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NECA Annual DEI & B Survey | |
The DE&I Task Force has been created with a goal of empowering a cultural shift in diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging through education, opportunity, awareness and open dialogue by developing an awareness and education platform to foster a work environment within the electrical industry that supports each person’s unique differences. The Task Force will strive to create a long-term cultural shift, on national and local levels, where each person can thrive and be empowered to contribute to the overall success of our industry. This is the 3rd annual survey of the membership, so we are able to establish metrics.
If your company holds multiple memberships, we ask that you complete the survey for each chapter you hold membership. Please complete the survey using your employment data for December 31, 2022.
The deadline to complete the survey is May 1, 2023.
Please direct any questions to dei@necanet.org. Thank you in advance for your participation!
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NECA Safety Recognition of Achievement
It's time to register to participate in NECA's Recognition of Achievement in Safety Excellence and Zero Injury program. The application process will begin on January 1, 2023. The deadline for submitting your online data is Wednesday, March 15, 2023. Each year participants must register and create a new account. The application can be accessed HERE.
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New NECA Guides Out Now! Two new guides have been added to the NECA Store and are available to download.
NECA Guide to Forklift Operations (5130-22PDF)
NECA has developed a guide to assist employers who use construction forklifts in the course of their work. The NECA Guide to Forklift Operations, 5130-22PDF provides an overview of the types of forklifts and the maintenance and operational characteristics that must be considered when using a forklift of any type on the job. It also provides information on training requirements, operator evaluations and pre-use inspection checklists. A digital resource kit is available that includes a training PowerPoint under 5130-22DRK.
NECA Guide to ATV Operations (5131-22PDF)
NECA has developed a guide to assist employers who are required to provide training and document the use of All Terrain Vehicles, (ATVs) on the Jobsite. The NECA Guide to ATV Operations, 5131-22PDF provides procedures for pre-operation inspections, proper operating procedures and employer training requirements. A digital resource kit is available that includes a training PowerPoint under 5131-22DRK.
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ECA Members & City of Chicago Building Commissioner featured in Episode 3 of Powering Chicago's new YouTube series "The Power of Better" | |
Episode three of The Power of Better, Powering Chicago’s YouTube series, focuses on the future of the electrical industry. The first segment highlights new Grid modernizing, medium voltage cabling technology, which simplifies a path for assessing and improving fault detection, power quality and power flow. In the second segment, Powering Chicago sits down with Chicago's Building Commissioner to talk about electrical code initiatives taking effect this year and how they impact Chicago’s progress toward electrification. | |
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Register for the IMSCA Lobby Day!
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
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IMSCA’s 2023 Lobby Day event will be held on Wednesday, April 26th at the Sangamo Club located at 227 E. Adams Street, Springfield, IL.
Lobby Day activities will begin promptly at 12:00 p.m. and will include an abbreviated Board and Membership Meeting and a Special Guest Speaker (TBA). Lobby Day attendees will receive an overview of current legislation being considered by the Illinois General Assembly that has an impact on the Illinois construction industry. Most importantly, attendees will have the opportunity to visit their State Senators and Representatives at the Illinois State Capitol to discuss important legislative matters. Lunch will be provided upon arrival. This year’s event will also include a “Construction Industry Legislative Reception” co-hosted by the Illinois Mechanical & Specialty Contractors Association (IMSCA) and the Illinois Construction Industry Committee (ICIC) from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., also at the Sangamo Club.
All IMSCA members are encouraged to attend this event to discuss issues important to the Illinois construction industry with your legislators. Please click the link below for the Lobby Day Registration Form. Please return the registration form by email to sarah@ccepil.com. The deadline to register for Lobby Day and the Legislative Reception is Friday, April 14. For the convenience of our out of town guests, we are working diligently to secure a block of hotel rooms. Hotel accommodation details are forthcoming.
If you have any questions or need additional details, please don’t hesitate to contact:
Jessica Newbold Hoselton
Executive Director
Illinois Mechanical & Specialty Contractors Association (IMSCA)
P: 217.523.4361
M: 217.891.3675
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NECA "Electrical Contractor Essentials" Program
The event is to be held on Tuesday through Wednesday,
February 21 - 22, 2023.
