Electric Association (EA) Awards Program - 11/6/25

Frank Gurtz, Gurtz Electric Co. inducted into EA Hall of Fame!

The Electric Association (EA) Awards Dinner was held on Thursday, November 6, 2025 at The Carlisle Banquets in Lombard, IL. The Electric Association Awards program recognizes leadership and excellence in the Chicagoland Electrical Industry.  The dinner program was highlighted by the EA “Hall of Fame” inductions and the EA Gold Medal Award ceremony. Congratulations goes to ECA member, Frank Gurtz, Gurtz Electric Co., as he was inducted into the EA Hall of Fame!

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE.

ECA Student Committee Update

NECA-Illinois Tech (formerly IIT) Student Chapter Session – 11/6/25

Matt Kamber, Project Manager at Gurtz Electric Co. Guest Presenter

The ECA Student Committee would like to thank Matt Kamber, Project Manager, Gurtz Electric Co. for his special presentation held during a NECA-Illinois Tech (formerly IIT) Student Chapter session on Thursday, November 6, 2025.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE.

RE+ Midwest

December 3 - 4, 2025

RE+ Midwest

December 3 - 4, 2025

Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel

1551 N Thoreau Dr, Schaumburg, IL 60173

Join Powering Chicago at RE+ Midwest – Complimentary Expo Pass Included!

Powering Chicago is excited to announce their participation in the upcoming RE+ Midwest event—a premier regional gathering for professionals in the renewable energy industry.

As part of their commitment to supporting the local electrical industry and clean energy initiatives, Powering Chicago is covering the cost of the Expo Hall‑only pass for all eligible signatory contractors interested attendees within their network.

Expo Hall Pass Includes:

• Access to Expo Hall and Show Floor Theater
• Business Labs and General Sessions
• (This pass does not include education tracks or full-conference sessions)



Featured Expo Highlights

On Wednesday, December 3, the Expo Hall opens at 10:00 AM and runs until 6:00 PM. Throughout the day, the Show Floor Theater will host interactive sessions, including the panel discussion “Start Your Engines: Accelerating Solar, Storage, and BESS Manufacturing in the Midwest” featuring industry leaders.

On Thursday, December 4, the Expo Hall will again be open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with additional theater sessions such as the QuickTalk “DOE Renewable Energy Siting through Technical Engagement and Planning." Both days will feature multiple presentations on emerging technologies, policy updates, and grid integration strategies.

RSVP Deadline: Friday, November 21st

To claim your complimentary Expo pass, send the following details to sschaus@poweringchicago.com:

• Full name
• Company name
• Email address
• Job title
• Office number
• Cell number

Powering Chicago looks forward to seeing you December 3–4 at the Renaissance Schaumburg, where together we’ll showcase the power of union labor and electrical innovation!

Don't Miss Your "Power of Better" Opportunity 
- A message from Powering Chicago -

Powering Chicago was built on partnership, and that includes you. As a signatory contractor, you’re part of a network that’s setting the standard for better construction across Chicago and Cook County. We’re continuing to spotlight the people and companies behind that standard through blogs, videos, social media, and the "The Power of Better" video series.

This is your opportunity to take full advantage of being part of Powering Chicago by promoting your work, your team, and the projects that make you stand out.


Here’s how it benefits you:

• Professional Credibility
• Reach future clients online
• Marketing content you can share
• Build trust with real examples

Your story has the power to inspire trust, attract new opportunities, and strengthen the entire Powering Chicago network.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.


Learn more about showcasing your work.

EVENTS

ECA President's Party & Holiday Celebration 
(ECA Holiday Party)

Saturday, December 6, 2025

Final day to secure a room is November 12 or earlier depending if room block is full.

ECA Holiday Party
Saturday, December 6, 2025

6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Morgan Manufacturing

401 N. Morgan Street

Chicago, IL

(312) 763-3317

Complimentary Parking is Available

The Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) is proud to announce that the ECA President's Party & Holiday Celebration (ECA Holiday Party) is scheduled for Saturday, December 6, 2025 at Morgan Manufacturing in Chicago.

This event includes an optional complimentary overnight stay at the Emily Hotel –

Arrival on Saturday, December 6 with Departure on Sunday, December 7.

(Final day to secure a room is November 12 or earlier depending if room block is full).

Cocktail Attire is recommended for the event. We hope you enjoy great company, good food and dancing to the Maggie Speaks Band. When registering, please indicate if you are going to use a room at the Emily Hotel. ECA is to cover the Parking Fee and room cost. Incidentals are covered by the member.

Emily Hotel

311 N. Morgan Street

Chicago, IL

(312) 764-1919

PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION!

Again, don't forget to indicate if you're going to stay at the Emily Hotel.

