ECA News & Events Update

Retainage for Pubic Works - Local Governmental Units -

Signed by Governor (December 8, 2023)


As you are aware, IMSCA has been pursuing passage of a Retainage Bill for public works concerning local governmental units for some time, now. The Omnibus Bill recently signed by the Governor contained the Retainage portion (excerpt below). IMSCA to follow up, soon, with more details.


HB2878 Re-Enrolled

Public Act 103-0570

 

ARTICLE 97. PUBLIC CONSTRUCTION BONDS

(Except regarding Retainage on Public Works – Local Governmental Units)

 

Prior to the completion of 50% of the contract for public works, a local governmental unit may not withhold retainage from any payment to a contractor who furnishes the bond or bond substitute required by this Act in an amount in excess of 10% of any payment made prior to the date of completion of 50% of the contract for public works. When a contract for public works is 50% complete, the local governmental unit shall reduce the retainage so that no more than 5% is held. After the contract is 50% complete, no more than 5% of the amount of any subsequent payments made under the contract for public works may be withheld as retainage. Prior to the completion of 50% of the contract for public works, the contractor and their respective subcontractors shall not withhold from their subcontractors retainage in excess of 10% of any payment made prior to the date of completion of 50% of the contract for public works. When the contract for public works is 50% complete, the contractor and its subcontractors shall reduce the retainage so that no more than 5% is withheld from their respective subcontractors. After the contract is 50% complete, the contractor and its subcontractors shall not withhold more than 5% of the amount of any subsequent payments made under the contract to their respective subcontractors.


CLICK HERE FOR FULL OMNIBUS BILL

The Power of Better: Episode 8

The Power of Better Episode 8 unveils the extraordinary projects led by Powering Chicago’s Contractors and IBEW Local 134 Union Electricians.


Join Elbert Walters III, Executive Director of Powering Chicago, as he guides us through a series of groundbreaking initiatives that redefine the standards of electrical craftsmanship and innovation in renewable energy, construction technology, smart living, and audio-visual enhancements.


Watch Now


Subscribe to Powering Chicago’s YouTube channel to ensure you’re notified every time a new episode drops this year.

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


Informational Webinar on January 17, 2024, at 12 pm regarding the upcoming 70B Master Class!



Click Here to Register and then use the webinar link.



Click below for the Webinar Link information:


2 Day Master Class - ECA of Chicago Discovery Webinar

Jan 17, 2024, 12:0012:30PM (America/Chicago)




Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.

https://meet.goto.com/SeanSamsonTraining/2daymasterclass-discoverywebinar


You can also dial in using your phone.

Access Code: 567-361-141

United States: +1 (224) 501-3412


Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:

https://meet.goto.com/install




CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE MASTER CLASS!

Registration Information to follow, soon.

Please click the link below for a listing of the upcoming ECA Membership Meetings for 2024 and NECA events in 2024! Please note that the January Membership Meeting is on a new date!


ECA Membership Meetings for 2024 / NECA Events for 2024

ECA Membership Meeting - January 24, 2024

Registration is Open!


Please join us for the ECA Regular Membership Meeting!

This luncheon event is scheduled as follows:

 

ECA Membership Meeting

Wednesday, January 24, 2024

Maggiano's Banquets

240 Oakbrook Ctr.

Oak Brook, IL 60523

(630) 368-0300

 

Registration / Networking: 12:00 pm

Lunch: 12:30 pm

Business Session: 1:15 pm

Event Concludes: 2:00 pm


CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Dr. Paul Lisnek, WGN-TV Political Analyst.


ECA Membership Meeting -

February 14, 2024



Please join us for the ECA Regular Membership Meeting.

