ECA News & Events Update
NECA - IIT Student Chapter
Green Energy Challenge Video --Finalist for NECA 2020 LIVE!
The ECA Student Committee continues to educate students on the many aspects of the electrical construction industry. The Association is currently working with the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) in regard to the coordination of an active NECA Student Chapter. The Student Chapter participated in the 2020 NECA Green Energy Challenge with their net-zero energy proposal concerning the Near South Health Center of Cook County, along with a video about their energy audit findings and their experiences with the project. The Chicago & Cook County Chapter, NECA held a number of visits / educational sessions with the students throughout the school year to assist with the project, as needed.
 
ELECTRI recently announced the three finalists for the Green Energy Challenge (GEC) video competition. The three finalist videos will be presented at NECA Live 2020 during the Green Energy Challenge Event. Information on the live GEC event will be announced, soon. 

The top three in alphabetical order are:

Illinois Institute of Technology
Iowa State University
Pennsylvania State University

Congratulations goes to the NECA-IIT Student Chapter, as they made the finals for the Video portion of the Challenge!

During the virtual summer ELECTRI Council meeting, representatives could watch all the videos and vote on their favorites. ELECTRI also received some feedback from their members. 

Below are the remarks ELECTRI received for the NECA-IIT Student Chapter video:

1. Great review of the project and how you adapted.

2. I like the views of and history of the area of the project. Video of the team working together
added to the presentation.

3. Great Presentation. They were also fortunate to have the majority of their work completed prior
to the Pandemic outbreak.

4. Historically vibrant, well-crafted and informative, and well-documented. Great job!
“Chicago Deep Dish: The Construction Labor Shortage – What Can Be Done About Skilled Labor Shortages and Rising Construction Costs?”
CISCO Webinar - 7/30/2020
BISNOW Chicago and PowerForward DuPage will present “Chicago Deep Dish: The Construction Labor Shortage – What Can Be Done About Skilled Labor Shortages and Rising Construction Costs?” at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 30. CISCO, Powering Chicago and Structures Chicago are sponsoring the webinar. Many developers cite either a shortage of labor or high labor costs as the main reason why their projects won’t pencil out and can’t get off the ground. As baby boomers are retiring, there is a growing concern among the skilled labor unions about the low number of new tradesmen and women. Speakers will be Giuseppe Muzzupappa, assistant director of NECA – Northeastern IL Chapter, Dan Allen, executive director of CISCO, and Elbert Walters, Director of Powering Chicago. 

To register for this webinar, click here .
Young Professionals of ECA:
--TRIVIA NIGHT -- Join all the construction trades for an online trivia night - 7/30/2020
JOIN THE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS OF ECA FOR A SUMMER TRIVIA NIGHT!
JULY 30TH - 7:00-8:00p.m.
 
Join MEP+ emerging leaders for our very first virtual trivia night! Log on solo or with the whole family as our MC asks the questions live from Zoom. Don’t miss your chance to engage with an exciting group of emerging industry leaders and network with your peers across the MEP+ trades.
City of Chicago Disparity Study
-- Assistance Requested -- 
The City of Chicago is conducting a Disparity Study of its construction program for Minority-and Women-­owned Business Enterprises ("M/WBEs"). The City is conducting this research to ensure that M/WBEs have equal access to construction contracting opportunities and that the City's current construction program remains legally defensible and administratively successful. We invite you to participate in the study through an online small group interview of business owners. These important sessions will provide an opportunity to relate your experiences with doing business with the City as a prime or subcontractor on City construction projects, or your attempts to do so, and any barriers that you have encountered. Your insights and experiences will help identify potential improvements in our M/WBE construction program and encourage increased collaboration while promoting economic growth for all segments of our community. 

Meetings will be held:  August 6 through August 12, 2020. Please  click here to register  for an online meeting. You will be taken to a three-question survey to allow us to direct you to the appropriate meeting. All persons requiring special accommodations, including language assistance, should directly contact Colette Holt & Associates, the firm facilitating the sessions, no later than one week prior to the selected session.

For questions and general information about the Disparity Study, visit the study website chicago.disparity-study.com  or contact Colette Holt & Associates at chicago-study@mwbelaw.com  or (855) 692-3529, or the Department of Procurement Services at (312) 744-9757.
2023 NEC Edition Open for Input /
NEIS Updates Available
Please click on the link below for various updates from NECA regarding the National Electrical Code (NEC) and National Electrical Industry Standards (NEIS) publications, among other areas.