Please join us for this unique two-day program!
Topics to be covered include the following:
Finance
Insurance / Bonding / Risk Management
Legal Issues
Productivity
Material Management
Construction Technology
Start Time: 8:00 am CT
End Time: 5:00 pm CT
Location: Loews Chicago O'Hare 5300 N River Rd, Rosemont, IL 60018
This class, designed specifically for NECA’s small and medium-sized contractors, will bring in experts to discuss the several of the essential elements that all contractors need to know.
Finance
This session will discuss the key financial processes, facts, and figures that you need to be constantly aware of to keep the company running smoothly. Following the class, you’ll have an understanding of the components of financial statements, cash flow, profit fade, work in process schedules, cycle time, and the concept of margin versus markup.
This session will be led by David O’Brien, CPA, Director of Construction Services at Mosley, Pfundt, Glick & O’Brien.
Legal
The legal issues that electrical contractors can face are diverse and this session will focus on three key areas. First, every company routinely signs contracts for products and services, but those contracts may not be in the best interest of your company. Recommended clauses and provisions, what they mean, which ones to avoid, and how to include the correct ones will be discussed. Next, important wage and hour changes will be reviewed to assist you with staying in compliance to avoid an audit or lawsuit. Finally, every business may face an incident or allegation that must be internally investigated. It is critical to conduct such an investigation or self-critical analysis in an effective manner, and this presentation will center on best practices in this area.
This session will be led by James Fagan, NECA’s General Counsel and Vice President of Risk Management
Insurance, Bonding & Risk Management
While you may have insurance policies in place, you may not be adequately covered. This session will discuss common coverage concerns and factors that affect business insurance premiums. Risk management culture, best practices for fleet/driving, as well as bonding, will also be discussed.
This session will be led by Nate Hoyle, Rick Johnson, and Bill Walters from Federated Insurance.
Material Management
Planning and managing materials on a project can take up a significant amount of time before you even get to the jobsite and then also have a significant impact on the labor effectiveness on the jobsite. While the contractor is responsible for the results, the supply chain is a large and complex ecosystem and often difficult to navigate. The current state of the supply chain, the “digital thread concept,” industry-proven best practices, and useful tools to see more predictable, efficient, and profitable projects will be discussed.
This session will be led by Mike Carroll of Graybar.
Productivity
Measuring and tracking productivity is key to being able to improve it. This session will discuss how to benchmark and identify field productivity and identify areas of waste. Methods to improve productivity among your staff, as well as subcontractors, will also be discussed.
This session will be led by Mark Federle of Marquette University
Construction Technology
Project delivery methods and building systems are growing increasingly complex. Owners and GCs continue to push tighter schedules and control cost, all while we are expected to adapt to their ever-changing expectations. How do electrical contractors meet these growing demands and position themselves to be successful in our fast-changing industry? This session will discuss what is driving these changes and what tools are available to help ECs shift from a low bid mindset to being seen as a trusted project consultant. We will explore how these new technologies expose strengths and weaknesses and help us identify opportunities to increase margins while reducing risk.
This session will be led by Jared Christman from ELECTRI International.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
The ECA Research and Education Committee has been able to secure a discounted rate for this program. The Registration Fee for ECA members for this two-day program is $300.00...that's a $350.00 reduction from the NECA Member Price! If you're interested in attending the "Electrical Contractor Essentials: Business and Field Operations" program, please click on the link below to register or go on-line at the ECA website at: www.ecachicago.com.
Please register, soon, as this program is being offered to all area NECA Chapters.
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Stipend Available
The ECA Executive Committee approved the educational stipends of the Registration Fee, Transportation costs and Hotel costs for each attending ECA member for the NECA Labor Relations Conference on March 20 - 22, 2023. All stipends / reimbursements are made after each conference with registration confirmation(s) and applicable receipts forwarded to ECA.
After you have registered, please e-mail a copy of your completed registration transaction to the Association office at registration@ecachicago.com. This will allow us to have a record of your registration information, should you need any assistance after registering.
