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.
Course Length: 2 Days
REGISTRATION FEE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW SOON!
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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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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.
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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NECA Legislative Conference March 27 - 29, 2023 --
SAVE THE DATES!
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Save the date for the premiere legislative conference for electrical contractors to hear about top issues affecting the industry and 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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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 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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A DEEP THINKER - Kirk Davis has a long, strong history as an EC industry leader. He focuses on being a good listener, respecting the opinions of those around him, and then working hard as a facilitator to help advance the industry and meet member needs. He views construction as “building a community, not just a structure”. Join him here for his thoughtful Think Like A Leader interview.
SAVE THE DATES - ELECTRI International Cross-Border Meeting - March 15-17, 2023 -
Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico -- Registration and details coming in early 2023
DID YOU MISS IT? – ELECRI International issued its 2022 Year-end Report last week. In case you’ve not yet reviewed it, we have attached it for your convenience. A quick read to re-cap what was done in 2022 and what’s ahead. CLICK HERE FOR RECAP PDF.
WHERE TO START? - Todd Mikec (Lighthouse Electric) firmly believes that leadership starts with education. In his Think Like a Leader interview, Todd explains how good leadership comes from having confidence, listening carefully, and always being passionate about the EC industry. He’s proud of the way he focuses his Lighthouse team on doing things “safe, right, and fast.” Watch the interview here.
EVERYTHING TO GET STARTED - ELECTRI has produced a series of educational video classes on Prefab 101. Share this excellent resource with your company employees or with NECA Chapter members. Here’s the link to ACCESS VIDEOS
COMING SOON – Scottsdale meeting details will be sent to attendees next week, so watch for the email with the agenda, attendee list, research proposals, and activity specifics.
WE BET YOU DIDN’T KNOW – As we get ready to meet in Arizona, we thought you’d enjoy a few fun facts about Scottsdale. See you soon…
- Scottsdale fire trucks are just a little bit different. Rather than the usual red trucks, the city went with a more original color: Chartreuse.
- Ice cream made of prickly pears (a type of edible cactus) is a staple dessert cuisine in Scottsdale.
- Scottsdale holds the record for the most fans in attendance for the prestigious PGA Golf Tour at the Stadium Course. In February 2013, a whopping 179,022 people crowded in.
- You can actually go to college in Scottsdale to earn a degree in being a cowboy. It’s called the Arizona Cowboy College. Send your transcripts there and get your spurs and chaps on.
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 (1/8/23) --
Week in Review &
2022 Accomplishments
| 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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Please click on the link for the current edition of "NECA THIS WEEK." | |
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Save the Date for the IMSCA Lobby Day!
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
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Please save the date for the Illinois Mechanical & Specialty Contractors Association (IMSCA) Lobby Day in Springfield, IL. The Lobby Day is being held on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. Registration details to follow soon! | | |
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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 17 - 19, 2023
ELECTRI Council
Scottsdale, AZ
January 19, 2023
ECA DEI Committee Program
Hyatt Lodge
Oak Brook, IL
January 22 - 25, 2023
NECA-IBEW Employee Benefit Conference
St. Pete Beach, FL
January 26, 2023
ECA Regular Membership Meeting
Drury Lane Conference Center
Oakbrook Terrace, 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 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 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
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