Also, for the event, you will also be asked to list your guest name, if applicable, as well as any dietary restrictions.

We look forward to seeing you at the event!

ECA Membership Meeting

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Please join us for the ECA Regular Membership Meeting.

This BREAKFAST event is scheduled as follows:

ECA Membership Meeting

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Gibsons Steakhouse

2105 Spring Road

Oak Brook, IL 60523

(630) 954-0000

8:00 am: Registration / Networking

8:30 am: Breakfast / Business Session / Guest Speaker

10:00 am: Event Concludes

This program will feature industry updates and a guest presentation by Shane Yount, President and CEO of Competitive Solutions, Inc. (CSI). 

Shane Yount is a leading expert in business transformation, executive coaching, and leadership development with nearly three decades of experience. As the President and CEO of Competitive Solutions, Inc. (CSI), Shane has pioneered innovative approaches to organizational effectiveness and process-based leadership. He looks forward to presenting, “Beyond IQ and EQ – Discovering the Superpower of PQ (Process Intelligence) in High Functioning Leaders.”

We do hope that you'll join us for this opportunity to meet and network with your peers in the industry!

CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION.

Electric Association Women's Division Holiday Party

5:30 pm, Thursday, November 20, 2025 

Venuti's Banquets, 2251 W Lake St, Addison, IL 60101

Register by October 20 for Early Bird Discount!



Enjoy a fun sit down dinner with fellow women of the electrical industry of Chicago! This holiday event will include three hours of hosted bar, dinner, and raffle tickets.

Early Bird Registration through October 15:

$135.00 per person for Women's Division Members

$145.00 for Women's Division Non-members

Registration will increase by $10 per person after October 20!

Forward this email to spread the word to your female colleagues and industry contacts. Attendees will enjoy catching up with friends and meeting new ones as we continue to strengthen our industry!

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

CLICK HERE TO RSVP

2025 Chicagoland Electrical Association 

Education Foundation Annual Homeless 

Children’s Christmas Party

On Saturday, December 6th 2025, the Chicagoland Electric Association Education Foundation (CEAEF) is hosting our 34th Annual Christmas luncheon for the children and their families of Chicago homeless shelters. The CEAEF cannot put together this magical event for these children without your support.

IBEW Local 134 has graciously again provided their hall, tables, and chairs at no cost to the CEAEF. The Children’s Christmas Party Committee along with volunteers turn the IBEW hall into a festive, winter wonderland; the perfect backdrop for a turkey dinner with all the trimmings. There are stations set up for face painting, temporary tattoos, nail painting – simple ways to make each kid feel special. A DJ sets the tone with upbeat, festive music to welcome the children in and keep them dancing. Each year we book pre-lunch entertainment. In years past this has been in the form of the Jesse White Tumblers and Chicago Bears player appearances. After the entertainment and lunch being served by our volunteers, Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive to visit with each child and give them a gift straight from the North Pole. This event is truly one of a kind and could not take place without the financial support and generosity of companies like you from our great electrical industry. Your financial contributions go directly towards transportation for the children and families from the shelters to the hall, supplies, toys, and entertainment. Please consider choosing one or more of the ways on the following page (link below) to get involved.

Thank you for your continued support!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Joint Safety Directors' Forum

Tuesday, December 9, 2025

(For Safety Directors, Only)

The Electrical Contractors’ Association of City of Chicago (ECA) Safety Committee along with the Northeastern Illinois Chapter, NECA is proud to sponsor this special Joint Safety Directors' Forum, scheduled as follows:

DATE:

Tuesday, December 9, 2025

TIME:

11:30 a.m. - 12:00 pm (Arrival & Check-in)

12:00 pm - 1:00 (Lunch & Car Museum Tour)

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm (Meeting)

2:00 pm to 4:00 pm (Indoor Area)

LOCATION:

Rich Harvest Farms

7S771 Dugan Road

Sugar Grove, Illinois 60554

(630) 466-7610

This program is complimentary to ECA / NECA (Safety) members.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.

Midwestern Region Conference

March 10 - 13, 2026

Join us in paradise for NECA's Midwestern Region Conference at the Hilton Waikoloa Village in Hawaii on March 10 -13, 2026. This unforgettable event is your chance to network with industry leaders, learn from top experts, and gain insights from inspiring speakers—all while enjoying the beauty of Hawaii!

CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION.

EDUCATION

"Increasing Engagement, Retention, and Development for Employees"

Thursday, November 13, 2025

The ECA Research and Education Committee is proud to sponsor, this program, "Increasing Engagement, Retention, and Development for Employees" to be held as follows:

Thursday, November 13, 2025

Maggiano's Banquets - 240 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, IL

Barbarossa Room

8:00 am - 12:00 pm (Breakfast to be available at 7:45 am).

