Initiatives was retained by the PowerPartners, a joint labor management coalition designed to promote the use of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) contractors and the IBEW Local Union 124 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. The goal was to find a more effective business development approach. The first step taken was to ask industry stakeholders their perspective on what needed to happen to enhance the image and increase market share for journeymen electricians and the signatory contractors who employed them. Six findings came to the forefront that ultimately became the foundation for a strategic business development campaign:

• 1. Leverage your training capabilities;
• 2. Replenish and grow your ranks;
• 3. Develop partnerships with strategic targets;
• 4. Don’t just declare, demonstrate value;
• 5. Enhance the union image; and
• 6. Think outside the box to become more competitive.

A roundtable of many of these industry stakeholders was formed as an ad hoc advisory board. Initiatives arranged and conducted numerous joint calls to owners, contractors and developers. These calls included both labor and management representatives and began the process of developing strategic relationships necessary for business development. Many other relationships were developed with municipalities, industry associations, business groups, civic groups and economic development entities. All aspects of this business development campaign were held accountable with specific, measurable goals and objectives.

With a targeted marketing approach, Initiatives partnered with public relations firms that provided focused campaigns that are now changing the image of the IBEW and NECA contractors in the Kansas City area.

The “Power Partners” is now recognized as the flagship business development program for the Greater Kansas City Building and Construction Trades Council. In March 2007, Initiatives was the first company ever to receive the Labor-Management Council of Greater Kansas City’s Labor-Management Cooperation Leadership Award along with the Power Partners for their innovative and progressive approach to grow market share.