Covering all things VECA and relevant industry news
INTHISISSUE:
» A Letter From the Technologies Division Manager Opening letter
» New Projects on the Horizon We're excited to share some of the latest projects our team has been selected to support
» Building Better Leaders 2025–2026 UW NECA Superintendent Course graduates
» VECA Values in Action Empowering Each Other to Succeed
» A Roaring Response Company picnic update and reminders
» See VECA's Work in the Wild The new Forest Trailhead exhibit at Woodland Park Zoo is now open to the public
» Mid-Summer Update From Your GREAT Team! Keeping prices low, and what to expect
PROJECT OF THE QUARTER
NEWSLETTER CONTACT - MARKETING@VECA.COM
» Powered by Impactful Stories
We've been making news—in all the best ways
» Let's Talk Numbers
Introducing Accounting 101, a new educational and informational opportunity
» Tiny Van. Big Adventures LEGO Van photo contest
» Abundance & Appreciation Awards
Recognizing fellow employees for their impact and value they bring to VECA
» Employee Work Anniversaries
Join us in celebrating these milestone anniversaries at VECA
» Stop in for Support SOS Help Desk, providing more ways to assist our employees
» From the Desk of Our Master Electrician Keith Conti - Keeping VECA up to date on important industry information
SEA C CONCOURSE EXPANSION
The first project of its kind to follow the Port of Seattle’s Sustainable Evaluation Framework, this expansion is targeting LEED Platinum certification, featuring an all-electric design and rooftop solar array.
The existing concourse is significantly expanded—from 81,000 to 229,500 square feet—with four new levels added above the original structure. With many complex logistical challenges and working around an operating airfield, VECA closely collaborated with the project team to optimize phasing and demolition sequencing.
The project reimagines the passenger experience through lightfilled spaces, intuitive wayfinding, and stronger connections to the Pacific Northwest. It was completed just in time to welcome all the additional traffic for the World Cup.
If you have story ideas or items to share, please send us an email for the next quarterly issue. For those without a VECA email, please send your ideas to scoffey@veca.com.
A LETTER FROM THE TECHNOLOGIES DIVISION MANAGER Jessie Teague
What we do every day would not be possible without the vision and execution of the entire team.
From the first estimate to turning the final screw, it takes a continuous collaborative effort that would not be achievable if our team's values were not aligned. I want to thank everyone for their support and drive to deliver high quality and reliable work completed safely.
WHAT’S CURRENTLY GOING ON
As we continue through 2026 with 2027 on the horizon, we are aiming to finish the year strong. The team has secured some promising backlog work that will help us maintain growth through 2027 and several years beyond. Our processes and procedures continue to improve as we set targets for larger and more strategic work that aligns with VECA’s values.
ACTIVE WORK
Swedish Hospital - We are beginning to ramp down gradually and can see the light at the end of the tunnel for the Technologies Division’s largest job to date. The team onsite, consisting of Shawn Childs, Sr. Project Manager; Jonathan Van Eyk, Associate Project Manager; and Mike O’Hara, Site Superintendent, has done an incredible job keeping this project on track. Their continual presence has helped us be more proactive and engaged with VECA’s electrical team as well as other trade teams onsite. I’d like to recognize the support we have received from the electrical team, from helping set our team up early on and continuous problem-solving throughout its duration. This teamwork was instrumental to our success on what has been a challenging project due to its scale and complexity.
Port of Seattle - As we wind down from Swedish and other largerscale projects, we are diving into early preparations for the South Concourse Expansion project at SEA. The size, schedule, and technical execution required on this project will be new territory for our team, but we are confident in our abilities to deliver. Built in the 1970s, the existing building will be completely redesigned,
modernized, and expanded to accommodate increased demand for international travel in and out of Seattle. Mike Battistoni, Sr. Project Manager, will lead the charge onsite with support from Sarah Winebrenner, Project Engineer, and Thurman Woods, Technologies Superintendent.
