to hire five or six more office staff and 80-100 field workers and more. Kaelberer says the new premises will help give the company a solid base in the region to operate from.

several general contractors we work for in Minnesota that have offices in the Phoenix area. We’re still getting our feet wet here, but in general the plan is to stick with the types of projects we’ve done well in Minnesota: health care, data centers, casinos, etc. We are also developing a service department that handles day-to-day calls.”

“Parsons isn’t the only company from the northern part of the country doing business down here,” Kaelberer says. “There are

This is another great opportunity to bring Parsons’ services and expertise to a new region of the country. The Electrical Connection

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Health Care Facilities Parsons Electric prescribes the design/build method By Mali R. Schantz-Feld

Due to increased demand for health care services by aging baby boomers, St. Joseph’s Hospital projects a 26 percent increase in hospital use by 2013. To fulfill those needs, St. Joseph’s is building a new hospital tower.

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focus on patients, families, and quality medical care are the inspiration behind the recent expansion and renovation of St. Joseph’s Hospital in St. Paul. Due to increased demand for healthcare services by aging baby boomers, St. Joseph’s Hospital projects a 26 percent increase in hospital use by 2013. To fulfill those needs, St. Joseph’s is building a new hospital tower to include centralized heart care and neuroscience centers; an outpatient surgery; four new operating rooms with specialized technology; private rooms for all patients; a new main entrance, lobby and chapel; an education center equipped with multi-media technology; expansion of the emergency department; a new parking ramp and other internal improvements. When St. Joseph’s facilities management searched for a design/ build firm for the project, Parsons Electric’s work history and expertise helped to clinch the deal. Vice President Dave Karsky says, “St. Joseph’s managing owner has been a long-time client of ours that dates back to the expansion of St. John’s HealthEast Hospital in Maplewood in 1995.” Along with Parsons, McGough Construction of St. Paul (general contractor) and BWBR (architect) assured a smooth construction process. 8

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Project Manager Rich Ross says that Parsons’ construction experience and the number of hospitals in its portfolio ensured an efficient design/ build process. “When Parsons provides both the engineering and installation we can eliminate costly delays. Our field team can communicate directly with the design team to get the information needed. Our design team is very familiar with efficient field installation practices so the design reflects the actual installation. Our team is highly qualified and stays current with local, state, and federal health care guidelines” Ross says. Parsons has extensive procedures in place for working in occupied health care facilities. Using ASHE principles for both infection control and disruption avoidance, Parsons can ensure that patient safety is preserved. Recently, Parsons was required to replace a live 4160V feeder with a new 15kV line to facilitate power to the new St. Joseph’s Bed Tower. This replacement required a thorough review of the existing hospital infrastructure to determine the impacts to the campus. Parsons created a detailed plan to inform the hospital of exactly what services (power, fire alarm, nurse call, IT, security, etc.) would be interrupted and for how long. Furthermore, before the services were interrupted, the hospital staff was notified. The switchover was seamless and the clients expectations were

room. Physical challenges also abounded. Operating room ceilings underneath the labs reached as high as 30 feet. Two of the labs were situated directly over the street, so the electricians worked from a catwalk. Tim Sample, Lead Designer and Pre-Construction Manager, endeavored to meet the owner’s expectations on form and function within a set budget, taking into account the needs of different departments and developing a cost-effective electrical design. “The key is contact with the user groups,” he says. “My role was to discover the pre-planning needs so we could ensure that the expectations have been met and that we are within the budget. We had to look at expectations from a corporate level, a clinician level, from facilities management, and from the architect’s perspective. Various needs are prioritized within the budgeted framework, protecting some of the most important expectations,” Sample says. “A main focus of this hospital is the patient and family experience. Lighting and nurse call systems have the biggest effect on this, and the systems we chose are state-of-the-art. We use a Lean process of design; we cut out waste so we are able to meet our budget expectations.”

met. “In an operating facility, we initiate plans and procedures to inform and take every precaution to ensure the safety of the people in the existing building,” Karsky says. Tony Watson, on-site Project Coordinator in charge of electrical operations, placed medical equipment into the drawings to minimize changes. Medical equipment in the operating room and the cath lab required the incorporation of significant electrical infrastructure. For example,

Hospital staff provided vital information. “I have worked with Tim and his crew, and we’re a great team, since we know the clinical side and they know the electrical side,” says Phyllis Novitskie, Associate Administrator and Registered Nurse. During the planning stage, the Parsons team provided a mock-up of the project complete with options for light fixtures, sconces, beds, sinks, and zones for family and patient lighting. “Tim brought us 10 different lights. He bent over backwards for us, and made very tedious work interesting and fun.” Parsons provided information on several different nurse call systems, which were a priority. “We know what we want from a clinical side, but from a technical side, Tim knows exactly what is needed to meet the city and state codes,” she says.

Kori Sawyer, System Director of IT for HealthEast Care System, worked with the Parsons Technologies Design Team for parts of the project including cable management design, IT closet design, infrastructure, and station cable locations. Space was also designed for IT equipment such as PCs, printers, fax/copier/printer devices, wireless devices and BioMed equipment. They also teamed up to discuss the nurse call sys— Parsons Project Manager Rich Ross tem, overhead paging, sound masking, and audio-visual design. “From an IT perspective, in the IP/EP labs, doctors use X-rays in real time to perform catheter when completing a project of this size, having a design/build electrical procedures, and this specialized equipment requires above-ceiling coorand communications contractor is crucial to the success of the project,” dination. Wiring in a control room that operates four operating rooms Sawyer says. “Coupling the knowledge of the electrical designer and differs in complexity depending upon the procedures specified for each their staff with our knowledge of the technology that will be used in >>

“When we are assigned the engineering and coordination, it eliminates a majority of questions and clarifications that arise in the field.”

