LiveWire
January 2023
Upcoming Events
JANUARY
January 11 - 13, 2023
Marriott Austin Downtown Hotel
Austin, TX
Greetings!

Please review this month's LiveWire newsletter. We hope you enjoy the local and national industry updates. As a reminder, every Monday we send an e-mail to the membership concerning upcoming events and every Thursday, we send an Industry Update e-mail. Also, we invite you to join us on Facebook , LinkedIn and YouTube!   
January 17 - 19, 2023
Scottsdale, AZ

January 19, 2023
ECA DEI Committee Program
Hyatt Lodge
Oak Brook, IL 

January 22 - 25, 2023
St. Pete Beach, FL
 
January 26, 2023
Drury Lane Conference Center
Oakbrook Terrace, IL

January 31, 2023
Sean Samson Training, Ltd.
Session 1
Hyatt Lodge -- Oak Brook, IL
FEBRUARY
February 2, 2023
Drake Oak Brook Hotel
Oak Brook, IL
 
February 15, 2023
Truluck's
Rosemont, IL
(Dinner Meeting)

February 21 - 22, 2022
NECA EC Essentials
Two-day Program
Details to Follow, Soon!
 
February 28, 2023
Sean Samson Training, Ltd.
Session 2
Hyatt Lodge
Oak Brook, IL
MARCH
March 15, 2023
Gibsons Steakhouse
Oak Brook, IL
  
March 16, 2023
ECA DEI Committee Program
Hyatt Lodge
Oak Brook, IL 
 
March 20 - 22, 2023
NECA Labor Relations Conference
Nashville, TN

March 27 - 29, 2023
Mandarin Oriental Hotel
Washington, DC

  
March 30, 2023
Sean Samson Training, Ltd.
Session 3
Hyatt Lodge
Oak Brook, IL
APRIL
April 12, 2023
Shaw's Crab House
Schaumburg, IL
 
April 13, 2023
Drake Oak Brook Hotel
Oak Brook, IL
 
April 16 - 17, 2023
San Antonio, TX
 
April 17 - 20, 2023
San Antonio, TX
 
April 27, 2023
Sean Samson Training, Ltd.
Session 4
Hyatt Lodge
Oak Brook, IL
THANK YOU!
Bill Cullen & Frank Gurtz
ECA Executive Committee Update

The Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) wishes to thank Bill Cullen, Sharlen Electric Company and Frank Gurtz, Gurtz Electric Company for their many years of service on the ECA Executive Committee, as their last Executive Committee session was on Wednesday, December 7, 2022. Frank Gurtz served on the Committee since 2007; Bill was on from 2011. In 2023, we welcome Mallory Gurtz, Bill Cullen, III, and Thomas Pedergnana to the Executive Committee. Again, "Thank you!" Bill & Frank!
Pictured above from left to right are:
Bill Cullen, Sharlen Electric Company and
Frank Gurtz, Gurtz Electric Company
ECA Holiday Party-
December 17, 2022

The Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) held its 2022 President's Party & Holiday Celebration on Saturday, December 17th, 2022 at OFFSHORE at Navy Pier. 

ECA Chicago member companies and their employees enjoyed this anticipated annual event which featured Chicago band "Maggie Speaks."

We thank all the members that were able to attend!
Pictured is the Offshore Navy Pier just before the event.
Pictured is the event in full swing.
Pictured above is Rick Jamerson, ECA President,
Jamerson & Bauwens Electrical Contractors, Inc.,
as he welcomed the guests.
Pictured is "Maggie Speaks" performing.
The indoor smores were a real treat!



ECA Student Committee -
NECA - IIT Student Chapter Meeting
November 10, 2022

The ECA Student Committee oversees the activities of the NECA - IIT Student Chapter. The Student Chapter held a session on Thursday, November 10, 2022 during their Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) Interprofessional Program (IPRO) class. Mitch Heydenberk, Continental Energy Solutions, was the guest speaker. He presented via the Blackboard virtual platform. His discussion that was focused on Solar issues in electrical construction was called, "Solar & Storage." He discussed various types of photovoltaic projects, pricing, project timelines, engineering, procurement and construction concerns, storage issues, among other areas. We thank Mitch for his detailed presentation!
Pictured above is Mitch Heydenberk, Continental Energy Solutions.