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NECA Labor Relations Conference - Registration is Open! - Stipend Available
March 20 - 22, 2023
Nashville, TN
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The NECA Labor Relations Conference is being held on March 20 - 22, 2023 at the Grand Hyatt in Nashville, TN. Registration is now open!
About the Conference
This year’s conference will include a wide range of presentations from industry experts, NECA and IBEW representatives and Keynote speaker Roy Spence. Topics will include employment law, the use of the Pattern Agreement Guide, the NMA, a CLRC presentation on the Settlements Reports and the Union Electrician Workforce characteristics and projections report, and labor relation challenges. Additionally, discussions will be held on the manpower shortage & attrition study, apprenticeship etA & CML updates, NEBF, NEAP, NEFP & FMCP updates, and CIR best practices.
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Thursday, February 16, 2023
Malcolm X College
1900 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60612
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
(Doors Open at 8:30 AM)
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STIPEND AVAILABLE
The ECA Executive Committee approved the educational stipends of the Registration fees for up to two representatives and their guest and/or spouse, if applicable, of participating ECA member firms for the NECA WIN / FL Conference on April 16 – 17, 2023. The registrations will be reimbursed to the applicable companies after the Conference.
After you have registered, please e-mail a copy of your completed registration transaction to the Association office at registration@ecachicago.com. This will allow us to have a record of your registration information, should you need any assistance after registering.
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WIN / FL 2023 Conference
(April 16 - 17, 2023) --
Stipend Available!
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The Women in NECA and Future Leaders (WINFL) Leadership Conference features two full days of education and breakout sessions including featured speakers, group discussions and networking opportunities for both groups.
The Women in NECA and Future Leaders (WINFL) conference will precede NECA Now 2023 in San Antonio, Texas. Both NECA Now and WINFL will be held at the J.W. Marriott Hill Country. For more information on NECA Now, please click here. Please note, the registration link will lead you to the NECA Now landing page but you will have the option to choose which event(s) you would like to attend.
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STIPEND AVAILABLE
The ECA Executive Committee approved the educational stipends of the Registration fees for up to two representatives and their guest and/or spouse, if applicable, of participating ECA member firms for the NECA NOW Conference on April 17 - 19, 2023.The registrations will be reimbursed to the applicable companies after the Conference. After you have registered, please e-mail a copy of your completed registration transaction to the Association office at registration@ecachicago.com. This will allow us to have a record of your registration information, should you need any assistance after registering.
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NECA NOW Executive Leadership Conference
(April 17 - 19, 2023) --
Stipend Available!
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Please join us in San Antonio, TX! Far from your typical meeting, NECA NOW 2023 is a three-day Executive Leadership Conference focused on your professional and personal growth. This Executive Leadership Conference will provide attendees with the opportunity to gain insights on leadership development with presentation by top business experts.
CHAPTER EVENT
The Chicago & Cook County Chapter, NECA has a Chapter Dinner scheduled for the evening of April 18, 2023 in the Cherry Bark Room of the 18 Oaks!
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Electric Golf Club Dinner Dance
Saturday, February 18, 2023
The Westin Chicago Northwest
400 Park Blvd, Itasca, IL 60143
Cocktails: 6:00pm, Dinner 7:00pm
Awards Ceremony to follow.
Auction Open 6:00 pm - 10:30 pm
CLICK HERE TO RSVP for the EGC Dinner Dance by February 10, 2022
Complete tables purchased by a company will have their Company's name displayed on the table.
Tables of 10, 11, and 12 Seats can be accommodated. Seats of less than 10 will be open seating.
AUCTION ITEMS NEEDED!
Support the CEAEF Scholarship Program and Electric Association Education Programs!
This year's auction will accessible on a mobile app for easy bidding at the Dinner Dance. Each donation item/package must carry a minimum value of $200.
Each donor will be recognized for their contribution with a sign displayed in front of their donation at the auction. They will also be recognized on the bidding app and after the event in ElectriCITY magazine.
If you would like to make a donation, please complete the linked donation form here. All donations need to be mailed or dropped off at the EA office by February 10, 2022.
Contact Ali Novinger at anovinger@eachicago.org with any questions or changes.