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HEALTH CARE FACILITIES

the new building makes decision making much more efficient. It is great to have experts in each field to bounce ideas off of and to determine best practices. Once the design is complete, there are still changes to be made. We continue to work together to make sure changes are updated on the CAD design so that the field staff have the correct information.” Scott Bergland, Senior Account Manager, says that Parsons Technologies “designed the infrastructure from the bottom floor up,” integrating the new technology into the electrical system. The IT department also coordinated with user groups to determine IT needs. “We then transferred their ideas onto a floor plan that made sense in the light of construction needs,” Bergland says, “We then routed cable, updated the core system and racks, dealt with firestopping issues, and worked with the main enabling pathways to accommodate changes and additions. We tried to build systems that would accommodate future changes, and still

Parsons Technologies also is updating the existing structured cabling and abandoned systems, bringing them into compliance with modern coding and standards over the next three years. The project involves removing and replacing the outdated systems, while minimizing downtime and maintaining current operations by safeguarding important systems. “The project is ahead of schedule for completion and everyone is doing an excellent job,” says Tony Thomas, AIA, NCARB, System Director for Corporate Real Estate Services at HealthEast. “A recent critical shutdown and switchover went remarkably well. We have a very high confidence level in Parsons. We have never undertaken a project of this magnitude in a design/build mode before.” To further streamline the process, a commissioning agent was hired to oversee project milestones. “Parsons has a disciplined approach to bringing our mechanical and electrical systems online,” Thomas says. “With their assistance, depth of skill, professional engineering experience, and quality control in play, we were comfortable with the design/build format.” The new and improved facilities at St. Joseph’s promote healing; enhance comfort for patients and families, create centers for specialized services through breakthrough treatments, and help staff deliver care more efficiently and effectively.

Other medical facilities also depend on Parsons Electric’s expertise for their improvements. Parsons participated in a design/assist delivery method on the Jackson-Madison General County Hospital project in Jackson, Tennessee. This facility is a 612-bed tertiary care center that serves a 17-county area of West Tennessee with nearly 300 physicians. The expansion project, built by Balfour Beatty Construction, includes a new nine-story medical tower that connects the hospital’s North and West Towers. The $117-million project adds 356,332 Jackson Madison Hospital — The Jackson, Tennessee, project is a 360,000-square-foot, 10-story medical tower square feet to the existing hospital structure, addition connecting the North and West Towers. including 244 acute-care beds. “We partnered come in under budget.” The data backbone cabling for the project is 10 with the engineer and when we reached the final design, the construcGigabite Laser Optimized Fiber Optic cable. Shielded Category 6 cable tion documents were within our budget,” Sample says. “We shine on is required for certain departments within the hospital to maximize data pre-construction services,” he says, pointing out that Parsons has the transmission and network performance. The paging system features a resources and knowledge to be proactive and impact the work with the sound-masking system which prevents eavesdropping as mandated by engineers regarding design alternatives, and defining costs prior to the HIPPA privacy regulations. The system contains 19 independent zones, final design. Sample says that the Jackson-Madison project was unique monitors sounds in the area, and automatically adjusts according to the because engineers CCRD Partners, and architects HKS Inc., had worked ambient noise levels within the space. together with the Parsons representatives on the St. Mary’s Health >> 10

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HEALTH CARE FACILITIES continued from page 10

Care project in Duluth and the Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis. “We formed a cohesive team that went from project to project together,” Sample says. The owner’s representative, Ron Kirk, was also a common element. Roger Zdon, Senior Project Manager, says, “We clocked in over 100,000 labor hours over one and a half years, with 54 electricians on the job at the peak of the project.” The existing hospital posed huge challenges, including changing out obsolete equipment and replacing medium voltage equipment, necessitating the coordination and temporary shutdown

Another project, the downtown campus of OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois, includes a $234 million modernization and expansion of the 44,000-square-foot medical center and Children’s Hospital of Illinois that is slated for opening in summer 2010. MA Mortenson (general contractor) and KJWW (engineering consultant) are working closely with Parsons Electric to control the budget in this upscale project. “We have an excellent relationship with the entire team so that we can work through design and economic issues and control and guarantee the price,” Vice President Dave Karsky says. “We do a value analysis to determine the best way for the owner to get the most for their money.”

The increase in health care facility construction is a direct response to the increased demand of health care services by aging baby boomers.

of certain areas. Drawings delineated restrictions for ceiling heights, so that the mechanical and electrical conduits and plumbing could fit into small ceiling spaces. “We visited every room in the hospital and devised our own coordinated drawings that showed every receptacle, the elevation and the dimensions from wall to wall,” Zdon says. “We compared the architectural drawings to the actual electrical ones to make sure everything would fit.” Site Manager Jim Dabe, General Foreman Kevin Siple, and Superintendent Tim Berglund held coordination meetings every week. “They worked hard to develop a good crew in an area that was unfamiliar to us,” Zdon says. 12

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This project had electrical budget constraints. “That’s where the Parsons team came in to offer the same value for their budget expectations by using a lean design,” says Pre-Construction Manager Tim Sample. Ross sums up the qualities that create a healthy relationship for all of Parsons Electric’s hospital clients. “In health care projects it is essential that we maintain open and regular communication to ensure that everybody’s needs are met. We know the requirements for working in health care facilities, and we address them.”