Young Professionals of ECA Chicago -- Oracle Innovation Lab Tour -- November 15, 2022

The ECA Young Professionals Committee sponsored an Oracle Innovation Lab Tour on November 15, 2022. At the Oracle Industries Innovation Lab in Deerfield, Illinois, Oracle and partners are using technology to revolutionize construction by automating project oversight, scheduling, logistics, financial, and other processes. The Innovation Lab helps organizations experiment, learn, and stay on the leading edge. We thank Oracle for coordinating the Tour!
Pictured above is the start of the Oracle Tour.
The ECA is on Facebook:
The ECA is on Linkedin:
The ECA is on YouTube:
ECA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion --"Taking Your Business to the Next Level" -- November 17, 2022

The Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Committee was pleased to present a program called, "Taking Your Business to the Next Level." The program was presented by Alex Willis, Leadership Surge and was held on Thursday, November 17, 2022 at the Hyatt Lodge in Oak Brook, IL. We thank Alex for his time with the program! Three other programs are scheduled for 2023. The next session is on January 19, 2023.
Pictured above is Gene Kent, INTECH Director (leftside of photo) discussing a point with Alex Willis (rightside of photo).
Pictured above is Alex Willis, Leadership Surge
ECA Regular Membership Meeting - Thursday, January 26, 2023
Jared Christman, ELECTRI Director of Construction Technology - Guest Speaker

The Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) January Membership Meeting is to be held on Thursday, January 26, 2023 at the Drury Lane Conference Center in Oakbrook Terrace, IL. The ECA is proud to announce that the guest speaker is Jared Christman, ELECTRI Director of Construction Technology. Mr. Christman's will be discussing, "Bridging the Gap Using Your Digital Toolbelt."
 
This luncheon event is in conjunction with the Electric Association's Annual Conference, and is scheduled as follows:
 
Thursday, January 26, 2023
Drury Lane Conference Center
100 Drury Lane
Oakbrook Terrace, IL -- (630) 530-0111
 
Registration / Networking: 11:30 am
Lunch: 11:45 am
Business Session: 12:30 pm
Event Concludes: 1:00 pm
 
Please register, soon!
Pictured above is Jared Christman,
ELECTRI Director of Construction Technology
"Crew Level Planning and Execution: Set Gals and Win" February 2, 2023

The Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) Research and Education Committee seminar called, "Crew Level Production Planning and Execution: Set Goals and Win" is being conducted by David Morton, Maxim Consulting Company.  The program will be held on a Thursday, February 2, 2023 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. Breakfast is to be made available at 7:45 am.
 
THE FEE FOR THIS PROGRAM IS $100.00 PER ECA MEMBER.
 
Case studies dispel common myths and pitfalls of typical field productivity approaches. Case studies illustrate effective Crew Level Production Planning techniques, including: visual batching of work, input worksheets, resource (manpower) loaded scheduling, and labor cost analysis, simple daily productivity tracking and forecasting, and effective, measurable improvement strategies.
 
Following this course, participants will be able to:
·    Define and measure productivity
·    Discuss case studies and real examples of planning tools designed to set targets and manage labor productivity for superior results 
 
If you're interested in attending the "Crew Level Production Planning and Execution: Set Goals and Win" seminar, please click on the link below to register or go on-line at the ECA website at: www.ecachicago.com (Event Calendar portion). 

Pictured above is Dave Morton.
Maxim Consulting Group
ECA Regular Membership Meeting -
Wednesday, February 15, 2023
Josh Bone, ELECTRI Executive Director - Guest Speaker

The Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) February Membership Meeting is to be held on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at Trulucks in Rosemont, IL. The ECA is proud to announce that the guest speaker is Josh Bone, ELECTRI Executive Director. He will be discussing, "Mega-Trends Transforming Electrical Contracting."
 
