ECA News & Events Update
January Membership Meeting
1/12/22 - Gibsons Steakhouse
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Please join us for the
ECA Regular Membership Meeting.
 
The event is scheduled as follows:
 
ECA Membership Meeting
Wednesday, January 12, 2022
Gibsons Steakhouse
2105 Spring Road
Oak Brook, IL
 
Registration / Networking: 12:00 pm
Lunch: 12:30 pm
Business Session / Presentation: 1:15 pm
Event Concludes: 2:00 pm
Anticipated Guest presenters include:

Sean Madix,
Electrical Insurance Trustees (EIT)
Benefit Funds Executive Director

Mr. Madix will give an EIT update, including information concerning the fully electronic funds collection processing, as well as the status of the construction of the new EIT building.

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Brad Weir,
A Past ECA President, formerly of Kelso-Burnett Co., Aspire Chicago Executive Officer

Mr. Weir will discuss the Aspire Chicago Program and how contractors can assist this unique mission.
Pictured above is Sean Madix,
EIT Benefit Funds Executive Director
Pictured above is a Past ECA President,
Brad Weir, formerly of Kelso-Burnett Co.,
Aspire Chicago Executive Officer
NECA Industry Innovation Update - 12/27/2021
The NECA Innovation Institute is laser-focused on coaching future executives on the fundamentals of an innovative mindset and corporate philosophy. We are passionate about galvanizing our participants’ toolkit for problem-solving, critical thinking, and concrete application to elevate all facets of their organization. There are several foundational points that differentiates this program from traditional leadership training:
  • The Institute will always maintain a priority on innovation in the electrical industry.
  • The Capstone Project of the Innovation Institute guides candidates to overdrive results that position their company for the future.
  • Each Institute cohort is a lean, focused group of 10 innovators collaborating on productive dialogue around best practices.
  • Institute plans include an active alumni network engaged in networking and sharing problem-solving strategies.
  • With 2 cohorts a year, the reach of the Innovation Institute extends throughout the industry via demographic diversity of business location, specialty markets, and a competitive price tag for contractors of all sizes.
  • As a NECA value-added service, all proceeds of the Institute are directly invested into elevating and supporting innovation for all NECA members.
 
The ECA Research and Education Programs for 2022
below are "in-person" seminars.
Pictured above is David Ashcraft,
Advantage Learning Systems
"Effective Client Communication"
Thursday, January 13, 2022
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
The Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) Research and Education Committee is pleased to announce a seminar called, "Effective Client Communication." The seminar is being conducted by David Ashcraft, Advantage Learning Systems. The program will be held on Thursday, January 13, 2022 from 8:00 am - 12:00 pm. at the Drake Oak Brook Hotel, 2301 York Road, Oak Brook, IL 60523, (630) 571-0000. Breakfast is to be provided.
Pictured above is Nic Bittle, Workforce Pro
"Mentorship, Quit Talking About It and Do It"
Wednesday, January 26, 2022
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
The Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) Research and Education Committee is pleased to announce a seminar called, "Mentorship, Quit Talking About It and Do It." The seminar is being conducted by Nic Bittle, Workforce Pros. The program will be held on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm. at the Drake Oak Brook Hotel, 2301 York Road, Oak Brook, IL 60523, (630) 571-0000. Breakfast and lunch are to be provided.
Pictured above is Mark Federle, Ph.D., P.E., CPC; Marquette University
"Prefabrication and Preplanning Construction"
Thursday, February 17, 2022
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
The Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) Research and Education Committee is pleased to announce a seminar called, "Prefabrication and Preplanning Construction. "The seminar is being conducted by Mark Federle, Ph.D., P.E., CPC; Marquette University. The program will be held on Thursday, February 17, 2022 from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm. at the Drake Oak Brook Hotel, 2301 York Road, Oak Brook, IL 60523, (630) 571-0000. Breakfast and lunch are to be provided.
Powering Chicago Seeks Electrical Contractors to feature in upcoming Marketing and News Activities
Powering Chicago would like to feature your Company in upcoming news and marketing initiatives!
Utilize this FREE opportunity to showcase your work and grow your business.
Stories can be about your Company, a project you are working on, a charitable activity you participate in, a new technology you are using, and much more.

Visit the Powering Chicago website to see what our team has done to highlight union electrical contractors in Chicago.

Contact Carrie Spaeth at ECA to learn more.

(Video to left: example of showcasing Jamerson & Bauwen's Charitable project)
DOB Self-Certification Class
The Chicago Department of Buildings is pleased to announce that their next Self-Certification Training Class will be held January 18-20, 2022 and they are now accepting applications. The Training Class is for both first time and renewing self-certification professionals (details below). If there are available seats, other industry professionals may apply to audit the training class. Please click the link for registration information.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Webinars & Member News
EAP solutions are available via on demand telephonic support and through video counseling, mobile app, work/life web portal and chat functionality.

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.

CISCO Annual Scholarships Available
CISCO has begun to accept applications for its long-standing Annual Scholarship Awards Program. The applications for these different categories can be found on CISCO’s website/homepage at www.cisco.org. The three scholarship program categories are: 1) Four-year college scholarships for high school seniors; 2) Two-year awards for seniors planning on attending a community college; and 3) Two-year continuing education awards to union members or contractor employees.
The deadline to submit the applications is Friday, February 18, 2022. Interested students may email the completed applications, or send in the mail. For more information, call CISCO at (630) 472-9411.
REMINDER: 
Contract Language Concerning Work Performed on New Year's Day 2022.
New Year's Day 2022 falls on a Saturday. Listed below for your review is the contract language from the “A,” “C,” and “R” agreements concerning pay if an electrician works on a holiday. Work performed on a holiday is paid at double the straight time of pay. To clarify, if work is performed on Friday, December 31, 2021, the regular straight time of pay is required, as this is not a holiday. More Information here...
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


Gibsons Steakhouse
Oak Brook, IL
 
Tampa, FL


February 11, 2022
Maggiano's Little Italy
Schaumburg, IL


Carmine's Restaurant
Rosemont, IL
 
Maggiano's Banquets
Oak Brook, IL
 
March 13 - 16, 2022
Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay
Tampa, FL
 
April 4 - 9. 2022
Hotel Pullman Eiffel Tower
Paris, France