ECA News & Events Update

"Auditing Your Tech Stack"

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Hyatt Lodge - Oak Brook

8:00 am - 11:00 am

Please click below to register soon!


As a REMINDER, the Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) Research and Education Committee seminar called, "Auditing Your Tech Stack" is being conducted by Denise Devine, Partner and Operations Expert, SteelToe Consulting LLC.  Miss Divine is also a National Speaker and will be a presenter during the upcoming NECA/MCA/SMACNA MEP Conference. The "Auditing Your Tech Stack" program will be held on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 from 8:00 am - 11:00 am. at the Hyatt Lodge Conference Center, Oak Brook, IL 60523, (630) 568-1234. Breakfast is to be made available at 7:45 am.

 

THE FEE FOR THIS PROGRAM IS $100.00 PER ECA MEMBER.


Program Description:

 

In this presentation, we will cover the steps to optimize your tech stack and enhance your team's workflow. First, we'll discuss the importance of auditing your existing tech stack using an audit worksheet to identify all apps and tools in use, assess their significance and identify areas of overlap. We will also explore the creation of a technology committee, involving subject matter experts who understand workflow processes to identify needs, challenges, and areas of improvement. Additionally, we'll address the importance of establishing a budget to ensure long-term affordability, discussing budget considerations with the tech committee and IT, enabling informed tool selection and incentivizing tech stack consolidation. Finally, we'll highlight the significance of measuring the tools' impact and evaluating workflow improvements, gathering feedback from team managers to assess the effectiveness of adopted tools, and making necessary adjustments to maximize benefits.

 

If you're interested in attending the "Auditing Your Tech Stack" seminar, please click on the link below to register or go on-line at the ECA website at: www.ecachicago.com (Event Calendar portion).  Please click below to register soon as we need to reach the minimum number required to hold the session.

  

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

 

Please contact the ECA with any questions at (708) 531-0022. We look forward to your participation with the program!  Thank you for your continued support of Association activities.

Denise Devine, Partner and Operations Expert, SteelToe Consulting LLC.

Miss Divine is also a National Speaker and will be a presenter during the upcoming NECA/MCA/SMACNA MEP Conference.

Denise is a Partner and Operations Expert at SteelToe Consulting LLC, a firm that specializes in helping construction companies integrate and implement modern construction technology and workflows to improve and streamline their businesses. Her focus is on providing operational excellence training, employee and executive coaching, and providing process value stream analysis. Denise began consulting and training programs in 2013 for companies across the construction, automotive, big data, real estate, and finance industries. Her formal education includes an MBA, BA and Certifications in Professional Coaching, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and Earned Value Management. With over a decade of experience in project management, analytics, and LEAN, her expertise lies in enhancing team and company performance. Most recently Denise supported a mid-sized electrical contractor as the Operations and Business Development lead where she coordinated and improved business operations and processes, launched a new division, enhanced the organization’s image, and developed and implemented growth strategies, including reducing waste by LEAN optimizing the Program Management process. 


"Succession Planning For Contractors" 

Thursday, November 16, 2023

Marriott Delta Hotel

7800 South Kingery Highway

Willowbrook, IL

8:00 am - 2:00 pm 


The Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) in conjunction with other area Construction Trade organizations, including: Plumbing Contractors Association, Mechanical Contractors Association, Northeastern Illinois Chapter, NECA, Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association, Northern Illinois Sprinkler Advisory Board, Eastern Illinois Chapter, NECA are proud to help sponsor the upcoming Seminar / Panel Discussion called, "Succession Planning For Contractors: Following the Leader."

 

Two ECA members are also on a special Contractor's Panel for the session:

Corrie Krula, Hard Rock Concrete Cutters, Inc. and

Vince DiFiore, Candor Electric, Inc.


THE PROGRAM IS COMPLIMENTARY FOR ECA MEMBERS.


Registration for Succession Planning

(Indicate Name & Company)

IBEW-NECA Vendor Showcase and Open House

Nov. 17 - 18, 2023 - INTECH


Check out the Vendors who support the unionized electrical industry and tour the best Apprenticeship School in the Midwest!