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Industry Reports

10-Gbit Transmission Impact on Cable Pathways By Dale Budenski and Cynthia Monstream

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Industry Reports

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arger and/or heavier cables affect issues such as conduit fill and bend radius. Widespread adoption of 10-Gigabit Ethernet (10-GbE) is gaining momentum in data centers and as backbone applications, so it is critical that the design and installation of any structured cabling system takes into account the application’s unique requirements. Every aspect of structured cabling system pathways must be designed to ensure the highest channel performance. Yet today’s familiar pathways and installation methods may not be adequate for new cable technologies that accommodate 10-GbE. The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA; www.tiaonline.org) has yet to update the TIA/EIA-569-B standard to address the larger cable needed to support 10-GbE. Factors to consider include the larger diameter of the cable, additional bend radius required, and increased weight of cables, such as Augmented Category 6 UTP (Category 6A) and shielded cables (Category 6 FTP, Category 7 STP). These requirements differ significantly from those of older cable designs and have a direct bearing on the performance of a 10-GbE system.

Alien crosstalk (electrical noise from other cables) has become the dominant noise source for 10-GbE because external noise cannot be controlled through digital signal processing (DSP) techniques. DSP techniques are only able to eliminate internal cable noise like near-end and far-end crosstalk; and echo cancellation techniques minimize the effect of return loss. The way to minimize alien crosstalk is to provide greater separation between cable pairs or by shielding pairs from neighboring cables. Category 6A UTP cables have larger overall diameter that provides additional separation between twisted pairs within adjacent cables to reduce alien crosstalk. There are two shielded options that support 10-GbE: Category 6 FTP cables employ foil around all four pairs while Category 7 STP cables have a shield around each pair and an overall shield around all four pairs. The larger diameter and bend radius of these cabling options have a significant impact on the cabling pathway design. The difference in diameter between Category 6 and Category 6A may seem trivial, but it

can have a significant impact on the number of cables that can be accommodated in a particular pathway. For example, TIA recommends that a 0.75-inch (21-mm) conduit will hold two Category 6 cables, but only one Category 6A cable, at 40% fill. Similar capacity reductions are noted for other cabling pathways. System designers should plan for perimeter raceway systems, cable trays, furniture systems, and other pathways to handle the largest cable outside diameter (OD) to be installed for the life of those systems. TIA recommends a minimum of two cables per work area; however, BICSIsuggested best practice is to design pathways for three cables. The larger bend radius of Category 6 FTP and Category 6A UTP cables also requires more space to avoid performance degradation due to tight bends in spaces such as telecommunications rooms, horizontal pathways, and at the workstation. Additionally, Category 6 FTP and Category 6A UTP cable is heavier than the cable that is currently in use. Caution must be taken so that even if the current TIA guidelines for fillrate are followed, the additional weight of >>

Next-Generation Cable There is no guarantee that Category 6 UTP cable will support 10-GbE transmission for a defined minimum distance. Instead, TIA developed a Telecommunications Systems Bulletin, TSB-155, which defines additional testing guidelines to qualify installed Category 6 UTP and its ability to support 10-GbE. Testing within the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE; www. ieee.org) has shown that most Category 6 UTP cables will not support 10-GbE beyond 55 meters, and many do not come close to 55 meters. Category 6A UTP cable is designed to support 10-GbE on a four-connector, 100-meter channel. To provide this higher level of performance-without adding shielding, the cable was redesigned to reduce the effects of alien crosstalk. The Electrical Connection

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Industry Reports the cable does not cause problems for the cable at the bottom of the conduit.

specifications. Trays and supports must meet higher weight requirements; hooks will not give the support required for large bundles of larger, heavier cabling.

Any distortion of the cable jacket could result in performance problems during the life of the system. And because its greater weight makes cable more difficult to pull, pathways that offer in-lay installation may be preferable both for initial installation and to accommodate moves, adds, and changes.

• Underfloor and cellular duct systems offer ample capacity and may be more costeffective than using conduit to feed floor boxes. Conduit must be sized appropriately-a minimum of 1.0 inches for two cables and 1.25 inches for four cables.

Building-Wide Impacts The impact of 10-GbE cabling will be felt throughout the building from the main equipment room to the workstation. Not only is the twisted-pair copper cabling becoming larger and heavier, but there is an additional need to better manage cable bundle size and to provide adequate separation between cables: • Entrance facility/equipment room. Cablemanagement requirements will be impacted by cable diameter, weight, and bend radius. The cable management used must be able to accommodate the additional size and weight of the cable. This will require additional space in the racks, including vertical and horizontal management that will allow random cable placement to minimize alien crosstalk issues. Insufficient cable management may result in cables becoming compressed or kinked, which will result in decreased performance. When selecting a rack solution, make sure it will accommodate the larger bend radius of the backbone cabling; also keep in mind the additional requirements for equipment or patch cords on the front of the rack. • Telecommunications room. As in the entrance facility, adequate cable support is needed in the telecommunications room. Typically, there are three different cable systems that need to be managed-backbone, horizontal, and cross-connect-introducing 16