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ECA Stipends Available for a Number of Events! | |
The Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) Executive Committee recently approved a number of educational stipends for various events throughout 2023. Please click on the link for the current listing.
The registrations will be reimbursed to the applicable companies after the Conference. After you have registered for the applicable event, please e-mail a copy of your completed registration transaction to the Association office at registration@ecachicago.com. This will allow us to have a record of your registration information, should you need any assistance after registering.
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Please be aware...Hotel Registrations must be made by March 10, 2023! | |
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NECA Legislative Conference March 27 - 29, 2023 --
Registration is Open!
Stipend Available -
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Registration is open for the premiere legislative conference for electrical contractors to hear about top issues affecting the industry. Meet the leaders who are working to provide real solutions. Attendees will also hear from top guest speakers, and get an opportunity to have their voices heard by those on Capitol Hill.
The conference will take place on March 27 - 29, 2023 at the Salamander Hotel (formerly Mandarin Oriental). It will start at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, March 27 and end with a Congressional Reception on Wednesday, March 29.
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Stipend Available
The ECA Executive Committee approved the educational stipends of the Registration Fee, Transportation costs and Hotel costs for each attending ECA member for the NECA Legislative Conference on March 27 - 29, 2023. The registrations and other costs will be reimbursed to the applicable companies after the Conference.
After you have registered, please e-mail a copy of your completed registration transaction to the Association office at registration@ecachicago.com. This will allow us to have a record of your registration information, should you need any assistance after registering.
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NECA Basic Estimating of Electrical Construction -
Virtual Classroom - Registration is Now Open.
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NECA’s Basic Estimating of Electrical Construction Virtual Classroom program registration is now open.
Registration is still very limited so don’t delay!
Below are the registration links:
For any questions, please email education@necanet.org.
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CISCO Annual Meeting - Feb. 10, 2023 | |
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Register Today to Attend CISCO’s Annual Meeting
REGISTER TODAY for CISCO’s Feb. 10 Annual Meeting at Maggiano’s in Schaumburg, or visit here. We’ll honor our annual Projects of the Year, Educator of the Year, Public Body of the Year and Labor Advocate of the Year recipients. Email Julia Mulvey at julia@cisco.org or call us at 630-472-9411.
CISCO Annual Meeting
Friday, Feb. 10, 2023
Maggiano’s Little Italy
1901 Woodfield Rd
Schaumburg IL
Registration/Breakfast at 8 a.m.
Program at 9 a.m.
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CISCO Launches 2023 Scholarship Program
Seven scholarships available.
Deadline for applications Feb. 17, 2023
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The Construction Industry Service Corporation (CISCO) is accepting applications for its 2023 Scholarship Program. Their three different program categories enable a wider range of applicants for both building trade Union members and Union contractor employees to apply. CISCO offers (3), four-year scholarships ($2,000/year) to high school seniors; (2), two-year awards ($1,000/year) for seniors planning to attend community college; and (2), two-year continuing education awards ($1,000/year) to adult Union members or contractor employees.
CISCO’s three (3) scholarship program categories are:
– Three (3) four-year scholarships ($2,000/year). DOWNLOAD APPLICATION HERE
– Two (2) two-year awards ($1,000/year) for seniors planning on attending a community college. DOWNLOAD APPLICATION HERE
– Two (2) two-year continuing education awards ($1,000/year) to Union members or contractor employees. DOWNLOAD APPLICATION HERE
Applications for each of the three categories of scholarships are available at cisco.org/ scholarships, visit CISCO's Facebook page, or by calling CISCO at 630-472-9411. The program was established in 1994 in order to provide educational support for CISCO members and their families.
All applications and accompanying documents must be postmarked by February 17, 2023 to be eligible for consideration, and can also be sent via email. Winners will be notified in mid-March and awards will be presented at CISCO's Annual Luncheon in late April/early May, 2023. For judging criteria, application information, and eligibility requirements, please refer to the application forms. If you would like more information about this topic, please call Julia Mulvey at 630-472-9411 or email julia@cisco.org.