This is a dinner event and is scheduled as follows:
 
Wednesday, February 15, 2023
Truluck's
9860 Berwyn Avenue
(847) 233-9404
 
Registration / Networking: 5:30 pm
Dinner: 6:00 pm
Business Session: 7:00 pm
Event Concludes: 8:00 pm
 
Please register, soon!
Pictured above is Josh Bone,
ELEDCTRI Executive Director
2023 NECA Events
Please click on the link below for an updated listing of NECA Events for 2023.
CISCO Launches 2023 Scholarship Program
Seven scholarships available;
Deadline for applications Feb. 17, 2023

The Construction Industry Service Corporation (CISCO) is accepting applications for its 2023 Scholarship Program. Their three different program categories enable a wider range of applicants for both building trade Union members and Union contractor employees to apply. CISCO offers (3), four-year scholarships ($2,000/year) to high school seniors; (2), two-year awards ($1,000/year) for seniors planning to attend community college; and (2), two-year continuing education awards ($1,000/year) to adult Union members or contractor employees.
CISCO’s three (3) scholarship program categories are:
– Three (3) four-year scholarships ($2,000/year). DOWNLOAD APPLICATION HERE
– Two (2) two-year awards ($1,000/year) for seniors planning on attending a community college. DOWNLOAD APPLICATION HERE
– Two (2) two-year continuing education awards ($1,000/year) to Union members or contractor employees. DOWNLOAD APPLICATION HERE
Applications for each of the three categories of scholarships are available at cisco.org/ scholarships, visit CISCO's Facebook page, or by calling CISCO at 630-472-9411. The program was established in 1994 in order to provide educational support for CISCO members and their families.
All applications and accompanying documents must be postmarked by February 17, 2023 to be eligible for consideration, and can also be sent via email. Winners will be notified in mid-March and awards will be presented at CISCO's Annual Luncheon in late April/early May, 2023. For judging criteria, application information, and eligibility requirements, please refer to the application forms.
If you would like more information about this topic, please call Julia Mulvey at 630-472-9411 or email [email protected]. 
McWilliams Electric Company, Inc. Celebrates 100th Anniversary -- Chicago Tree Lighting

McWilliams Electric Company is celebrating 100 years of service to the Chicagoland area this year. Founded in 1922, McWilliams is a Schaumburg-based electrical contractor specializing in electrical construction, electrical engineering and maintenance. Today, James J. McGlynn Sr. oversees the company as president and CEO and has worked to maintain McWilliams’ stellar reputation for over 48 years. Part of that reputation is “safety always.” McWilliams emphasizes award-winning safety through all phases of construction, beginning to end.
 
The company also strives to give back to their communities through events like their annual Special Olympics Construction Team Picnic and was selected as the light installer for the 109th Chicago Tree Lighting Ceremony at Millennium Park. Congratulations, Jim, and the entire McWilliams staff! 

(Portions of this article were excerpted from the Powering Chicago website.)

Midwest Interstate Electrical Construction Company -- Chicago Police Memorial Foundation Fallen Officers Tree Lighting Ceremony

Each year the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation honors fallen officers with its annual tree lighting ceremony. Located at its memorial that’s nestled between Soldier Field and Burnham Harbor, this year’s ceremony was brought to life with the support of Powering Chicago member Midwest Interstate Electrical Construction Company.

“One of my brothers is a retired Chicago Police officer, so for me, it was an immediate yes to participate in this project,” said Mike Reynolds, superintendent at Morgan Park-based Midwest Interstate Electrical Construction. “It’s important that we light the trees at the memorial, to shine the light on our first responders, especially those that gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting Chicago.”

The memorial serves to honor, remember and recognize Chicago Police Department (CPD) officers killed in the line of duty. As part of that mission, the foundation provides support and assistance to the families of Chicago police officers who are killed or catastrophically injured in the line of duty.

This is the first year the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation has worked with Powering Chicago partners for the Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Electricians from Midwest Interstate Electrical Construction Co. installed lights on three evergreen trees, each over 30-feet tall, at the memorial site. They also received help from United Rentals, a National Electrical Contractors Association premiere partner, who donated a boom lift to help complete this special project. 

Thank you, Jack Shannon, Mike Reynolds and all the staff at Midwest for assisting on this special project!

(Portions of this article were excerpted from the Powering Chicago website.)