This luncheon event is scheduled as follows:


ECA Membership Meeting

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

Shaw's Crab House

1900 East Higgins Road

Schaumburg, IL

(847) 517-2722


Registration / Networking: 12:00 pm

Lunch: 12:30 pm

Business Session: 1:15 pm

Event Concludes: 2:00 pm


The program will feature industry updates, as well as guest speaker, Dr. Paul Lisnek, WGN-TV Political Analyst. He will be discussing the upcoming Primaries / Presidential Election / Chicago & State politics, among other areas.


CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Please click the link below for Department of Procurement Services (DPS) upcoming activities.


Upcoming DPS Events


Construction Summit Registration Information (2/22/24)


CISCO is providing several scholarships for high school seniors and Union members/contractor employees. If you are an affiliate of CISCO and have a college-bound child, a child attending community college, or you are pursuing your own continuing education, make sure to apply for a CISCO scholarship for MONEY FOR COLLEGE!


Click Here to Download Scholarship Applications

Project Submissions for the 2024 CBC Merit Awards

ENTRY DEADLINE: December 31, 2023

The Chicago Building Congress Merit Awards Committee invites CBC members and non-members to submit entries for CBC's 2024 Merit Awards competition. This program recognizes the most outstanding construction projects from the past three years in the Chicagoland area and surrounding counties. Winners will be recognized at the CBC Merit Awards which will be held on May 9, 2024 at Morgan Manufacturing.


ENTRY GUIDELINES:

  • Projects must be completed by December 31, 2023.
  • If you have entered a project in the past, you are welcome to enter it again (As long as it is within 3 years of 2023).
  • Please do not enter the same project in more than one category.


ENTRY FEE: CBC Members - $300 | Non-members - $600

ENTRY DEADLINE: December 31, 2023

CATEGORIES FOR 2024:

The CBC Merit Awards is entering its 68th year! Check out these categories which acknowledge the construction industry's ever-changing landscape.

  • Education – Pre K through 12
  • Education – Higher Education
  • Healthcare
  • Residential/Hospitality
  • Commercial Construction UNDER $50 Million
  • Commercial Construction OVER $50 Million
  • Renovation & Adaptive Reuse UNDER $20 Million
  • Renovation & Adaptive Reuse OVER $20 Million
  • Infrastructure or Industrial Construction
  • Interior Build-Out


JUDGING CRITERIA:

A panel of dedicated industry professionals volunteer their time in multiple judging sessions to select the top four entries in each category based on the following criteria:

  • Distinctive, functional or innovative design
  • Quality of construction
  • Impact of the project on the community and inclusion initiatives
  • Safety record


Click Here to Submit Your Project

"Basic Estimating of Electrical Construction"

Monday, February 12, 2024 to Wednesday, February 14, 2024.


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

 

Glenn DeSoto, NECA Education Instructor


IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (INTECH)

6201 W. 115th Street

Alsip, IL 60803

(708) 38901340

8:00 am - 4:00 pm (All three days)

Breakfasts available at 7:45 am; Lunches are to be provided, as well.

 

The fee for this program is $200.00 per ECA member.


Program description:


"Basic Estimating of Electrical Construction"

Small mistakes in an estimate can have a huge impact on your bid’s bottom line and this course provides the tools needed to be both comprehensive and competitive. This course will discuss the process for assembling an estimate including: developing material lists, applying labor unit data, material takeoff and application of direct job costs, overhead, and profit.


Following this course, participants will be able to:

 List types of mistakes found when estimating electrical construction projects and how to avoid them

 Describe the parts of an estimate

 Explain the importance of establishing the true cost for a project

 Develop an estimate to provide job management information

 Discuss how labor units can be used to competitively bid projects

 Explain the difference between a competitive bid and simply a low bid


PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!


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

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.


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.

SAVE THE DATES

January


January 17, 2024 at 12 pm.

Click Here for Webinar Link

Informational Webinar

70B Master Class


January 24, 2024

ECA Regular Membership Meeting

Maggiano's Banquets

Oak Brook, IL





February


February 14, 2024

ECA Regular Membership Meeting

Shaw's Crab House

Schaumburg, IL



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