Click here for registration information!

DOB "The Express Permit Program"


As part of Mayor Johnson’s commitment to making the building permit process quicker and more user friendly for all Chicagoans, the Department of Buildings launched their new Express Permit Program on Monday, November 6. Click below for some important things for you to know.


Click here for more information.

President's Party & Holiday Celebration


ECA Chicago is pleased to announce the 2023 Presidents Party & Holiday Celebration will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at the Union League Club of Chicago.



Saturday, December 2, 2023

6:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Union League Club of Chicago (ULC)

65 W. Jackson

Chicago, IL

(312) 427-7800

 


Reception / Dinner / Entertainment and more:


  • Cocktail Hour – Desiree Irwin, Soloist
  • Dinner – Thomas Linsk Trio
  • Photographer on-hand throughout
  • Other surprises


*Dress Code: Formal / Cocktail Attire

**Complimentary Valet Parking is Available

 

Hotel Accommodations:


Hotel Block Available at the Union League Club at a discounted rate for ECA members:


Based on availability, there are Standard Guestrooms at $199.00 per room plus a 20% per night surcharge.


Reservations must be made by calling the ULC at:  (312) 427-7800 or (800) 443-0578 by November 11, 2023.


REGISTER NOW

Program Overview:


5:00 pm to 6:00 pm: Legislative Presentation - Chris Nybo

6:00 pm to 8:00 pm: Golf, Food, and Networking 

 

“Lobbying 101: An Overview of the Political Process and How to Effectively Advocate Within It.”


The presentation will discuss what lobbying is, what lobbyists do, and why it is important for organizations to be engaged in the policymaking process. 


REGISTER NOW

CEAEF FALL/ WINTER Electricity Classes


The Chicagoland EA Education Foundation is offering the following in-person classes this fall/ winter. THERE ARE A FEW SPOTS LEFT! REGISTER TODAY!

 

ABC’S OF ELECTRICITY - ONE SPOT LEFT!

This 10-week course presents the fundamentals of electricity in a simple manner. ABC’s of Electricity is directed at individuals who have no technical background and should serve as a foundation for further study in the electrical field. This course will cover: the nature of electricity (voltage, current, and resistance), Simple CD Circuit Analysis, (Ohms Law, Series, Parallel & Combination Circuits), Electrical Power & Work, Electromagnetism (magnetism, electromagnets, transformers), Generators & Motors (simple overview of AC&DC), Alternating Current, (AC principles, phase relationships, impedance, power factor), and Electrical Power Systems (generation, transmission, distribution).

 

Week 1- 11/6/2023

Week 2- 11/13/2023

Week 3- 11/20/2023

Week 4- 11/27/2023

Week 5- 12/4/2023

Week 6- 12/11/2023

Week 7- 12/18/2023

Week 8- 1/8/2024

Week 9- 1/15/2024

Week 10- 1/16/2024

 

 

This class is held Mondays from 4pm to 6pm. This class will be held at the Electric Association Office in Oakbrook Terrace, IL. Registration including text book: Member Rate - $565 / Non-Member Rate - $665    Instructor: Brett Riedl                   

 

ADVANCED ELECTRICITY

This 6-week course is directed at individuals who have completed the ABC’s of Electricity and who want to further their studies in the electrical field. The focus of this course will be single-phase and three phase AC concepts.

Week 1- 11/6/2023

Week 2- 11/13/2023

Week 3- 11/20/2023

Week 4- 11/27/2023

Week 5- 12/4/2023

Week 6- 12/11/2023

 

This class is held Mondays from 6:15pm to 8:15pm. This class will be held at the Electric Association Office in Oakbrook Terrace, IL. Registration including text book: Member Rate - $425 / Non-Member Rate - $525    Instructor: Brett Riedl

 

ELECTRICAL CODE

The duration of this course is 10 weeks and it covers the history, development, and implementation of the most recent version of the National Electrical Code and the latest Chicago Electrical Code. This is an excellent preparation course for the City electrical examination. Each student will receive a copy of the latest NEC Handbook on the first day of class. This class will be held at the Electric Association Office in Oakbrook Terrace, IL.

