The Illinois Mechanical & Specialty Contractors Association has informed the ECA of an upcoming live webcast titled, “Illinois Makes General Contractors Liable for Paying Subcontractors’ Workers – NOW WHAT?” hosted by the Illinois State Bar Association. This event will be held on Thursday, September 1, 2022 from 12:00 – 2:30 p.m.

This webcast will feature IMSCA’s General Counsel, Jim Rohlfing, who will discuss details of Public Act 102-1076 (HB 5412); which was signed by Governor Pritzker and went into effect on July 1, 2022. This new law makes a prime contractor liable for unpaid lower tier wages and other employee benefits. The Act significantly impacts the risks of general contractors and subcontractors engaged in building projects in Illinois. Attendees will gain a better understanding of what the law intends to accomplish, what the language of the law provides, including exemptions for signatories of collective bargaining agreements, the role surety bonds and other forms of security play in protecting general contractors and higher tier subcontractors from liability, and much more. 

Please click on the link for full event & cost detail.

The ECA Summer Event was held at the Streeterville Social (Loews Hotel Rooftop) in Chicago. The ECA members in attendance enjoyed the neighborhood eats, crafty cocktails, good company at the Streeterville Social. It was a fun way to spend a summer afternoon in the City!

The Electrical Contractors’ Association of City of Chicago (ECA) Safety Committee along with the Northeastern Illinois Chapter, NECA is proud to sponsor a special program, "Infectious Disease Hazards in Construction," as follows:

DATE:        

Tuesday, August 23, 2022

TIME:         

7:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

LOCATION:

IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (INTECH)

6201 W. 115th Street

Alsip, Illinois

(708) 389-1340

Capacity: 40 persons

INSTRUCTOR: John Dimos, Construction Safety Council

Infectious Disease Hazards in Construction is a FREE half-day course designed to raise employee awareness of infectious disease hazards lurking on construction jobsites; oftentimes posing an invisible threat to electricians. This program addresses hidden dangers to a worker’s health and livelihood. There will be discussion of OSHA requirements, as well as best practices and control plans to identify hazards and limit exposure to this serious risk.

Upon successful completion of the course, attendees will be able to: 

·        Identify common viral/bacterial/fungal diseases and their methods of transmission

·        Evaluate a work environment’s potential for harboring an infectious disease

·        Employ protective equipment and practices to prevent infection

·        Understand OSHA requirements for medical surveillance

This program is complimentary to ECA members, only.

Please click on the link for the Memo on the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program - "Notice of Proposed Rule Making."

Please be aware that the City of Chicago has recently updated (July 1, 2022 its Sexual Harassment Policy / Training Requirements for those firms who do work with the City.

Section 8. 2-160-040 was expanded in regard to definition of sexual harassment and additional time needed for actual training.

Please click on the link for the training modules for the city’s new sexual harassment policy.  

Please click on the link for the NECA Open Forum - 7/8/22 edition regarding NECA Value-Added Services.

The Department of Procurement Services (DPS) is hosting the 2022 Vendor Fair. The program is being held on August 25, 2022.  Join DPS in person for workshops and government contracting information from subject-matter experts from the City of Chicago, Sister Agencies, Cook County, State of Illinois, Federal Agencies, Financial Institutions, and Assist Agencies.

The 2022 Vendor Fair is a full day of activities including keynote speakers, workshops, exhibitors, and networking opportunities. The event is designed for the vendor community to garner tools and resources to help the business community to garner government contracting opportunities. You can register for individual workshops to create a custom Vendor Fair experience that meets your needs. Sessions are designed for businesses at all levels: starting out, growing, and seasoned establishments. Below are the following workshops offered this year:

Event Highlights:

• Keynote Speakers
• Exhibitors
• A full day of workshops filled with information to help the business community.
• Networking Opportunities
• Register for individual workshops to create a custom Procurement Vendor Fair that meets your needs.
• Workshop sessions for businesses starting out, growing, or seasoned establishments.

The NECA Convention & Trade Show is coming! Please visit www.necaconvention.org for registration.  Please be aware that the Austin City Limits (ACL), Texas home football and Formula One will be occurring near the Convention time-frame. 

Again, Registration is open for the Convention; but, the Chapter Block is Filled! If you're registering and the Four Seasons is listed as not available, another hotel would be utilized. Please contact the ECA office in regard to availability options for the Four Seasons and/or the other hotels in the overall NECA block. 

IMSCA-PAC’s 2022 fundraiser is underway! 

NINE 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. Your choices include:

·   FOUR tickets to cheer on the Chicago Bears vs. Washington Commanders at Soldier Field (October 13 2022, 7:20 p.m.). This prize also includes parking passes (Value: $1,100.00). Donated by Tom Morton, LLD Electric Company.

·   FOUR tickets to cheer on the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center (Date TBA). These are 200 Club Level seats with parking passes (Value: $750.00). Donated by Jim McGlynn, McWilliams Electric Company.

·   $1,000 Travel Package that includes a $500 American Airlines gift card and a $500 Hotels.com gift card. Donated by Bloomington/Normal PHCC.

·   $750 Bass Pro gift card. Donated by Underground Contractors Association of Illinois.

·   $500 Amazon gift card. Donated by Illinois Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association.

·   $500 Best Buy gift card. Donated by PCA of Greater Chicago.

·   $500 Cabela’s gift card. Donated by Electrical Contractors Association of Chicago.

·   $500 Top Golf gift card. Donated by SMACNA Greater Chicago.

·   $500 Cooper’s Hawk gift card. Donated by Associated Steel Erectors of Chicago and Bold New Strategies.

The winning tickets will be drawn at IMSCA’s Board and Membership meeting on September 16, 2022. The winners do not need to be present to win.