WHAT’S NEXT
VECA has been and will continue to be a formidable force in WA, but as the company expands and looks outward, so will the Technologies team. With strong client partnerships and a proven track record of quality and safety, we are seeing opportunities in other parts of the country that align with our team’s strengths and capabilities. With the support of the executive team and other division leaders, we are excited for this next challenge to extend the VECA name and values beyond WA.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I would again like to thank the Technologies team, both in the office and field, for everything they do on a daily basis. Additionally, I would like to thank the entire Executive team and the rest of VECA for their continued support. The Technologies team has gone through some major changes in the last couple of years and getting to where we are now and where we are looking to go would not be possible without the collaboration and support of everyone.
NEW PROJECTS ON THE HORIZON
We're excited to share some of the latest projects our team has been selected to support.
Congratulations to everyone involved in these successful pursuits—we look forward to partnering with our clients as these projects move forward.
AWARDED PROJECTS
Harborview Medical Center Facility and Infrastructure Improvements
Bellingham School District LED Lighting Retrofits
Bellingham School District Squalicum HS Gym Improvements
Transformer & Elevator Replacement – UW Medical Center MHSC BB Wing
Foster Garvey TI at West8
SEA105
Providence Swedish - Hughes Tower Technologies Team
2025–2026 UW NECA Superintendent Course graduates
BUILDING BETTER LEADERS
Congratulations to VECA’s 2025–2026 UW NECA Superintendent Course graduates:
Venny Fefelov, Tristan Lang, Robert Hammond, and Troy Kelly.
This course is a significant commitment and an important investment in field leadership. Throughout the program, participants completed training focused on leadership and
VALUES MOMENT
motivational skills, communication, customer relations, project management, scheduling, cost control, Lean Construction, sustainability, BIM modeling, and more.
Programs like this help strengthen the skills needed to lead successful projects, support teams in the field, and continue raising the standard across our industry.
We’re proud of the dedication these individuals showed throughout the course and appreciate their commitment to continued growth and development as leaders at VECA.
VECA VALUES IN ACTION
Last quarter we launched the initiative to bring our values to life in real, visible ways.
Thank you to everyone that submitted a value in action! These stories celebrate moments in everyday work where our values show up and deserve recognition. The goal is to demonstrate how our values extend beyond words on a page to behaviors we see in others and ourselves. Here are a few that spotlight the VECA Value “Empowering Each Other to Succeed”
DO YOU HAVE A VALUES MOMENT TO SHARE?
Click below to submit your story.
Joshua Stone
Joshua saw value in progressing my career. He approved me taking the APM to PM track classes through VECA academy which encouraged me to get my Construction Professional Certification from Project Management Institute. He listened to where I wanted to go and empowered me to get there.
Submitted by Justin Bears, Project Manager
Patrick Nelson
From day one working for Patrick, he made sure that I and everyone on the team was able to perform at the best of our abilities. He is constantly working to ensure everyone gets the information and materials they need before they realize they need it.
Submitted by Ray Childers, Journeyman
Isabel Rohrs
Isabel encouraged and empowered me to present in front of the company and leadership multiple times. She coached me and helped me prepare, encouraging me the entire time.
Submitted by Becca Sather, Sr. Communications Coordinator
A ROARING RESPONSE
FROM THE DESK OF OUR
Keith Conti - Keeping VECA up to date on important industry information
Thank you to everyone who registered. This year we received the strongest response in the history of this event, with all available tickets claimed in less than 36 hours!
CAN'T ATTEND AFTER ALL?
If you reserved tickets but your plans have changed and you're no longer able to attend, please cancel your tickets through Eventbrite. If you need directions on how to do that, please reach out to Laura Rannowlrannow@veca.com. Releasing unused tickets will allow employees and family members on the waitlist an opportunity to attend.
JOIN THE WAITLIST
If you were unable to secure tickets and would still like to attend, please add your name to our waitlist using the link below: Waitlist Signup: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SXQPWK8
As tickets become available, we will contact individuals on the waitlist in the order requests are received. We are doing our best to get everyone that has requested tickets entry into the event, so please sign up! Additional information regarding parking, entry, and event logistics will be shared with registered attendees closer to the event date.
Thank you again for your incredible response and enthusiasm. We look forward to a fantastic day at the zoo with the VECA team and their families!
SEE VECA'S WORK IN THE WILD
The new Forest Trailhead exhibit at Woodland Park Zoo is now open to the public.
