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ECA Industry Update

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.

Catch the Episode Here

Register for the IMSCA Lobby Day!

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

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.comThe 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


CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION FORM

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.


CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

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. 


NECA Labor Relations Conference - Registration is Open! - Stipend Available

March 20 - 22, 2023

Nashville, TN

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.


LEARN MORE 
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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)

CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION
LEARN MORE 

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. 

WIN / FL 2023 Conference

(April 16 - 17, 2023) --

Stipend Available!

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.


CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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.

NECA NOW Executive Leadership Conference

(April 17 - 19, 2023) --

Stipend Available!

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. 

LEARN MORE
REGISTER NOW 

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. 

CEAEF Scholarships

Applications Accepted now through January 30!

Encourage all eligible EA members and lineal descendants of EA members to apply. Click here for scholarship application and criteria.

CLICK HERE FOR LISTING OF APPLICABLE STIPENDS FOR VARIOUS EVENTS

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.

CLICK FOR SCHEDULE

Please be aware...Hotel Registrations must be made by March 10, 2023!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

NECA Legislative Conference March 27 - 29, 2023 --

Registration is Open!

Stipend Available -

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. 

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.


NECA Basic Estimating of Electrical Construction -

Virtual Classroom - Registration is Now Open.

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:

·                    Monday, February 6 - Tuesday, February 21, 2023 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET

·                    Monday, February 6 - Tuesday, February 21, 2023 | 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM ET

·                    Monday, March 20 - Tuesday, April 4, 2023| 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET

 

For any questions, please email education@necanet.org.

 

CISCO Annual Meeting - Feb. 10, 2023

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.


CISCO Launches 2023 Scholarship Program

Seven scholarships available.

Deadline for applications Feb. 17, 2023

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. 

NECA Innovation Institute

Please Click Here for NECA Innovation Institute Information

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.

A DEEP THINKERKirk 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  

NECA Government Affairs Update  (1/23/23) --

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 

CLICK HERE FOR UPDATE 

NECA Government Affairs Update  (12/14/22) --

Independent Contractor Status

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 

CLICK HERE FOR DOCUMENT

NECA Alert (1/23/23)

Please click on the link for the current edition of "NECA THIS WEEK."
CLICK HERE FOR "NECA ALERT"  (1/23/23)

NECA This Week (1/23/23)

Please click on the link for the current edition of "NECA THIS WEEK."
CLICK HERE FOR "NECA THIS WEEK"  (1/23/23)
Learn More
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.
Follow ECA Chicago on Social Media!
LinkedIn Public Page
In Case you Missed It...
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.
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.
 

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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