Week 1- 11/7/2023

Week 2- 11/21/2023

Week 3- 11/28/2023

Week 4- 12/5/2023

Week 5- 12/12/2023

Week 6- 12/19/2023

Week 7- 1/2/2024

Week 8- 1/9/2024

Week 9- 1/16/2024

Week 10- 1/23/2024

 

This class is held on Tuesdays from 5:00pm to 7:30pm.   Classes are held IN-PERSON in Oakbrook Terrace. Registration: Member Rate - $640 / Non-Member Rate - $740  Instructor: Dan Caddigan

 

REGISTER TODAY


Chicagoland Electric Association Education Foundation

630-305-3050| E-mail | Website


Please contact Ali Novinger at anovinger@eachicago.org with any questions.


Electric Association Women's Division Holiday Party

5:30 pm, Thursday, November 16, 2023

The Hyatt Lodge

2815 Jorie Blvd

Oak Brook, IL 60523

 

CLICK HERE TO RSVP by November 9, 2023

 

Tis the time for giving!

As in the past, the EA Women's Division plans to support the Electrical Industry's Annual Children's Christmas Party.  Chicago area children and their parents are provided transportation from local homeless shelters to the grand event at the IBEW 134 Hall. The philanthropic event provides toys, food, and entertainment to children in need and their families.

The donations will also provide shelter donations after the holiday season.

 

We are asking for a $30.00 donation if you choose to support. You can bring a gift card at a $30 value in a holiday card to donate at the Holiday Party.

You may choose to write a message to the parent who will receive the card.

There is also an option to add this donation on the RSVP link for the Women's Division Party and the money will be used to purchase gifts for the event. Thank you!


If you want to process bulk registration, pay by check, or have any questions, please contact Ali Novinger at anovinger@eachicago.org.

Annual Children's Christmas Party


IBEW 134 Hall

2722 S. Martin Luther King Drive

Chicago, IL 60616

 

Join your industry colleagues to support this day of joy for Chicago area children in need.


Three ways to show your support:


1. Make a monetary donation

2. Donate toys

3. Volunteer to wrap gifts 4:00 pm- 6:00 pm, December 7 at Steiner Electric

4. Volunteer at the December 9 event

 

The Chicagoland Electric Association Education Foundation (CEAEF) is sponsoring their 32nd Annual Christmas luncheon for Chicago area children in need.

 

On Saturday, December 9, 2023 children from seven area shelters will enjoy a full turkey dinner with all the trimmings. As the children walk into the decorated IBEW 134 Hall they are greeted by lively music played by a DJ and a performance from the Jesse White Tumblers! After lunch has been served, Santa arrives with a special gift just for them.

 

This event could not take place without the company toy drives and volunteers, but we still have direct expenses that require financial contributions to pay for the bus transportation for the children, supplies, entertainment (excluding the DJ) and a large gift for each shelter. Together we do make a difference!


Company Toy Drives:

If you are organizing a company toy drive, please follow these procedures: • All presents must be wrapped and marked with the appropriate ages and gender • Please make the value of the gift a minimum of $25 • Deliver the gifts by Tuesday, November 28, 2023 to Steiner Electric Company in Elk Grove • Non-gender gifts preferred • Please, no used or second hand gifts and in the event your gift requires batteries please make sure to include them in the box. All remaining gifts will be donated to other shelters or organizations in need of gifts for children.

 

AGE GROUPS Infant - * Infant - 1 year * 2 - 4 years * 5 - 7 years * 8 - 10 years *11 - 13 years *14 years+

Contact Brenda Kwit at bkwit@stnr.com to confirm.


IMSCA Update: November 10, 2023

HB 2878 - Retention Reduction Passed!


Both the Illinois House and Senate voted to accept Governor Pritzker’s Amendatory Veto on HB 2878. The bill will be sent back to the Governor for his review and approval. HB 2878 has an effective date of January 1, 2024.