VECA project staff attended the ribbon cutting which included speeches from Woodland Park Zoo’s CEO, Seattle’s mayor and the Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands along with a dedication from members of the Tulalip Tribe.
The event’s focus was on global forest conservation and the relationship between forest, community and animals which come to life in the new exhibit. The project is the first major construction project at the Zoo in the last decade and was funded by a campaign that received contributions from over 100,000 donors.
VECA completed the project in early 2026 and it can now be enjoyed by all. If you're able to attend the company picnic this summer, stop by the new exhibit to see the completed space and meet zoo animal additions! Carson, the red panda, and the tree kangaroos steal the show but don’t skip trying to spot the endangered reptiles and fish in the main pavilion.
PROJECT UPDATE
by Laura Rannow
by Molly Price
GREAT | TOOLS
MID-SUMMER UPDATE FROM YOUR GREAT TEAM!
Over the past 18 months, we have worked tirelessly to rebuild and redefine the GREAT department into what it was always intended to be.
Today, GREAT is a team of VECA employees committed to supporting and serving their fellow VECA employees.
Our sole purpose at GREAT is to serve the field and provide you with the resources, equipment, and support needed to be successful. Whether it’s benders and wire pullers, or trucks and golf carts, we are committed to making sure you have access to reliable, quality equipment when you need it.
We strive to provide the best customer service possible while maintaining competitive pricing and keeping costs lower than outside competitors. GREAT exists to support VECA’s teams, simplify the process, and help everyone succeed in the field.
HOW DO WE KEEP PRICES LOW?
We keep our prices low by consistently auditing our rates against outside companies and industry competitors. Our goal is to make sure jobsites are receiving the best possible value while still providing equipment and service needed to keep projects moving.
By keeping GREAT competitive, we are not only saving each job money, but we are also keeping VECA dollars within VECA. Those savings can then be reinvested into other areas of the company, including special facility projects and future growth opportunities.
If you ever find that GREAT’s pricing is higher than an outside competitor, please bring it to our attention. We will review it and make adjustments when needed. Our commitment is simple: provide the best equipment, the best service, and the best value for VECA.
CUSTOMER TESTIMONY
I'd like to take a moment and thank you for all the hard work you and your team have been doing on our behalf. Thank you for listening to the issues we have been having with outside vendors, remedying them, and saving us money. Their equipment was subpar at best. Vans smelled like a wet dog and trucks were filthy.
Thank you for getting us quality passenger vans and saving us $700/mo. to boot! My new truck is pretty slick too! I am very happy that per our talks, you were not only able to lower my vehicle costs but rental equipment too.
by Jeremy Folsom
WHAT’S NEXT FOR GREAT?
We are currently in the process of building a brand-new, state-ofthe-art ISO-certified Calibration Lab that will further expand the support we provide to the field. This facility will allow us to bring calibration services in-house and provide VECA teams with faster access to certified, calibrated tools.
Our lab will be prepared to handle a wide range of equipment, including torque tools and Fluke testing equipment, with plans to continue expanding our capabilities in the future.
By bringing this service in-house, we are transforming a process that previously took weeks or even months into a streamlined 48-hour turnaround. This means less downtime in the field, faster access to critical tools, and greater support for our teams.
GREAT’s mission continues to be simple: identify opportunities to better serve VECA, improve efficiency, reduce costs, and provide the field with the resources needed to succeed.
Having the consistency and backing of the shop has proven to be invaluable, especially if the equipment needs service. We don't have to wait! Your team takes care of it right away. I hope that others will soon recognize the hard work your team has been doing and come to rely on GREAT as much as I do. The added benefit is that we get to keep the money and employees within VECA. Thanks again to you and your team for all the hard work.
Robert Gates, Project Superintendent
Example of an ISO-certified Calibration Lab
FROM THE DESK OF OUR
POWERED BY IMPACTFUL STORIES
Keith Conti - Keeping VECA up to date on important industry information
We've been making news—in all the best ways. Take a look at three recent stories celebrating the people, partnerships, and projects that make VECA stand out.
DELIVERING COMPLEX WORK WHILE DEVELOPING NEW LEADERS
Source: Blueprint Magazine
Written by: Jason Pafundi | Produced by: Jake Reagan
Congratulations to our own Sandy Maus, who was recently featured in Blueprint magazine!