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NECA Innovation Institute | | | |
The NECA Innovation Institute is a one-year professional training program for future executives to become visionary thinkers with the essential innovation skills for practical deployment. The Institute is laser focused on coaching future executives on the fundamentals of an innovative mindset and corporate philosophy. | |
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ELECTRI Cross-Border Meeting
March 15 - 17, 2023
The ELECTRI Cross-Border meeting will be held March 15-17, 2023, at the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve in Puerto Rico! We have a fantastic agenda planned that includes:
· Student Passport Project- Students will travel from Iowa State University to work on several projects with SBP USA, a national disaster recovery and resilience organization.
· Students will present their projects to Cross-Border attendees.
· The opportunity for Cross-Border attendees to volunteer for a group project with SBP USA
· An overview of the current state of Puerto Rico’s electrical grid
· A discussion with local electrical contractors
· A tour of LUMA College for Technical Training
· Presentations:
o How Can Technology Help Puerto Rico?
o The Future of Solar
o Quanta’s Perspective--The Future of Electrical Contracting
· Fun activities:
o Networking dinners
o Tours
o Golf (optional)
Historically, ELECTRI Cross-Border meetings have created opportunities for elevating the electrical contracting industry around the world by building relationships, meeting and learning from contractors and government officials in other countries and being immersed in different cultures. We look forward to another year of expanding ELECTRI’s cross-border relationships and we hope you will be part of the adventure.
Registration details:
--Participation fee: $750 for ELECTRI Council attendees and $250 for spouse/guest
--Registration will be handled through NECA’s website. If you are an industry partner and do not have a NECA account, please contact Taylor Kershaw to register. All contractors can register here for the meeting.
--Space is limited. Register soon!
For additional information, contact Laura Holmes, ELECTRI Director of Operations, at laura.holmes@electri.org or call 202-991-6257.
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ELECTRI Updates
YOUR WORKFORCE CAN REALLY HELP – Your workers’ information is very important. ELECTRI’s Addressing the Changing Workforce survey aims to better understand the expectations of top talent in the electrical construction workforce. This survey is designed specifically for your top field performers. It is not intended for office staff. It can be completed on any smartphone, tablet, or computer and should take no more than 10 minutes. To reach as many of your workers as possible, we will keep the survey open through February 17th. If you have any questions, please reach out to Josh at Josh.Bone@electri.org.
HOLD THAT SMILE – ELECTRI wants to share some terrific photos from our recent Council meeting. Pick the best ones here and post them on your social media for friends and family.
ARE YOU READY TO SIGN UP? – For each research project that ELECTRI commissions, we form a Task Force to help guide the research and ensure results that are useful to the EC industry. We encourage you to get involved with ELECTRI and share your knowledge of the industry by signing up to join a Task Force. Some of you may prefer to volunteer in other ways. Those opportunities are also listed on the sign-up form you can find here.
WHO NEEDS A CON-TECH AUDIT? How do you decide which employee is allowed to choose, purchase, and download software? How many online software subscriptions do you have and who’s managing them? Are you tracking/vetting plug-ins? What security issues does your software present?
So many questions…These are just a few of the issues ELECTRI will review with you during our next ConTech and Coffee on February 15th @ 11 AM EST.
Join Greg Long (Long Electric), Toby Mitchell (Classic Electric & Consulting), Justin Kohlman (Schaeffer Electric), and Nathan Zelencock (Miller Electric) in a wide-ranging, informative conversation about what a tech audit can mean for your company. Watch for your Zoom invitation, coming soon.
ELECTRI International Quick Links
ELECTRI Meetings ELECTRI Research Council Room Sessions
Prefab 101 Videos Think Like A Leader
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NECA Government Affairs Update (1/30/23) --
Week in Review
| Please click the link for a recent update from NECA Government Affairs. If you have any questions regarding the update, please reach out to NECA Government Affairs to: Hadlea Bender, Specialist at: (713) 870-8619 / Jared Karbowsky, Director, Government Affairs, National Electrical Contractors Association at: 443-975-2932 | | |
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NECA Government Affairs Update (12/14/22) --
Independent Contractor Status
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Please click the link for a recent update from NECA Government Affairs. Please click the link for a document NECA and IBEW submitted to the Department of Labor regarding the proposed regulation on Independent Contractor Status.