HB 2878 includes IMSCA’s Retainage Reduction language; which is our top 2023 legislative priority. The provision amends the Public Construction Bond Act to provide that retainage may be withheld at a rate of 10% for the first half of a public construction project but reduced to 5% upon 50% completion. This provision will apply to every county, township, municipality, municipal corporation, school district, school board, forest preserve district, park district, fire protection district, sanitary district, and all other local governmental units.


Retainage reform would not have been possible without your ongoing support and assistance.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Jessica Newbold Hoselton,Executive Director,

Illinois Mechanical & Specialty Contractors Association (IMSCA) - P: 217.523.4361.


The Power of Better Episode 7!


In the latest episode of The Power of Better, A state-of-the-art restaurant and brewery is under construction in Chicago’s south suburb of Homewood.

 

Subscribe to Powering Chicago's YouTube channel to keep up with the upcoming episodes of "The Power of Better!"

Stay up to date on Powering Chicago's initiatives and content by subscribing to the newsletter.


You can find and subscribe to The Power of Better

newsletter through the link below.


Powering Chicago's Newsletter

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Website Update / Webinars / Member News

As you are aware, all 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. EAP solutions are available via on demand telephonic support and through video counseling, mobile app, work/life web portal and chat functionality.


Please review the updated information for access to the EAP.

Please click here for portal update information, as well.


New Member Landing Pages 

Your new member support landing page is designed as an all-in-one place for accessing care, learning about your benefits, and logging into your member portal. 

Visit www.ers-eap.com for: 

  • Access to support via phone and online forms 
  • Resources like the Insights newsletter and webinars 
  • Instant login to your personalized member portal 


Enhanced Member Portal 

We've given our member portal a complete makeover to improve the user experience, everything is reorganized and easier to find.

Access benefits at www.ers-eap.com using your email and company code: ecaeap

  • Explore live chat, phone support, and online requests. 
  • Use the financial wellness center, self-assessments, and courses. 
  • Access 1,000+ articles, podcasts, and well-being resources. 
  • Discover exclusive marketplace discounts. 


Updated ERS

Promotional Toolkit: https://allonehealth.com/toolkit-ers/ for easier access to flyers, Insights Newsletters and much more.

 

With real-time reports, you can track key metrics, monitor program effectiveness, and gain valuable insights at any given moment.

What’s more: The web address stays the same, so you don't have to change any promotional materials you have. The new landing page is live and accessible for your employees!

Please promote these enhancements within your organization. We've created the attached pdf flyer for easy distribution. After members sign in to the member portal with an email address, they will receive a validation email originating from support@mylifeexpert.com. Since some company firewalls may prevent the validation email from arriving in their inbox, we recommend adding *@mylifeexpert.com to the email domain safelist. While we do not control when an email system pushes an email to junk or spam, we are available to partner to help resolve these issues as quickly as possible.

Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention


It is an unfortunate fact that construction has the highest rate of suicide of any industry in America. We lose about 53 out of every 100,000 members of our industry EVERY YEAR to suicide. We are four times the average of other industries. We have a crisis in construction and we need to do something about it. You can visit the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention website and learn more. We urge all to take the pledge to STAND UP for suicide prevention and address it as a health and safety priority.


CLICK HERE FOR A "Stand Up for Suicide Prevention" Information Sheet.

ECA 2023 Membership Meetings - Educational & Special Events Programming


Please click on the link for a listing of upcoming programs sponsored by the Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) Research & Education Committee, as well as National NECA events, Chapter programs. Registration links provided in pdf.


2023 Programming

SAVE THE DATES

November


November 15, 2023

"Auditing Your Tech Stack"

Hyatt Lodge Conference Center

Oak Brook, IL


November 16, 2023

"Succession Planning for Contractors"

Marriott Delta Hotel

Willowbrook, IL


December


December 2, 2023

ECA President's Party & Holiday Celebration

Union League Club of Chicago

Chicago, IL



ecachicago.com

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