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a range of cable types from fiber to highpair-count and the new Category 6A UTP cables. Additionally, telecommunications room space is at a premium, contributing to the need for higher cable density. Racks and cable management must accommodate the routing demands of cables that may be larger, heavier, and require a greater bend radius, often in limited available space. •H  orizontal and backbone pathways. A wide variety of wire and cable management systems are available to support Category 6 FTP and Category 6A UTP cable. The selection of a particular system depends on many factors. Of particular concern is maintaining the proper cable bend radius, supporting extra weight, and providing additional space to manage larger, loose cable bundles. • P erimeter raceway systems are available in many sizes to accommodate larger cables. New internal configurations have been developed to provide more space for required, larger cable bend radius. And removable covers facilitate lay-in installation. •C  able tray is a popular pathway solution, but larger trays may be needed when installing Category 6A cable. Trays must have dropout fittings that meet or exceed bend-radius

Work areas. Larger diameters and greater bend-radius requirements dictate more spacious housing for cable slack that will be hard to manage in standard wall boxes. Even if the slack is pulled back into the wall, a larger box still must be used to maintain the larger bend radius required. This additional slack-space requirement must be designed into the pathway. Double-gang boxes should be used for two cables, per BICSI recommendations, and it is suggested that triple-gang or larger boxes be used for four cables.

A Long-Term View The impact of larger and heavier cables must be considered at every point in both pathways and spaces. Even if an end user is not ready for a 10-GbE system yet, pathways and spaces are static components that have a life expectancy far greater than that of the cabling system, so long-term planning is always a wise choice. Designers and installers must also be aware of continuously evolving standards, codes, and regulations. Although 10-GbE over twisted pair presents some new challenges, quality product, quality design, and quality installation remain the basis for the highest channel performance. Reprinted with permission from Cabling Installation & Maintenance, March 2007.

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Jackpot!

Parsons Electric is leading the way in the specialized market of casino construction

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he casino and gaming industry is one of the 15 markets that Parsons Electric focuses our business around,” says Dave Karsky, Parsons Electric’s Vice President. “Parsons has been working in this industry since the mid eighties and has completed over 40 casinos or additions since then.”

Since the late 1980s, when Native American tribes won the right to build casinos on their own land, the industry has flourished. Today, all over the country, Native American casinos are expanding or completely rebuilding their facilities. The new facilities are being rebuilt with new technology and are providing a resort style stay with great restaurants and more family activities.

Technology “New technology constantly requires us to re-think the casino model,” Karsky says. “One example is the casino slot machine which is moving from the drop-coin model to a ticket-in/ ticket-out model where credit/debit cards are used in lieu of coins.” Backup power for these buildings is integral. “These buildings have to be backed up 100 percent on generator power and UPS systems for security functions, money-handling areas, and data systems,” Karsky says. Lighting systems are designed for function, security and marketing. Fixtures are designed to accent the architectural design and some designs use state-of-the-art light emitting diodes (LEDs).” Steve Idso, Senior Project Manager for Parsons Technologies Division says, “The voice and data systems along with the slot management >>

Gaming Facts • The Supreme Court declared Tribal Governments able to operate gaming operations in 1987. • The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) is the template for regulation of the Indian gaming industry. • About 40 percent of recognized tribal governments are involved in the gaming industry. • Early Indian casino gaming operations earned only $100 million annually during the early days. Today, Indian casino gaming operations earn $19.5 billion, more than that of Las Vegas and Atlantic City combined.

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JACKPOT!

cabling systems are just as crucial to casino operations as the electrical power.” Both Steve and Dave agree that the majority of casino projects are fast-track and have a wide range of occupancies from casinos to daycare. Each type of occupancy mandates different installations specification parameters.

Minnesota Casinos/Hotels In Minnesota, less than 20 years ago, there were two casinos within a two-hour drive from Minneapolis; today, there are about 25 casinos statewide. Tribal casinos have proven to be a major tourist attraction in Minnesota, second only to the Mall of America. In 2000, Minnesota’s tribal casinos attracted more than 20.7

“The casino and gaming industry is one of the 15 markets that Parsons Electric focuses our business around.” — Parsons Electric’s Vice President Dave Karsky

million patrons, about 17 percent (almost 3.7 million) from outside the state. Those visitors spent an estimated $191.2 million on lodging, food, gas, and other purchases on and off the reservation. Tribal gaming has enabled Minnesota’s Indian tribes to begin rebuilding their reservations after centuries of poverty and neglect. Parsons is currently designing and constructing the Black Bear Hotel & Casino in Carlton,

Minnesota (20 minutes south of Duluth) for the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Karsky says this will be a showpiece when it is completed in the spring of 2008. The hotel portion of the project will feature 250 new rooms, 156 remodeled rooms, a 500,000square-foot parking garage and more. For the casino, the project has involved knocking down the old casino, adding a convention center, in addition to 80,000 square feet for gaming, and 60,000 square feet for back-of-house operations. Outside, environmentally-friendly LED lighting will give the façade a colorful look and maintain the casino manager’s ability to create unique designs and color schemes at will. Parsons recently completed the cabling infrastructure for the Grand Casino Hinckley Hotel

Parsons is designing and constructing the Black Bear Hotel & Casino in Carlton, Minnesota.

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The casino will be a showpiece when it is completed in 2008.