The article highlights Sandy's exceptional leadership, her role in delivering some of VECA's most complex and high-profile projects, and her passion for mentoring the next generation of construction professionals. It's a well-deserved recognition of a career built on collaboration, innovation, and empowering others to succeed.
Click the image to read Sandy's inspiring story!
INNOVATION IS IN OUR WIRING
We're excited to share a video from our partner, NECA Puget Sound, featuring our VECA team alongside several other leaders in the electrical industry.
If you have problems viewing the video exit out of full screen mode or go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ti1_YPQ0748
The video showcases the teamwork and craftsmanship that drive our industry forward, while highlighting the important role VECA plays in supporting electrical contractors and advancing workforce development.
We're proud to be featured as part of this industry-wide story and invite you to take a few minutes to watch and celebrate the impact our team is making.
CURRENT INNOVATIONS SPARK A TIMELESS LEGACY
Source: North America Outlook Magazine By Molly Foss & Rachel Carr
Recently, VECA was featured in the North America Outlook Magazine, a digital publication focusing on industry trends, corporate success stories, and in-depth exclusive interviews.
As VECA celebrates 80 years of innovation, Chief Administration Officer Laura Rannow and Chief Operating Officer Jesse Chapman share how our company continues to honor its legacy while embracing the future of electrical construction. Their insights highlight VECA's people-first culture, commitment to innovation, and vision for delivering excellence across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
To read the full article online click on the photo ⊲
You can also view or download a printable version: Brochure version
LET'S TALK NUMBERS
Curious about accounting? Have you ever asked yourself any of these questions?
» Why is accounting nagging me to get credit cards and invoice approvals done?
» How am I supposed to code my cc receipts and invoices? What if it’s wrong?
» When do I need a check request, and how do I submit one?
» Why aren't my vendors getting paid?
» What's the difference between Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable?
Here's your opportunity to get answers—and learn how our accounting team can better support you!
PHOTO CONTEST
By Diane Knox
Join us on Wednesday, July 29, from 1:00–2:00 p.m. for Accounting 101 in the Seattle training room as we cover these topics and much more. You'll learn about the general ledger, how to properly code transactions, the process for adding new vendors, what "month-end close" really means, and even why we're always reminding you to approve invoices and submit your credit card receipts.
Our accounting team is excited—no joke, REALLY excited— to share their knowledge with you. And if you have additional questions, Diane will stick around after the session for Q&A. We hope to see you there!
Keep an eye out for an email from Diane for a calendar invite, or reach out to her directly at dknox@veca.com with any questions.
TINY VAN. BIG ADVENTURES.
On behalf of the Executive Team, we’re helping celebrate VECA’s 80th year in business with some extra special swag this summer!
Hopefully everyone has received their VECA Fleet Van LEGO kit from their team leader and had a chance to build it. Now comes the fun part—what will you do with it?
You could proudly display it on your desk or at home...or you could get creative and enter our official photo contest! This year's theme is "Where in the World Is the VECA Fleet Today?"
Take your LEGO van on an adventure, snap a photo, and show us where it's been. We can't wait to see all the creative destinations and imaginative scenes you come up with!
Send us photos of your LEGO van in unique or faraway places by Sept 01 and we’ll share some favorites on social media as well as give out prizes for the top three (based on photo quality, locale, and creativity).
Need some inspiration...see images to the right. We are looking for actual photos, no AI generated submissions for this contest!
by Marketing
Send your photo submissions to Becca Sather via email or text: bsather@veca.com | 206.822.1886
Make sure to check out our social media pages and follow along to see the winners and fan favorites!
ABUNDANCE & APPRECIATION AWARD
Recognizing fellow employees for their impact and value they bring to VECA
Those of you who are newer to VECA might not have heard of our Abundance and Appreciation Award. This peer-to-peer award
SEATTLE RECIPIENTS
Todd Folk
I have worked with and around Todd for many years, and I have watched him grow as an electrician, journeyman, and foreman. Todd works hard to produce a quality product, takes pride in his work, and is respectful and fair to those who work under him.
