Annual Clay Shoot “Group Therapy” Provides Support for Training within the Electrical Trade

Shot guns, ATV’s, and electricians rolled into the Blackhawk Valley Hunting Preserve in Old Monroe on Friday, September 15, 2023 to raise funds in support of electrical training. The IEC of Greater St. Louis could not have asked for better weather for the Annual Clay Shoot cleverly nicknamed “Group Therapy” thanks to the brief reprieve from the typical work day.

The annual Clay Shoot provides additional funds for training at the IEC every year. The IEC provides two DOL registered apprenticeship programs in addition to journeyman training, business development opportunities for small businesses, CPR, and safety classes. Fundraising events in the community help keep tuition costs at a minimum while producing well rounded electrical workers for the St. Louis workforce.

How does the Clay Shoot provide support for training?

The IEC was thrilled to host forty-four participants from member contractors and the community on the 600 acre preserve in Old Monroe, MO. Blackhawk Valley Hunting Preserve is a walking course where shooters are challenged with a variety of scenarios that changes at each of the fourteen stations. Members of the St. Louis chapter have preferred this style of course over the traditional style. Over the past couple years the IEC has seen increased engagement and increased revenue. Teams of four enter the competition and use the best shooter’s score from each station as their team score, much like a golf scramble. Teams compete for prizes and bragging rights. Money raised from entry fees and sponsorships help provide additional funding and support for the training programs at the IEC.

Bragging Rights for Winners & Sponsors

The first place team from Rowles Electric went home with a $1,200 cash prize as well as bragging rights until next year. In addition to the top team, prizes were awarded to the top scoring apprentice and top overall individual shooter. A Yildiz Legacy HP 12 Gauge 28 in OU Shotgun was raffled off at lunch time. The gun raffle is a great way to engage more people as the winner is not required to be present to win.

This year’s event was proudly presented by Federated Insurance. Milwaukee Tool provided safety supplies while AMF Electrical Contractors and Squires Electric sponsored the ammo provided to participants. Regardless of placement, each team received a goody bag with swag from sponsors.

Companies Benefit from Team Building

While events like this provide vital funding support to the training taking place at the IEC, these events also provide companies an opportunity to provide team building. Team building builds trust and employees who work at high-trust companies report less stress, more energy, and higher productivity. This event absolutely provided an opportunity to engage employees and improve morale. This comradery is where the nickname “Group Therapy” cleverly comes into play.

Chris Hunter of AMF Electrical Contractors says, “There are a couple reasons why we (AMF) support the IEC and the Clay Shoot …

1. 1. 1. It is a nice change of pace and break for our men.
      2. They enjoy doing things together outside of the normal work environment.
      3. It builds comradery and a team mentality.
      4. Helps support the mission of the IEC”

Support from sponsors and members is instrumental towards the IEC mission to provide top tier electrical training to the greater St. Louis area. We appreciate Federated Insurance’s support and providing tools to keep employees safe. We look forward to seeing this event grow each year.

Support the workforce in St. Louis by sponsoring events such as the Annual Clay Shoot or by joining our membership.

• Contact the Membership and Marketing Director for information on future sponsorship opportunities and/or a membership application at adam@iecstl.com.
• Mark your calendar for the 2024 Clay Shoot on Friday, September 13, 2024 at the Blackhawk Valley Hunting Preserve.