If you have any questions regarding the update, please reach out to NECA Government Affairs to: Hadlea Bender, Specialist at: (713) 870-8619 / Jared Karbowsky, Director, Government Affairs, National Electrical Contractors Association at: 443-975-2932
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NECA Alert (2/1/23)
NECA Establishes Service & Maintenance Advisory Council
| Please click on the link for the current edition of "NECA ALERT." | | |
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Please click on the link for a previous edition of "NECA ALERT." | | |
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Please click on the link for the current edition of "NECA THIS WEEK." | | |
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Free Webinars through the Employee Assistance Program |
Members are invited to take advantage of the free webinars through the Employee Assistance Program.
ECA Members may log-in to the interactive work/life web portal for information on a variety of topics. Webinars are available at any time of day and our mobile app allows employees to access services such as counseling and work life resources right from the palm of their hand.
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Follow ECA Chicago on Social Media! | |
Webinar recordings available online for ECA Members!
If you missed a meeting or webinar by ECA, you can now log-in to the website and view the program you missed. Many recordings are now available, and more will be added daily from webinars held over the past year. Go to www.ecachicago.com and under the "Industry Resources" pull down menu, select "Member Education and Webinar Recordings". You will be prompted to log-in, and then you are free to browse webinar recordings you may have missed. Please contact ECA with questions (708)531-0022.
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Stay up to date on the latest changes for our Industry including news releases, legislation and Government mandates, workplace safety and preparation guidelines, OSHA alerts, and more that affect electrical contractors in Chicago and Cook County.
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SAVE THE DATES
January 31, 2023
"Empower Your Electrical Contracting Business in 2023"
Sean Samson Training, Ltd.
Session 1
Hyatt Lodge
Oak Brook, IL
February 2, 2023
"Crew Level Production Planning and Execution: Set Goals and Win"
Drake Oak Brook Hotel
Oak Brook, IL
February 15, 2023
ECA Regular Membership Meeting
Truluck's
Rosemont, IL
(Dinner Meeting)
February 10, 2023
CISCO Annual Meeting
Maggiano's
Schaumburg, IL
February 18, 2023
Electric Golf Club Dinner Dance
Westin Chicago Northwest
Itasca, IL
February 21 - 22, 2022
NECA EC Essentials
Two-day Program
Details to Follow, Soon!
February 28, 2023
"Empower Your Electrical Contracting Business in 2023"
Sean Samson Training, Ltd.
Session 2
Hyatt Lodge
Oak Brook, IL
March 1, 2023
ECA Young Professionals Event
Games of Irons
Oak Brook, IL
March 6 - 7, 2023
ASA / CSC Safety Conference & Expo.
Drury Lane Conference Center
Oakbrook Terrace, IL
March 10, 2023
Paddy's Day Lunch
Chicago Hilton & Towers
March 15, 2023
ECA Regular Membership Meeting
Gibsons Steakhouse
Oak Brook, IL
March 16, 2023
ECA DEI Committee Program
Hyatt Lodge
Oak Brook, IL
March 20 - 22, 2023
NECA Labor Relations Conference
Nashville, TN
March 27 - 29, 2023
NECA Legislative Conference
Mandarin Oriental Hotel
Washington, DC
March 30, 2023
"Empower Your Electrical Contracting Business in 2023"
Sean Samson Training, Ltd.
Session 3
Hyatt Lodge
Oak Brook, IL
April 12, 2023
ECA Regular Membership Meeting
Shaw's Crab House
Schaumburg, IL
April 13, 2023
"Key Performance Indicators (KPI): Using Lagging Information to Create Leading Indicators"
Drake Oak Brook Hotel
Oak Brook, IL
April 16 - 17, 2023
WIN / FL Conference
JW Marriott Hill Country Resort & Spa
San Antonio, TX
April 17 - 19, 2023
NECA Now
JW Marriott Hill Country Resort & Spa
San Antonio, TX
April 26, 2023
IMSCA Lobby Day
Springfield, IL
April 27, 2023
"Empower Your Electrical Contracting Business in 2023"
Sean Samson Training, Ltd.
Session 4
Hyatt Lodge
Oak Brook, IL
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