Taylor Ross
I’ve had the pleasure of watching Taylor grow from an apprentice to a journeyman and now into a foreman role. Throughout this progression, he has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic, reliability, and leadership. Taylor works hard and is a valuable asset to any team. His commitment and growth make him highly deserving of this nomination.
Danny Stammen
I have had the opportunity to work with Danny for about nine years. He was one of my journeymen and has taught me so much. Danny embodies the VECA Values and is always ready to help anyone on the team. He is extremely deserving of this award, and his commitment to the VECA team should not go unnoticed.
started in 2013 to recognize individuals for their positive impact to each other and value to VECA.
We have one award for each of the different office locations. The award gets passed on regularly from month to month giving all employees the opportunity to publicly recognize each other for their accomplishments. Here are the most recent recipients of the award!
BELLINGHAM RECIPIENTS
Alberto Pulido
Alberto Pulido is one of the unsung heroes who helps make VECA stand out from the competition. His contributions and leadership in the panel shop are invaluable, consistently driving quality and reliability in every project. He is a fine example of our VECA values.
Jon Porter
Jon Porter has earned the respect of everyone on the team through an unmatched work ethic and unwavering dedication to doing the job right. No matter how demanding the project, he approaches every task with professionalism, focus, and attention to detail. His years of experience and electrical knowledge have made him a trusted leader.
Igor Fedoruk
Igor Fedoruk is a hardworking and dedicated team member who is always a reliable problem-solver. He consistently goes above and beyond to tackle challenges with a positive attitude, making him truly deserving of this Appreciation & Abundance Award.
Todd Folk (left) and Ralph Wright (right)
Todd Folk (left) and Taylor Ross (right)
Danny Stammen (left) and Taylor Ross (right)
Bob Cofer (left) and Alberto Pulido (right)
Alberto Pulido (left) and Jon Porter (right)
Igor Fedoruk (left) and Jon Porter (right)
EMPLOYEE WORK ANNIVERSARIES
APRIL
AARON JOHNSON
ADAM SANCHEZ
ADRIAN SAUCEDO
MAY
AYDAN DARST
CADEN
AUSTIN KAEHN
JEFFREY
MARK PRESTON
ZALESKI
SAGERS
JONES
BROCK
RICHARD GREGUOLI 1 Year
RONALDO TORRES-CAMACHO 1 Year
SERGIO VILLALOBOS REYES 1 Year
SKYLER CARROLL 1 Year
TYLER WHEELER 1 Year
ULLYSES RAMIREZ 1 Year
AIDYN STONE 5 Years
IAN JOHNSON 5 Years
MATTHEW UNIVER 5 Years
MICHAEL REYNOLDS II 5 Years
NIKOLAY SHCHEPANSKIY 5 Years
ROBERT WYATT 5 Years
WILLARD EDISON II 5 Years
DALE CHRISTIANSON 10 Years
OCTAVIO RINCON 10 Years
TIMOTHY COLLINS 10 Years
THOMPSON
MENDOZA RIVERA
HANVOLD
JUNE
KERRIGAN
STOP IN FOR SUPPORT
SOS Help Desk, providing more ways to assist our employees
We are making the Helpdesk more accessible to VECA employees by opening our doors for drop-ins, drop-offs and impromptu assistance.
In Seattle, Door 237 will be open to all employees with keycards Monday – Friday 6am-3pm
We may at times have older and decommissioned, as-is hardware available for employees to take for personal use (although with no warranty, no support).
FROM THE DESK OF OUR
ELECTRICAL CODE UPDATES
The Department of Labor and Industries has been busy updating 296-46B.
Updated Washington State electrical requirements and the new 2026 National Electrical Code go into effect on 12/31/2026.
Stay informed and be prepared by focusing your required Continuing Educational Units on the changes in the new 2026 NEC.
By Mark Williams
KEY DETAILS & IMPORTANT RESOURCES
By Keith Conti Master Electrician
Code Update: The 2026 NFPA 70 will officially replace the previous 2023 edition statewide.
Trainee/Apprentice Deadlines: If you are a trainee, be aware that apprenticeship rules and experience qualification exceptions expire in the state, meaning you will need to register in an approved apprenticeship program if you have not met the previous hour and education requirements.