Topic sections include the following:

  • Revolutionizing Testing One Classification at a Time
  • Where is the National Electrical Code in Effect?
  • Strategies for Protecting Electrical Equipment
  • 2023 Edition of National Electrical Code Open for Input
  • It’s all About Workmanship
  • NECA Publishes Two NEIS Standards Revisions
  • Join Our Canvass Group!
  • NEIS Subscription Service
  • Electrical Codes & Standards Resources
NECA 2020 LIVE! Check out the live broadcasts on Facebook and LinkedIn each Monday to learn more about NECA's first ever virtual convention.
You can view the events each Monday at 1pm, by searching @NECANET on Facebook or LinkedIn.

If you miss them, you can find the link's to the videos on Linkedin here on our website.
NECA Virtual Programming
-- July 2020 -- 
Across the country there will be a lot of variation on the availability of in-person training in the weeks and months ahead, and to combat this NECA is bringing some of their most popular in-person classes, that they hold with NECA Chapters across the country, online! In July, there are several classes NECA members can take advantage of. Please click on the link below for information regarding registration for these sessions.

Please contact  education@necanet.org  with any questions.
"Strategic Planning Basics: Where are We Now & Where are We Headed?" - MEP Program
August 27, 2020
The ECA in conjunction with a number of industry area trade associations, is pleased to present a webinar called, "Strategic Planning Basics: Where are We Now & Where are We Headed?" The session is scheduled for Thursday, August 27, 2020 at 10:00 am - 11:30 am. Please click on the link below for webinar information. The Registration link is also below.
"Managing Field Productivity" August 27, 2020
The Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) Research and Education Committee seminar called, "Managing Field Productivity" has been scheduled for Thursday, August 27, 2020 to be held at the Drake Oak Brook Hotel.

If you're interested in attending the "Managing Field Productivity" seminar, please click the link below.
"Renewable Energy for Electrical Contractors" Training Program -
Friday, August 28, 2020 and Saturday, August 29, 2020 at
INTECH
The Illinois IBEW Renewable Energy Fund (IBEW REF), which has received funding for renewable energy training throughout Illinois, is pleased to present a complimentary two-day training program regarding work in the solar industry in Illinois. The coursework has been developed to inform the union electrical contractor to become an effective union solar contractor.   
 
The " Renewable Energy for Electrical Contractors" training is scheduled as follows:
 
DATES:             
Friday, August 28, 2020 and Saturday, August 29, 2020.
 
TIME:               
Each session will begin at 8:00 am and will conclude at 2:00 pm.
Both sessions are six hours in duration. Breaks / lunches are included.
 
LOCATION:      
IBEW – NECA Technical Institute (INTECH)
6201 W. 115 th  Street
Alsip, Illinois 60803
(708) 389-1340
 
Friday, August 28, 2020 session topics include:
·      Overview of Renewable Energy industry in Illinois
·      Qualified Persons Requirements for Renewable Energy Systems
·      Renewable Energy markets
·      Training resources
·      Common components and system configurations
·      Distributors and other Services
·      Q & A
·      Tour of IBEW REF Solar Roadshow truck
 
Saturday, August 29, 2020 session topics include:
·      Financial incentives for Renewable Energy
·      System Design Basics
·      Credentialing and Certifications 
·      Inspections and Quality Control
·      Worker Safety
·      Q & A
·      Tour of INTECH and the Renewable Energy Training Field
 
The program will be presented by Harry Ohde, Executive Director, Illinois IBEW Renewable Energy Fund and Robert Hattier, Master Trainer, Illinois IBEW Renewable Energy Fund.
 
Please visit the Electrical Contractors’ Association of City of Chicago (ECA) website at:  www.ecachicago.com  -- Use Comp Code SOLAR when registering. If any questions, please contact the ECA at: (708) 531-0022.

INTECH will be following all current COVID-19 safety precautions. All attendees are required to wear a face mask upon entering the school.
ECA Membership Meeting September 9, 2020
Please join us for our September evening Membership Meeting! The program will feature industry updates, and guest presentation / keynote address from Kelly Richmond Pope, Ph.D., CPA on "White Collar" Crime, Fraud & Internal Control Issues .

