ECA News & Events Update

Young Professionals of ECA Chicago - 2023 Summer Event

The Young Professionals of ECA cordially invite you to our 2023 Summer Event! We have an exciting day planned for June 15, 2023, at Impact Field (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM)!

We have reserved the Rivers Stadium Club, Chicago Dog's premium semi-private area. Enjoy the game in the climate-controlled area with restaurant-style seating, a bar, restrooms, and TVs. Or enjoy the sunshine with the outdoor wide padding seats.

The Stadium Club provides ample space for folks to network and discuss in a relaxed setting with industry peers; this will be an event you don’t want to miss!

"Empower Your Electrical Contracting Business in 2023" - Program 5 of Six Sessions - May 31, 2023

Please join us for this ECA Research and Education Committee program!

"Empower Your Electrical Contracting Business in 2023"

Presented by Sean Samson Training, Ltd.

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (All six days)

Breakfast & Lunch provided.

LOCATION:

HYATT LODGE OAK BROOK CONFERENCE CENTER

2815 Jorie Blvd, Oak Brook, IL 60523

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

HB 2878 Senate Amendment 2 -

Retainage Bill Update

On Friday evening (May 19^th) a procurement omnibus bill, HB 2878 Senate Amendment 2) was introduced in the Senate. A few hours later, the bill was approved by the full Senate. HB 2878 now awaits a concurrence vote in the House. The full text can be read here: HB 2878 Senate Amendment 2

The bill is nearly 200 pages long and makes numerous changes to the procurement code. Most important to IMSCA is the inclusion of the proposed retainage reduction language that is IMSCA’s top legislative priority this session. The language begins on page 173 and provides 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.

Here is an overview of additional provisions that are included in HB 2878 Senate Amendment 2 that are important to the Illinois construction industry:

Removes parameters of use for the Capital Development Board to use the single prime delivery method. Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, the CDB can determine if the single prime delivery method is to be pursued (page 6). These provisions were previously reviewed in HB 3551.
Increases the small business threshold for veteran-owned small businesses from annual gross sales of less than $75 million to less than $150 million. This was previously reviewed as HB 2288/SB 1821.
Includes provisions requiring corporations that contract with the state to include as part of its annual report submitted to the Secretary of State a list of its professional services suppliers (legal, accounting, consulting, etc.) by category; corporations who submit supplier diversity reports to the Illinois Commerce Commission are exempted from this requirement (page 79). This provision was included in SB 1491/HB 3894.
Outlines written documentation that is required by contractors when seeking a Good Faith Effort waiver to meet BEP program goals (page 80).
The Public Private Partnership for Transportation Act is amended to remove the term “transportation agency” and replaces it with “responsible public entities”. Responsible public entity means “the means the Department of Transportation, the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, and any county, municipality, or other unit of local government” (page 113)
Amends the Public Construction Bond Act to increase the bond threshold from $50,000 to $150,000 for all public construction projects; allows local governments to require a bond for projects under $150,000 by approval of an ordinance or resolution; increases the bond threshold for all IDOT and Tollway projects to $500,000. These provisions sunset on January 1, 2029 (page 167).

As previously stated, HB 2878 as amended awaits a concurrence vote in the House. IMSCA members will be updated accordingly as this bill continues to move through the legislative process.

Also, despite the May 19^th adjournment date previously announced by Legislative Leaders, the Illinois House and Senate concluded their legislative deliberations last week without having agreed upon a budget and spending plan for FY 24; which begins July 1^st. The House and Senate adjourned late Friday night and soon after, the Legislative Leaders confirmed that the Senate is scheduled to return to Springfield on Wednesday (May 24) and Thursday (May 25) and the House is scheduled to return Wednesday (May 24) through Friday (May 26). Upon their return to Springfield this week, both chambers will work toward the passage of the FY 24 spending plan. It is anticipated that the House and Senate will attempt to conclude the 2023 spring legislative session prior to Memorial Day (May 29). A comprehensive End of Session report, including an outline of the state budget, will be provided to IMSCA members upon session adjournment.

If you have any questions, please contact Jessica Newbold Hoselton, Executive Director, Illinois Mechanical & Specialty Contractors Association (IMSCA) at: (217) 891-3675.

Blue Collar Jobs Act Tax Credit Program

implementation has begun of the Blue Collar Jobs Act Tax Credit program administered by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

Yesterday (May 17), Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced that the application process for the Blue Collar Jobs Act (BCJA) Tax Credit for eligible companies is now open. The BCJA is a bipartisan legislative package designed to promote economic expansion and growth by incentivizing construction projects. The program makes $20 million in tax credits available per year for eligible companies. The program was approved in 2019 in conjunction with the Rebuild Illinois program. The effective date of the enabling legislation was 2021, however, implementation of the program was delayed and the application process was finally announced yesterday. As such, companies that completed construction projects in 2021 (the effective date of the enabling legislation) or later are eligible to apply for credits.