The Cornerstones of Tribal Self-Government In 1934, federal policy changed again with passage of the Indian Reorganization Act, which restored tribal lands and permitted tribes to reorganize under federal law for purposes of self-government. Since 1934, Congress has passed several other landmark statutes to strengthen tribal self-government, including: • The Indian Civil Rights Act of 1968, which applied most of the Bill of Rights’ requirements and guarantees to Indian tribal governments; • The Indian Self-Determination and Education Act of 1975, which strongly reaffirmed Congress’ policy that tribal governments should be permitted to control education programs, contracts, and grants affecting Indians; • The Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, which established federal rules to ensure that Indian children removed from their homes are placed with Indian families whenever possible to preserve cultural values;

• The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988, which recognizes Indian gaming as a vehicle for achieving economic selfsufficiency on reservations, and details the authority and role of tribal governments, the federal governments and the states in Indian gaming; • The Indian Tribal Justice Act of 1993, which reaffirmed the responsibility of the U.S. government to tribal governments, including the protection of the sovereignty of each tribal government; and confirmed that Congress, through statutes, treaties and administrative authorities, has recognized the self-determination, self-reliance, and inherent sovereignty of Indian tribes. Source: www.mnindiangaming.com

and Welcome Center in Hinckley, Minnesota for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. The 5-star hotel has 305 rooms and covers 218,000 square feet and 13 stories. The expansion also included administration space, a full-service spa, and a 2,500 seat entertainment center.

project and I appreciate the level of experience and professionalism you brought to the project,” says Harry Hearn, Construction Manager for Grand Casino Hinckley.

Parsons was responsible for the fiber optic backbone to all telecommunication rooms. The voice and data cabling was Category 5 for the hotel and Category 6 for the entertainment center. Parsons also installed the surveillance wiring and security cabling. “The nine month expansion presented challenges and required creative thinking,” says Idso. “But the dedication by the whole team to create a quality product made the project a success.”

Parsons began working with the Choctaw Nation in Oklahoma in 2006 and has completed the Durant Casino and Hotel and the Pocola Casino. Both the Durant Casino and the Pocola Casino feature 2,000 gaming machines and a Vegasstyle buffet and restaurant. Parsons completed these projects using a design-build delivery model. The facilities feature a unique color changing 50 foot high translucent entrance tower with additional custom lighting to highlight the architectural features throughout the facilities.

“Parsons was one of the real bright spots for us on this job; you were timely, always professional and the first ones in line to help us when we got in a jamb. It was a difficult and complex

Oklahoma Casinos/Hotels

The Fort Sill Apache Casino in Lawton, Oklahoma, involved upgrading an existing metal

building by expanding with a larger sprung structure encompassing the original building. Phase II of the project will be to construct a permanent hotel and casino, with a grand opening date set for mid-2012. The casino’s 7,700-square-foot gaming space will feature 700 gaming machines. The industry is big business and the most recent Indian gaming statistics, provided by the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC), indicate that there are approximately 400 Native American gaming establishments in the United States. These casinos are operated by approximately 220 federally recognized tribes. The revenues generated in these establishments are close to $18.5 billion. Parsons has worked with more than 20 Native America Tribes and is proud to serve and support the National Indian Gaming Association. The Electrical Connection

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Industry Reports

The Code of Excellence

Facilitating communication and enhancing strength and teamwork By Diane M. Calabrese

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rinciples for behavior, rules of conduct — basically, we all know what they are. Yet just to be sure everyone remains focused on them, policies are codified. A code gets the message out that expectations are both high and standardized. That’s the idea behind the Code of Excellence formulated by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). Introduced in 2005, the Code of Excellence is itself an acronym, so that each letter stands as

a reminder of what ought to be done routinely. For instance, the first ‘C’ encapsulates “Come to work on time, fit for duty, and ready to work.” Parsons Electric LLC was one of the first companies to start training its employees in the Code of Excellence. Essentially, it meant introducing employees to a structure for a system they already knew well. “The Code of Excellence is a commitment to principles we have always adhered to,” says Joel Moryn, President of Parsons Electric. “Putting them in writing allows us a common language in which to speak to our

diverse workforce of electricians, project managers, and senior management.” The ties that begin during training sessions endure. The Code serves as a catalyst to clear, considered thinking on the jobsite. “I have noticed the workers are always talking about it,” says Jim Moryn, Project Manager for Parsons, currently working on a Hilton Hotel in Bloomington, Minnesota. “As with safety, if we keep talking about it, they are aware and it will help keep every part of the code fresh in our minds.”

The Code of Excellence C ome to work on time, fit for duty, and ready to work. O bey recognized customer and employer work rules. D emonstrate zero tolerance for alcohol and substance abuse. E xercise proper safety, health, and sanitation practices. O wn up to ‘8 for 8’ and be on the job unless otherwise allowed or authorized to leave. F ollow safe, reasonable, and legitimate management directives. E ncourage respect for the customer’s rights and property, as well as for others on the job. eX ercise the skills and abilities of the trade. C are for tools and equipment provided by the employer. E liminate waste and other forms of property destruction, including graffiti. L imit lunch and break times to allocated periods; adhere to established start and quit times. L eave inappropriate behavior to those to those of lesser knowledge. E mploy the proper tool for the job and maintain personal tool responsibilities. do N ot solicit funds or sell merchandise without Business Manager’s approval. C urtail idle time or pursuit of personal business during work hours, including cell phone use. E xpel job disruptions and refuse to engage in slowdowns or activities designed to extend the job or create overtime or any other conduct that would cast IBEW in a bad light.