The event is scheduled as follows:

Wednesday, September 9, 2020
Mastro's Steakhouse
520 N. Dearborn Street
Chicago, IL 60654

Complimentary Valet Parking

5:30 pm - Registration / Networking
6:00 pm - Dinner
7:00 pm - Business Session / Keynote Address
8:30 pm - Event Concludes

The event is limited to 50 attendees. Please register ahead of time due to space availability. Mastro's will be in keeping with current safety measures. All guests will be required to wear a face mask upon entering the restaurant.  
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.
POWERING CHICAGO to be featured in upcoming Building Congress webinar - The Future of Work: Leveraging Technology for Safer Built Environments in the COVID-19 Era  
9/16/2020 (New Date)
While it remains to be seen what the ultimate impact of COVID-19 will be on Chicagoland’s commercial real estate market, it is undeniable that the pandemic has brought about rapid changes in the way we work.
 
With remote work far more prevalent than it was at the beginning of the year, encouraging a return to offices in urban centers like Chicago and bolstering the construction and real estate industries in the process depends on creating safe built environments for people to congregate and collaborate in person.

Technology can play a vital role in this process, helping mitigate risk and allay concerns about the spread of COVID-19.
 
Powering Chicago's expert panel will explain how technology can be deployed to power a safe return to the workplace in the weeks and months ahead. 
 
"Advanced Estimating of Electrical Construction"
September 16 & 17, 2020
The Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) Research and Education Committee workshop called, "Advanced Estimating of Electrical Construction" has been scheduled for Wednesday, September 16 & Thursday, September 17, 2020. The program is to be held at the Drake Oak Brook Hotel.

If you're interested in attending the "Advanced Estimating" workshop, please click the link below.
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."
 
"Excavation Hazards in Construction" is a FREE 4-hour safety training program designed to educate workers about the risks and liabilities associated with trench-related work. Participants will learn to identify potential hazards and avoid unsafe conditions when operating in and near an excavation site. The session is to be conducted by Construction Safety Council instructor(s).
 
Training topics include:
·      OSHA trenching and excavation safety standards (29 CFR 1926 Subpart P)
·      Definition and responsibilities of a Competent Person
·      Material and equipment inspections
·      Installation and removal of shoring systems
·      Soil testing in the field
 
The program is scheduled as follows:
 
DATE:
Thursday, September 24, 2020
 
TIME:
7:30 am - 11:30 am
 
LOCATION:
IBEW Local 701 Hall
Main Auditorium
28600 Bella Vista Parkway - Suite 1000
Warrenville, IL 60555
 
COST:
The program is complimentary for Chicago & Cook County Chapter, NECA members and Northeastern Illinois Chapter, NECA members. 

To register, you need to use the Comp Code: NECA MEMBER  (NECA MEMBER is all uppercase).
 
We do hope that you will be able to attend the Safety Forum!
 
You can register on-line at the ECA website at: www.ecachicago.com .
 
NECA Convention & Trade Show - VIRTUAL Event-October 5 - 8, 2020
The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) announced the 2020 Convention and Trade Show will take place entirely online October 5 – 8, featuring brand-new virtual experiences. This virtual event will maintain its traditional dynamic speakers and educational opportunities, but has been adjusted to meet the evolving requirements demanded by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Convention Stipend
The ECA Executive Committee approved a stipend for the virtual Convention. The ECA will cover the cost of Registration for NECA 2020 Live ($200 per individual) for up to ten individuals per ECA member firm. Please register for NECA 2020 Live through the ECA website. Again, the cost of the virtual Convention will be covered by the Association. However, the ECA will invoice your firm for any registrants above the initial ten. Registration will begin August 3, 2020. We hope that you take advantage of this educational opportunity! 
 

Visit  www.necaconvention.org  or www.necanet.org to stay in the know on all NECA 2020 Live updates!   Registration opens on August 3rd!
ECA Membership Meeting
October 14, 2020
Please join us for our October luncheon Membership Meeting! The program will feature industry updates, and guest presentation from Shannon Andrews, City of Chicago Chief Procurement Officer.