Safety Update
CSC Update
For a listing of coursework available through the Construction Safety Council (CSC) for the month of January 2023, please visit:  www.buildsafe.org.
NECA Safety Leadership Summit
November 14 - 16, 2022

The NECA Safety Leadership Summit was held on November 14 - 16, 2022 in Louisville, KY and was well attended. The Summit is a unique conference for expanding leadership skills to persons responsible for safety throughout the electrical industry, in addition to providing an avenue to create new safety leaders within an organization. Networking opportunities to interact with peers, other professionals, and executives are integral and key tenets to this Safety Leadership Summit. We thank all that were able to participate with this special event!
Industry Statistics
Stay on top of monthly data for our industry: number of contractors active, quantity of people employed and total hours worked.
"Empower Your Electrical Contracting Business in 2023" 
Six Sessions Starting January 31, 2023!
The Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) Research and Education Committee is pleased to present a six-session series called, "Empower Your Electrical Contracting Business in 2023" facilitated by Sean Samson Training, Ltd. at the Hyatt Lodge Hotel, 2815 Jorie Blvd., Oak Brook, IL 60523, (630) 568-1234. Breakfast and lunch are to be provided for each session.
 
The program dates are as follows:
 
THE FEE FOR THE PROGRAM SERIES IS $1,200.00 ($200.00 PER SESSION) AND IS ONLY FOR ECA MEMBERS. IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO ATTEND EACH SESSION, AS IT IS A PROGRESSIVE SERIES.
 
If you're interested in attending the "Empower Your Electrical Contracting Business in 2023" program, please click on the link below to register or go on-line at the ECA website at: www.ecachicago.com (Event Calendar portion). Again, Total cost is $1,200 for the entire series. Single session option based on availability - there is a Registration link for each Calendar Date listing on website.

If you unable to attend all six sessions and still wish to participate in a select number, register for those particular dates from their Calendar listing on the ECA website. You would use the "Guest/Spouse" category for the individual session charge. Please see below:
 
WHEN REGISTERING...
CLICK MEMBER (REGISTRANT TYPE) FOR $1,200.00 FEE CHARGE
 
CLICK GUEST/SPOUSE (REGISTRANT TYPE) FOR $200.00 INIDIVIDUAL PROGRAM CHARGE
   
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.
(Please register soon as there are only 35 spots available
for this program!)
About Sean Samson
Sean Samson is a highly sought-after industry thought leader and sales & success coach within the Electrical, Mechanical, Service and Construction industry. Sean's real-world experience and industry specific training is focused on the unique niche and growth of contracting organizations everywhere.  As a former senior-level executive for the ABM Franchising Group, (TEGG and Linc Service) Sean spent years in the field working with construction organizations everywhere. He has addressed audiences spanning 16 countries and has personally trained, scaled and consulted over 230 organizations worldwide. 
​
Now the CEO & founder of Sean Samson Training, Sean’s “industry-specific” training concentrates on growing and scaling the capacity, capability, and profitability of his clients. It is accomplished through his 29 years in the construction and service industry, real-life experience working for an electrical contractor and selling in the field, and his exclusive immersion-based 5 Reasons Selling System ©, derived from his book “The 5 Reasons Why People Don’t Buy” on Amazon books.
​
Sean is also a sought-after keynote speaker bringing real-world experience in the areas of:
·    Scaling for Success
·    Strategic Planning
·    Relationship Selling
·    Sales Success/Management
(Execution & Strategy)
·    Service Development
·    Franchising and Start Ups
·    Serial Entrepreneurship
​
Sean is also an accomplished musician of 40 years and just happens to be the inventor of GRABBIT guitar stands. Taking his idea in 2006 from a simple concept to global brand recognition. In 2010 GRABBIT was honored as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame began using GRABBIT guitar stands throughout the museum and in their displays. Sean has been interviewed and featured in such publications as Crain’s Cleveland Business, The News Herald, Plain Dealer, Morning Journal, Apple business, The Music & Sound Retailer, MMR Magazine, Music Inc Magazine and is currently a frequent guest of internet blogs and radio shows. In the opinions of our clients, we are the only contractor sales training you will ever need. It’s time you learned from the guy that actually did it.