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Industry Reports An enthusiastic supporter of the code program, Jim Moryn often talks to employees about its importance. So does Roger Zdon, Senior Project Manager for Parsons, who is currently working on the MacPhail Center for Music, Minneapolis, Minnesota. “It provides a means to reinforce to all what some people feel is common sense and others need to be reminded of,” says Zdon. “We feel that it has made a difference, especially by being a constant reminder to do your job efficiently and professionally.” In rare instances when an employee does not follow the prescripts of the code, it is easier to react. Union and management both want employees to follow the code. Approximately 175 of the 700 union employees at Parsons belong to IBEW Local 292, which was quick to embrace the Code of Excellence. A joint committee comprised of Minneapolis IBEW leaders and Minneapolis NECA Contractors customized a very good curriculum developed by a similar committee in the Arizona construction market. This tailoring of the code to local needs was an effort that involved labor, management, and the local IBEW/NECA Joint Training Center staff.

passersby, while it dictates zero tolerance for non-adherents.

The MacPhail Center for Music The MacPhail Center for Music is a private, nonprofit music school in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is building a new home in the Mills District of Downtown East, which will open in January 2008. The school has more than 7,500 students, and provides instruction at 45 locations outside of the downtown Minneapolis facility. The MacPhail Center trains students on more than 35 instruments and in a variety of musical styles.

“Joel Moryn is part of our labor-management team,” says Steve Claypatch, Business Manager for IBEW Local 292. “Parsons was one of the first shops to step up and see the importance of the Code of Excellence.”

them, increasing awareness. The code has the effect of adding value for the owner. That value shows up in real dollars. For instance, the ‘F’ in ‘of’ stands for “Follow safe, reasonable, and legitimate management directives,” while the ‘E’ in ‘Code’ stands for “Exercise proper safety, health, and sanitation practices.” Those directives dovetail with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) expectations; and in the long term, they keep workers’ compensation claims down and premiums reasonable.

Claypatch was not surprised by the enthusiasm from Parsons that made it an early adopter. “The IBEW 292 partnership with Parsons is one you can’t say anything more positive about — great labor/management relations.” IBEW members also give the code a thumbs-up review. “A super majority of the members think the concept is great,” says Claypatch. The procedures have long been advocated and followed. But the Code of Excellence elevates

Value also comes through additional work garnered because employees are known to work safely and respectfully. By subscribing to the code, IBEW members declare their intention to do things right the first time without distractions or diversions. Project owners gain value when they can contract for work at a jobsite without worrying about property loss or damage. The code promotes respect for self, colleagues, company management, project owners, and

Local 292 of IBEW and Minneapolis NECA contractors have had a training program in the Code of Excellence since June 2006. Instructor training, curriculum modifications, and similar initiatives took place first; and then, the employee training began. Parsons employees are trained in several different settings. A Joint Training Center, which is funded partly by the company, is one venue. The program is also delivered to large groups in training rooms at Parsons. Professional trainers, who have been trained to deliver an eight-hour program in the code, get things started. “These trainers teach multiple classes including other items, such as OSHA and technical training,” says Joel Moryn. Day-to-day, of course, it is the responsibility of each employee to apply what has been learned in the training sessions. “The team building afforded by the training has been noticed by all,” says Moryn. Foremen quickly embraced the Code of Excellence. At the same time, customers of Parsons, such as Mortenson, have signed on to the program without hesitation, explains Moryn. The code also gives Parsons more leverage in hiring and retaining excellent employees. “Code of Excellence allows Parsons to request a Code of Excellence-trained electrician when we increase our workforce for special projects,” says Moryn. There is great advantage in taking on a new employee already trained in the code. The Code of Excellence does what all codes do: It brings coherence to the best practices that have been followed for decades. “It has helped us to all understand what principles have made us successful over these last 80 years Parsons has been in existence,” says Moryn. The Electrical Connection

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Current Trends in the

Electrical Industry Examining the tools and developments that will take the electrical construction industry into the future By Andrew Friedman

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20th century America may have seen the greatest construction boom in history, but as the 21st century progresses, several facets of the electrical construction industry are rapidly developing. Parsons Electric is proud to be at the forefront of cutting edge construction trends. Going Green The most obvious development in recent years is the push for what is being called “green” construction methods. The past ten years have seen a explosion of environmentally friendly construction methods, and Parsons has led the way in designing eco-friendly buildings, using recycled and re-usable materials and taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint of new buildings. Overall, construction companies can increase the efficiency of their buildings by maximizing their use of energy, water, and raw materials, and by planning better design, construction, operation, maintenance, and removal to reduce adverse effects on human health and the environment. In addition, alternative fuels such as bio-diesel and ethanol combine with renewable energy sources such as sunlight, wind, tides, and geothermal heat to provide maximum power with minimum cost to the environment.

Illinois, and Kansas take advantage of switchgrass, corn, cellulose material and more to make ethanol. Further north, turbines are capitalizing on prevailing winds from the Dakotas and Minnesota to create wind energy, according to the American Wind Energy Association. Two hours east of Minneapolis, the small, rural community of Benson, Minnesota is using technology for a new power plant that will use turkey litter to generate 55 megawatts of electricity from approximately 700,000 tons per year of turkey litter. Dave Nielsen, Parsons’ Vice President, says the company is currently involved in ethanol-based projects in Watertown, South Dakota, Bridgeport and Wauneta, Nebraska, as well as in the preliminary stages of a wind farm in the Midwest. These projects total multiple millions of dollars of revenue for Parsons and are expected to take less than one year to construct. Nielsen estimates renewable energy projects will eventually make up a significant portion of Parsons’ business.

