During the closing General Session of NECA 2017 in Seattle, ELECTRI International President, Russell J Alessi, was honored with the Foundation’s highest tribute – the Wendt Award. Named in honor of one of the EC industry’s premier members, the late Albert G Wendt, president, Cannon & Wendt Electric (Phoenix), the annual Wendt Award recognizes exemplary leadership and service to the electrical industry.

For 27 years, Russ has worked extensively with NECA’s entrepreneurial members to establish one of the first and most successful association foundations in the construction industry. In addition to enlisting financial commitments to build a multi-million-dollar endowment to support industry research and education, Russ managed ELECTRI’s growth, including management of its research projects, educational programs, operational budgets, volunteer services and staff. He also served as a liaison to international counterparts and led the expansion of NECA’s international membership, chapters, and worldwide leadership position. The Academy of Electrical Contracting also acknowledged Russ Alessi’s service to the industry by naming him a Fellow of the Academy in 2003.

In announcing Alessi as this year’s recipient of the Wendt Award, NECA President David Hardt, Hardt Electric (Chicago), told the audience of contractors and industry partners:

Russ Alessi has provided an extraordinary example of service and a commitment to the future of the electrical construction industry. He has proven himself worthy of the Wendt Award and of his industry’s acknowledgement and gratitude.”