The event is scheduled as follows:
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
Maggiano's Banquets
240 Oakbrook Center
Oak Brook, IL 60523
(630) 368-0300

12:00 pm - Registration / Networking
12:30 pm - Lunch
1:15 pm - Business Session / Guest Presentation
2:00 pm - Event Concludes

The event is limited to 50 attendees. Please register ahead of time due to space availability. Maggiano's will be in keeping with current safety measures. All guests will be required to wear a face mask upon entering the restaurant.  
"Succession Planning"
October 21, 2020
The Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) Research and Education Committee workshop called, "Succession Planning" has been scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, 2020. The program is to be held at the Drake Oak Brook Hotel.

If you're interested in attending the "Succession Planning" workshop,  please click the link below.
ECA Membership Meeting
November 11, 2020
Please join us for our November luncheon Membership Meeting!   The program will feature industry updates, and guest presentation from Jamie Rhee, Commissioner, City of Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA).

The event is scheduled as follows:
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
Gibsons Steakhouse
2105 Spring Road
Oak Brook, IL 60523
(630) 954-0000

12:00 pm - Registration / Networking
12:30 pm - Lunch
1:15 pm - Business Session / Guest Presentation
2:00 pm - Event Concludes

The event is limited to 50 attendees. Please register ahead of time due to space availability. Gibsons will be in keeping with current safety measures. All guests will be required to wear a face mask upon entering the restaurant.  
"Top Habits of High Performing Foremen"
November 18, 2020
The Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) Research and Education Committee workshop called, "Top Habits of High Performing Foremen" has been scheduled for Wednesday, November 18, 2020. The program is to be held at the Drake Oak Brook Hotel.

If you're interested in attending the "Top Habits of High Performing Foremen" workshop, please  click the link below.
NECA's Legal Webinar 3 Update -
 PPP Loan Forgiveness Rules & Procedures (Q & A)
Please click on the link below for an update to the third NECA Legal Webinar: PPP Loan Forgiveness Rules & Procedures -- Question and Answers.

As the country and our NECA contractors get back to work in stops and starts (or continue along as essential), there are a number of novel issues that need to be addressed by employers. A few areas of concern are the sick leave and testing issues associated with the pandemic.
New DOL tool for determining FFCRA eligibility
Do the requirements and benefits provided for in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) apply to you? This tool will quickly walk you through a handful of options to determine your eligibility as an employee for paid sick leave or paid expanded family and medical leave, or your obligations as an employer to provide paid sick leave or paid expanded family and medical leave.
Reopening safely - Guidelines for relying on EPA and state polices providing relief from environmental compliance during COVID-19
Please click on the link below for a copy of the Baker McKenzie report, "The Reopening Playbook" focusing o n Reopening safely - Guidelines for relying on EPA and state polices providing relief from environmental compliance during COVID-19.
U.S. Department of Treasury Issues Additional Guidance Regarding PPP Program / NECA Phase IV Coronavirus Legislative Webinar / PPP Loan Forgiveness Application Update / Borrower & Lender Responsibilities
Here is additional information regarding PPP guidance. Also, please review information regarding NECA's recent Phase IV Webinar and PPP Loan Forgiveness Application.
U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) temporary regulations - Stay-at-Home Order(s) and FFCRA impact.
Please click on the link below for the DOL's temporary regulations applicable to the Family First Coronavirus Response Act clarifying how local, state, or federal “shelter in place”/“stay at home” orders affect entitlements to FFCRA leave. 
EJAB NDERA Referral Follow-up
In regard to compliance with the NDERA, the Electrical Joint Arbitration Board (EJAB) has submitted a clarification regarding the Recall scenario concerning lay-off of employee(s).  Please click on the link below for the EJAB notice.

Also, please click on the link below for a copy of the “National Disease Emergency Response Agreement (NDERA),” as well as the jointly created NDERA Question and Answers. Please review the Q & A sheet. This will assist firms in complying with the agreement!

Construction Impact letter, Contract Rights, and FFCRA FAQ
Please see this template letter from NECA that you may find useful in dealing with your customers concerning construction impacts resulting from COVID-19.




Save the Dates

Young Professionals Trivia Night
July 30, 2020


Additional "MANAGING FIELD PRODUCTIVITY" Session
Arranged For August 27, 2020
(Registration is now Open!)
Drake Oak Brook Hotel
Oak Brook, IL

"ADVANCED ESTIMATING OF ELECTRICAL CONSTRUCTION" -
RE-SCHEDULED!
September 16 & 17, 2020
(A few spots are open!)
Drake Oak Brook Hotel
Oak Brook, IL


"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