Even old fashioned electricity is subject to eco-considerations. New buildings today are routinely fitted with energy saving devices such as LED and fluorescent lighting. In April, 2007 Ontario, Canada announced plans to phase out pollution-heavy incandescent lighting by 2012. While the United States has yet to follow suit, current trends are clearly moving in that direction.

One renewable option that is not expected to play a major role in northern construction trends is solar energy, for an obvious reason: There is not enough sunlight during the long, dark northern winter to justify the large investment in solar power. Put simply, technology has just not caught up with expectations.

Renewable Energy Options

Technological advancements have begun to facilitate new markets, providing a broad avenue of specialization for contractors. The installation of communication equipment, data

Across the mid-section of the United States, Parsons teams are helping states such as Iowa,

Specialization

cabling, and fiber optic technology, among others, are burgeoning niche markets for electrical contractors. Large firms, in particular, have been quick to capitalize upon growth opportunities afforded by specialization of services. Low voltage and technology groups are most impacted by these changes because of the ongoing training required for new products and different delivery methods such as wireless. Whereas once-upon-a-time electrical workers learned the trade as young adults and knew they were set for a lifetime of similar projects, the constantly changing installation means and methods mean professionals must undergo ongoing training. Many contractors have begun differentiating their service through means other than price, particularly those operating in specialized markets. Differentiated services have allowed some firms to expedite stable and long-term growth.

Information Technology Another development to affect the construction industry is the emergence of industry-oriented web sites, online forums and chat rooms. Nielsen says construction professionals lured by the opportunity to learn, educate, and share their knowledge with others in the industry are taking part in online virtual communities. “The common denominator is some connection to the business of efficiently and safely delivering electricity,” he says. “There are so many online opportunities to connect with other professionals; the communities blend spirited debate, education on the technical and business aspects of electricity, and a sense of camaraderie. Through the simple process of give-and-take, these various online communities are allowing answers to vexing questions to percolate to the surface from a deep well of knowledge and experience.” Computer-aided design (CAD) is the use of computer technology to aid in the design >> The Electrical Connection

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ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY

of a product. Current packages range from 2D vector base drafting systems to 3D solid and surface modelers. CAD originally meant Computer-Aided Drafting because of its original use as a replacement for traditional drafting. Now, CAD usually means Computer-Aided Design to reflect the fact that modern CAD tools do more than just drafting. An increasingly common tool over the past decade, computer-aided design (CAD) is now essential to the work of many electrical contractors, as well as construction firms in general. Through the use of CAD 3D modeling, contractors detect design interferences and problems in the development of a project, eliminating potential trouble spots in wiring schemes for electricians. Today CAD is one of the main tools used in designing products.

Construction Management Construction management refers either to the study and practice of the managerial and technological aspects of the construction industry (including construction, construction science, construction management, and construction technology), or to a business model where one party to a construction consultant, providing both design and construction advice. In a construction management arrangement, the client takes on the contractual role, while the construction or project manager provides the active role of managing the separate trade contracts, and ensuring that they all work smoothly and effectively together. Parsons’ history and experience managing multiple systems subcontractors has proved very valuable as they have expanded to assume the role of construction managers on many projects. “Our project managers have become effective construction managers, managing the entire construction process for owners. Our expertise transcends the electrical or communications scope of work,” states Wendy Boosalis, Technologies Division Man26

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ager for Parsons. The services of construction management are in high demand as owners understand and appreciate the complexity of the construction process. Construction management software provides a fully integrated process for managing workflow, tracks all items that must be fulfilled under a contract, plus anything else that must be tracked during the job. Designed to coordinate

details throughout an organization, construction management software helps prepare various estimates of a building; issue bills of material to contractors for purchase; compare various quotes; finalize and issue a work order to a contractor; record measurements to prepare contractor progress bills; generate purchase requests, purchase orders and material receipt notes; and forecast, execute, and analyze projects quickly and accurately.

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Current Projects

Staying Power Designing and Constructing Successful Electrical/Communications Systems

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arsons selected current projects represent a varied list of markets that Parsons has expertise in. Parsons provides pre-construction, pre-planning, construction services for both the electrical and telecommunication phases of these projects. After construction completions, Parsons continues to provide 24/7 facility maintenance. Parsons is dedicated to its customers’ and employees’ success through excellence in service, innovation, and performance.

Description: The VA SCI clinic is a 64,000-squarefoot state-of-the-art spinal cord injury and disorder center consisting of inpatient rooms, exam rooms, physical therapy, and a pool. Systems include medium voltage distribution, nurse call, wandering alarm, teledata, security, and fire alarm. Architect/Engineer: Smithgroup

TCF Bank Stadium

Location: Carlton, Minnesota Description: $100 million, multi-phased project to replace the existing facility.

Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota

Architect: Walsh Bishop

Description: A new open-air horseshoe designed stadium with seating capacity of 50,000.

General Contractor: Kraus-Anderson Construction Co.