The BCJA program supports large-scale economic development activities by providing corporate income tax credits to companies that make substantial capital investments in Illinois. The tax credits are based on the wages paid to construction workers employed on eligible projects. To be eligible, a company must be located in an Enterprise Zone or a River Edge Redevelopment Zone, designated a High Impact Business or have an agreement under the Economic Development for a Growing Economy Program. Eligible companies can receive up to 75 percent of the income tax withholding credits attributable to construction workers on eligible projects located in an underserved area, or 50 percent for projects located in other areas. Additional eligibility information can be found by visiting DCEO’s website by clicking here: Blue Collar Jobs Act Tax Credit Program. In addition, eligibility information can also be found by clicking the link for the Blue Collar Jobs Act Application (also available on DCEO’s website).

For those who are interested, DCEO will host a technical assistance webinar to share details regarding the BCJA program application and processes on Monday, June 26, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Click here to sign up and RSVP for the webinar. If you need additional information or have questions regarding the program, you are encouraged to email: [email protected].

If you have additional questions, please contact Jessica Newbold Hoselton, Executive Director, Illinois Mechanical & Specialty Contractors Association (IMSCA) at: (217) 891-3675.

Blue Collar Jobs Act Application

IMSCA Legislative Update

May 12, 2023

Please click the link for IMSCA’s May 12^th Legislative Update. This report includes a summary of legislative items important to the Illinois construction industry. A list of issues to watch as the Spring 2023 Legislative Session inches closer to adjournment is also included. Both chambers will return to Springfield on Monday, May 15^th. If you have any questions, please contact Jessica Newbold Hoselton, Executive Director, Illinois Mechanical & Specialty Contractors Association (IMSCA) at (217) 891-3675.

CLICK HERE FOR MAY 12, 2023 UPDATE

ECA is excited to provide Document Crunch as a service to our members!

Contractors who sign up for the service will have exclusive access to an ELECTRI-specific solution through Document Crunch’s innovative platform. This platform helps simplify construction contracts and identify critical risk provisions quickly. Furthermore, as a result of the ELECTRI/Document Crunch partnership established last year, contractors can also take advantage of the platform’s enhanced benchmarking service.

Simplifying contracts for the construction industry

Document Crunch’s AI-assisted software platform is your Contract CoPilot™ for quickly identifying critical risk provisions in your construction contracts and provides teams with guidance to make great decisions throughout the entire project lifecycle.

Quickly identify contract risk
Save time and lower cost
Standardize contract review
Give your team a playbook

Construction is already risky enough, but contracts don’t have to be. Establish a system for reviewing contracts that is repeatable, measurable, and consistent.

Webinars will be held weekly for the next 3 weeks on Wednesdays at 4 pm EDT. There will also be a recording made available for those not able to attend.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Satyam Verma at [email protected].

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.

CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION INFO FOR 2023 PROGRAMS

Various Event Stipends

The Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) Executive Committee recently approved a number of educational stipends for various events throughout 2023. Please click on the link for the current listing. The registrations will be reimbursed to the applicable companies after the applicable Conference.

After you have registered for the applicable event, please e-mail a copy of your completed registration transaction to the Association office at [email protected]. This will allow us to have a record of your registration information should you need any assistance after registering.

CLICK HERE FOR 2023 STIPEND LISTING

Member Education & Webinar Recordings

2023 NECA Now Presentation Slides

Illinois Economic Outlook Presentation Slides

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.

View the Upcoming Webinars, and Free Services for Members, and Log-In instructions here.

Below you will find materials and resources to share across your organization.

Mental Health Awareness Month Resources (May 2023)

AllOne Health Mental Health Awareness Month Announcement
New Mental Health Awareness Month Digital Toolkit
New 2023 Mental Health Awareness Month Video with a handout: New Mental Health: By the Numbers Flyer

Another location to find ERS service information is at our promotional toolkit webpage: https://myassistanceprogram.com/ers-folder/ . Our commitment to accessibility and inclusivity has led us to make significant improvements, including the addition of Spanish versions and digital flyers that are accessible to people with disabilities.

Check out the “AllOne Health Blog” link that can be found on that same webpage, for the latest resources in response to the latest news/events. Forward on the resources to your employees!

"Exposing the Myth & Lies About Mental Health" - webinar (5/25/23)