ECA Industry Update
Apprentices Available

The IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (INTECH) has informed the ECA that 90+ apprentices are available for work. INTECH encourages you to send in your requests for these Apprentices, as soon as possible! Please contact INTECH at (708) 389-1340 to request Apprentices. 
Communication Program Registration
INTECH - 9/21/2020 - 10/2/2020
Registration for the Communications Program will take place at the IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (INTECH) at 6201 W. 115th Street, Alsip, Illinois on the following dates and times: Monday, September 21, 2020 through Friday, October 2, 2020 from 9:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M.
Join panelists Maureen O’Brien, Alex Willis and Ronald Bailey in this dialogue, moderated by Jef Fagan. Participants are asked to complete the following survey on Guide NECA's Path for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion by September 20. 
An Open Dialogue on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Webinar
Tuesday, September 22, 2020 | 2:00 - 3:00 PM EST
More than just buzzwords, diversity, equity and inclusion are the path forward for the success of the electrical construction industry. In this webinar, the panelists will talk about NECA’s progression on these efforts and discuss the importance of each element, where we are now and where we need to go. This session will also help participants unpack unconscious bias and understand blind spots.
Young Professionals Fall Tour: Renewable Energy Training Center at IN-TECH, Sept. 30th
The Young Professionals of ECA will host an outdoor tour of the IBEW/NECA Technical Institute's Renewable Energy Training Center on September 30th.

September Employee Assistance Program News & Webinars
Visit ECA's website to learn about the new programs and services offered by ERS, now a division of AllOne Health. These services are free to ECA members, their employees, and their families. You can also download the September newsletter for Supervisors and for Employees.
September is "Suicide Prevention Month"
The Construction Industry Alliance reminds all that September is "Suicide Prevention Month" and wishes to share the tools that they have created to help you join them in sharing the STAND up for Suicide Prevention message. Please click here to sign up for training. Also please click on the link below for more information.
NECA LEGAL ALERT: IRS COVID-19 TAX DEFERRAL GUIDANCE
Early last month, President Trump signed an executive order directing the secretary of the treasury to allow employers to defer the withholding, deposit and payment of a certain portion of social security taxes in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The IRS has issued guidance implementing the president’s order. However, Notice 2020-26 still leaves employers responsible for collecting the tax from employees and for interest and penalties if the employers are unable to collect the tax after the deferral period.

Virtual Classrooms: Providing More Options for NECA Members
There is lot of variation on the availability of in-person training across the country, and it is likely to remain that way in the weeks and months ahead. To combat this, NECA is bringing some of our most popular in-person classes online! In September, members can attend the following classes.

Please contact [email protected] with any questions.
Illinois Department of Labor Prevailing
Wage for Contractors, On-line Portal
Beginning September 1st, 2020 – all certified payrolls for public works projects in Illinois MUST be filed with the Illinois Department of Labor – No Exceptions. LEARN MORE.......
CISCO Scholarships & Project of the Year Award
The Construction Industry Service Corporation (CISCO) have just opened two long-standing programs - The Annual Scholarship Awards, as well as its Project of the Year Award.

Program descriptions and application forms are now online at - www.cisco.org
IMPORTANT EIT UPDATE!
TEMPORARY BENEFIT CHANGES
DUE TO IMPACT OF CORONAVIRUS
Please click on the link below for an EIT notice on the Temporary Benefit Changes Update due to the impact of the coronavirus.  
IMSCA PAC Raffle -
Tickets Available!
IMSCA is excited to announce the IMSCA-PAC 2020 fundraiser has resumed! The winning tickets will now be drawn at IMSCA’s Board and Membership meeting on September 11, 2020. Please click on the link below for a copy of the Raffle Ticket Order Form. SEVEN RAFFLE WINNERS will be drawn this year! Tickets are $50 each. Each ticket purchased buys you a chance to win the prize of your choice. The winners do not need to be present to win. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Jessica Newbold Hoselton, Executive Director, Illinois Mechanical & Specialty Contractors Association (IMSCA) at: (217) 523-4361.
OSHA NATIONAL SAFETY STAND DOWN: SEPTEMBER 14-18, 2020
Fatalities caused by falls from elevation continue to be a leading cause of death for construction employees, accounting for 320 of the 1,008 construction fatalities recorded in 2018 (BLS data). Those deaths were preventable. The National Safety Stand-Down raises fall hazard awareness across the country in an effort to stop fall fatalities and injuries..  
 
OSHA’s Stand-Down webpage offers information on conducting a successful event, and educational resources. Employers are encouraged to provide feedback after their events, and to obtain a personalized certificate of participation. To learn how you can participate in the Stand-Down, visit www.osha.gov/StopFallsStandDown.  
Joint Safety Forum - "Excavation Hazards in Construction" - 9/24/2020 
The Electrical Contractors’ Association of City of Chicago (ECA) / Chicago & Cook County Chapter, NECA and the Northeastern Illinois Chapter, NECA are proud to present the next Safety Forum featuring the seminar, "Excavation Hazards in Construction." This is a FREE 4-hour safety training program designed to educate workers about the risks and liabilities associated with trench-related work. 
 
COVID-19 RESOURCES FOR ECA MEMBERS:
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

"SUCCESSION PLANNING" SEMINAR
October 21, 2020
Drake Oak Brook Hotel
Oak Brook, IL


"THE TOP HABITS OF HIGH-PERFORMING FOREMEN" SEMINAR
November 18, 2020
Drake Oak Brook Hotel
Oak Brook, IL