CEDAR RAPIDS, IA, June 14, 2008 — The headquarters of the National Systems Contractors Association (NSCA) in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is currently closed until further notice due to unprecedented, historic flooding. However, NSCA staff and volunteer leaders will still participate and host NSCA education, events and activities during InfoComm 08 in Las Vegas, June 16-20.

 

The Cedar Rapids headquarters is based along the now swollen Cedar River, which crested Friday afternoon at 31.12 feet, more than 11 feet above the city’s previous flood record, set in 1929. Consequently, most of the downtown district was forced to evacuate on June 11, including NSCA, which has offices on the fourthfloor of the Great America building. 

 

“NSCA is devastated by the destruction to the downtown area,” said Chuck Wilson, NSCA executive director. “Many residents and businesses have lost everything due to this incredible event. Our thoughts and prayers are with those that have suffered from this tragedy.”

 

All NSCA staff members are safe with no personal losses to their homes or personal property. Barring any additional significant rainfall, the river level is expected to stay at high flood levels through June 24, according to the National Weather Service.

 

Participating in the first-ever consolidation of the NSCA Systems Integration Expo™ and InfoComm trade show remains NSCA’s top priority. Many staff members will be in attendance to speak with attendees at the NSCA Zone, offer training courses through NSCA University™, and provide social opportunities through ExpoJam! the charity golf tournament, charity concert and member meeting. 

 

“We are fortunate that our office is high and dry and that our products made it to Las Vegas a few days prior to the flooding in Cedar Rapids,” Wilson said. “The loading dock at our building is under nearly 12 feet of water.” 

 

Upon returning from the show, NSCA staff will continue working for its members. A timeline has not been set as to when electricity will be restored or when anyone will be allowed back into homes and businesses affected by the flood. However, NSCA has already established temporary solutions for communications and can be reached by email or by calling the main office line at 800.466.6722, which will be redirected to an NSCA staff member. 

 

NSCA is the leading not-for-profit association representing the commercial electronic systems industry. With more than 2,500 member companies worldwide, the National Systems Contractors Association is a powerful advocate of all who work within the low-voltage industry, including systems contractors/integrators, product manufacturers, consultants, sales representatives, architects, specifying engineers and other allied professionals. NSCA is dedicated to serving contractor members and all channel stakeholders through education, advocacy, outreach and member services. NSCA University offers a variety of courses on topics such as project management, business, sales, design and technical knowledge. Courses are delivered through a variety of methods including conferences, regional trainings, online learning and webinars. NSCA works in conjunction with a variety of industry partners to provide relevant and meaningful education and certification programs. It also provides leading industry research and market intelligence, insurance solutions, the industry’s most comprehensive manual of practice, Essentials of Systems Integration™ and other business tools. For more information, visit www.nsca.org.