Since 1929, the Western Electrical Contractors Association (WECA) has been a fixture in Sacramento, powering the region’s growth while lighting the way for the electrical industry across the western United States. What began as a handful of independent contractors has evolved into a nonprofit trade association that’s now synonymous with innovation in workforce development, education and contractor business services.

Step inside WECA’s Sacramento headquarters and you’ll find more than classrooms and conference rooms — you’ll see apprentices donning VR headsets, immersed in virtual job sites.

“As part of our commitment to innovation, we’re on the cutting edge of learning technology for our programs, including in-house developed virtual reality experiences for our apprentices,” says Michelle Gilkey, WECA’s chief growth and innovation officer.

“I’ve highly valued our relationship with Gilbert CPAs. I see them as a significant partner to WECA. I can reach out whenever I have questions and they’re always responsive and easy to work with.” — Maureen Wood, CFO, WECA 

WECA’s strategy is rooted in anticipating industry needs, whether it’s workforce shortages, rapidly shifting technology or regulatory curveballs. The association’s reach extends well beyond Sacramento, but the local impact is unmistakable: WECA member contractors are among the region’s top private-sector employers, fueling the local economy and championing diversity through events like Women in Construction Week.

None of this happens in a vacuum. WECA’s partnership with Gilbert CPAs has been key to navigating the unique financial and compliance challenges of public works and advocacy.

“The WECA team is great about letting us know when they enter into new transaction types and leveraging our relationship for advice on the proper accounting and tax treatment,” says Matt Krehe of Gilbert CPAs.

This collaborative relationship is a testament to the value that trusted advisors bring to associations: providing not only technical guidance, but also strategic insight that empowers leadership to make bold, future-focused decisions.

Gilbert CPAs’ commitment to their professional association clients extends well beyond WECA. Their tailored support helps a wide range of associations strengthen their financial foundations, maintain compliance and focus on their missions. For WECA and many others, this partnership is a cornerstone of growth and innovation, ensuring that as the industry evolves, the associations serving it remain strong, agile and ready for what’s next.