Sports & Entertainment

Architect: HOK Sport, Architectural Alliance, Studio Hive Engineer: SRF Consulting Group, Inc. General Contractor: M. A. Mortenson Company

General Contractor: Walsh Construction

Commercial Office Buildings Norfolk Navel Reserve Administration Building

Health Care Facilities St. Clare’s Hospital

Mission Critical Data Center Confidential Technology Center

Location: Norfolk, Virginia

Location: Minnesota

Description: A new construction project for a three-story, 96,000-square-foot administrative facility for the Naval Reserve Forces Command.

Description: New corporate mission critical data center is a 190,000-square-foot building with 45,000 square feet of raised floor space. Architect: Corgan Net and Associates

Location: Weston, WI

Architect: HOK

Description: Tennant build out of the first floor bed tower.

General Contractor: M. A. Mortenson Company

Casinos & Gaming

Architect: HGA Engineer: HGA General Contractor: M.A. Mortenson Co.

Black Bear Casino & Hotel Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Hospital — SCI

Architect: VOA Engineer: CCJM General Contractor: Walsh Construction

Blattner Corporate Headquarters Location: Avon, MN Description: New construction of a LEED-Gold certified corporate headquarters. Architect: URS Architects General Contractor: McGough Construction

Medtronic Rice Creek Location: Fridley, MN Description: Remodel of office, lab, and clean room facilities. Location: Minneapolis, MN

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Architect: Architectural Alliance General Contractor: McGough Construction

Current Projects Patterson Dental

Hazelden Women’s Residence Phase II

Location: St. Paul, MN Description: Remodel of current office space along with a new addition. Architect: HCM Architects General Contractor: Kraus-Anderson Construction Building Division

Multi-Unit Residential Market Style Apartments Location: Center City, Minnesota Description: This second phase continues the expansion of the Women’s Center which was completed last summer. This new renovation and expansion of nearly 23,000 square feet features two and three person guest suites, private rooms, community kitchen, and dining and art facilities.

Industrial Sector Glacial Lakes Energy

Architect: BWBR Engineer: TSP General Contractor: McGough Construction Location: Norfolk, Virginia Description: This project consisted of new construction of a 245,000-square-foot pilot project to provide a 210 unit low-rise apartment building for up to 840 Navy service personnel. Architect: VOA Associates Engineer: Primera Engineers General Contractor: Archer Western Contractors

The Bridgewater

Hotels & Resorts Bloomington Hilton Location: Bloomington, Minnesota Description: This 259-room upscale hotel includes 11,000 square feet of meeting space, a 7,000-square-foot grand ball room, a full service restaurant, and a lobby bar. Architect: Walsh Bishop

Location: Watertown, South Dakota

General Contractor: M. A. Mortenson Company

Description: Expansion to increase ethanol production from 50 million gallons per year to 100 million gallons per year.

Public Sector Dover Air Freight Terminal

Engineer: Austin-SSOE General Contractor: New Mech Construction

Kramer III Ethanol Location: Bridgeport, Nebraska Description: A new 40-million-gallons-per-year ethanol plant.

Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota Description: The Bridgewater is a 10-story high-rise consisting of 880,000 square feet and 284 units.

Location: Dover, Delaware

Architect: ICM Inc.

Description: This project featured a 500,000square-foot air freight terminal serving the U.S. Military worldwide and included a new outsized cargo facility.

Engineer: ICM Inc. General Contractor: ICM Inc.

Architect: DMJM

Architect: Ortel

Engineer: Austin-AECOM

General Contractor: JE Dunn

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Resource Directory Parsons Electric LLC would like to thank the advertisers who made this publication possible. A.M.P. Manufacturing & Supply .................................................. see page 34 Anixter . .................................................................................... see page 27 Armstrong Crane and Rigging, Inc. . ........................................... see page 27 Berk-Tek ................................................................................... see page 30 Border States Electric Supply . ................................................... see page 13 Cooper Connection ...................................................................... see page 4 Crescent Electric Supply Company . ........................................... see page 27 Cummins NPower, LLC .............................................................. see page 31 Dakota Supply Group ................................................................. see page 31 Davis & Associates .................................................................... see page 28 Dennison Technology Group . ..................................................... see page 34 Eaton Corporation ..................................................... see inside back cover Electro-Mechanical Industries, Inc. ............................................ see page 29 Electronic Communication Systems, Inc. . .................................. see page 29 Enlow Companies, Inc. . ............................................................... see page 6 GE Distribution and Control .................................................. see back cover General Electric Supply .............................................................. see page 30 Graybar Electric ......................................................................... see page 28 Great Lakes Lighting . ................................................................ see page 27 Hilti, Inc. .................................................................................... see page 17 J.H. Larson Electrical Company . .................................................. see page 4 JTH Lighting Alliance ................................................................. see page 31 KL Tannehill, Inc. . ...................................................................... see page 30 Kraus-Anderson Insurance . ....................................................... see page 11 Lighting Affiliates, Inc. . .............................................................. see page 11 LSS-Life Safety Systems . .......................................................... see page 13 LVC . .......................................................................................... see page 29 Pass & Seymour, Inc. ................................................................. see page 28 R. L. Mlazgar Associates, Inc. ..................................................... see page 30 RSC Equipment Rental ............................................... see inside front cover S&T Office Products, Inc. ........................................................... see page 17 SimplexGrinnell, LP . .................................................................. see page 28 Total Tool Supply, Inc. . ............................................................... see page 11 Viking Electric Supply .................................................................. see page 6 Ziegler Power Systems .............................................................. see page 31

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Parsons Electric LLC 5960 Main Street N.E. Minneapolis, MN 55432

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