Stephane McShane, Maxim Consulting Group, will be the Facilitator.

Program description:

The workforce shortage is affecting both the revenue, and the margin, for the majority of contractors. The ability to hire, retain, engage, train, and develop employees increases the chances for them, and for the organization, to succeed. To accomplish this, specific processes and development paths must be created, implemented, and measured.

Following this course, participants will be able to:

• Discuss the need for roles and responsibilities definition
• Show the use of the role definition and time span needed to increase the percentage of “good” hires
• Describe the employee collaboration using skill set matrix information
• Outline the career path mapping process to create long term improvement and engagement
• Discuss the link between performance management and incentive compensation

THIS PROGRAM IS ONLY FOR ECA MEMBERS!

Fee for the sessions is $100.00 per ECA member.


CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Culture of Collaboration Workshop

Transforming Our Industry Together: Introducing the DEI Program for ECA of Chicago

The ECA is continuing its exciting journey to shape our future with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at its core. We've partnered with Leadership Surge to bring a specially designed DEI program to the Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA) of Chicago, and you’re invited to be a part of this transformative experience.

Please use the scheduling form below to secure a date and register your companies for the live 2-hr DEI Training session:

Scheduling Form

The goal is to have each company choose their preferred training and capture their contact information and preferred training location.

Here’s what's in store for us:

• Tailored Training Sessions: From senior leadership to our valued front-line employees, there’s something for everyone. Get ready to dive into interactive sessions that will empower us to lead and participate in a more inclusive workplace.

• Engaging Learning Formats: Whether it's live workshops or on-the-go learning through a mobile app, this program offers flexible ways to engage with DEI principles. Plus, Toolbox Talks will bring DEI conversations right into our daily routines.

• A United Effort: This isn't just training; it's a movement towards building a workplace where every voice is heard and every contribution valued. We're not just aiming for compliance; we're striving for commitment and change.

Program Intro

South Suburban Illinois IAEI Division 
November 20, 2025 Meeting

The next meeting of the IAEI South Suburban Division is being held as follows:

Thursday, November 20th, 2025, at 6:00 PM, held at:

IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (IN-Tech)

6201 West 115th Street

Alsip, IL 60803

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be provided upon request when signing in for the meeting.

Presentation: “EMS–PCS: Energy Management Systems / Power Control Systems”

Presenter: Gerry O’Connor, Electrical Codes & Standards with Eaton

This course provides an in-depth look at Energy Management and Power Control Systems—how modern technologies monitor, control, and optimize power across integrated systems such as ESS, EVSE, and Bidirectional EV.


Key Topics Include:

• Energy monitoring and control fundamentals

• Load balancing and system integration

• Coordination of ESS, EVSE, HVAC, and lighting

• Future utility and code requirements

Upcoming Meetings & Events – 2025/2026 Agenda

• December – Christmas Party

• January – George Mostardini: NFPA 915 – Remote Inspection and Testing

• February 27th – Joint Session with IBEW Local 134 Codes & Standards Committee – Ryan Jackson: 8-Hour 2026 NEC Analysis of Changes

• March – Bob Hattier & Matt Stolspart: UL 3741 – Photovoltaic Hazard Control Systems

• April 16th – Joe Pavia: NFPA 70B – Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance

• May – Manufacturing Day: Energy Management Systems (EMS) and Power Control Systems (PCS) equipment demonstration with Eaton


Stay connected through the IAEI South Suburban Division Facebook page for updates and resources.


Thank you for your continued commitment to electrical safety and education.

The South Suburban Division looks forward to seeing you at the meeting!

CLICK HERE FOR NFORMATION REGARDING THE NOVEMBER 20TH EVENT.

If any questions, please contact Matthew Stolspart, IAEI South Suburban Division President at Email: stolspart@gmail.com.

Document Crunch

Contractors who sign up for the service will have exclusive access to an ELECTRI-specific solution through Document Crunch’s innovative platform.

Watch Demo Video



If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Nancy Sheehy at nsheehy@documentcrunch.com.

Sign Up for Access

Click Here for recent Update.

AllOne Health - 12 Principles of Highly Successful Leaders

As a valued AllOne Health EAP partner, you already have access to essential mental health and employee assistance services. But did you know your relationship with us also provides access to Whole Health Solutions that support both employee well-being and leadership success? 

Through AllOne Consulting, our 12 Principles of Highly Successful Leaders program equips organizations with proven leadership strategies that drive engagement, retention, and business success. Participants gain hands-on experience applying these principles to strengthen accountability, trust, and vision within their teams. 

Key Benefits: 

• Develop leaders who inspire and align teams 

• Enhance productivity and profitability 

• Create a thriving organizational culture 

Schedule a No-Obligation Consultation to explore how leadership transformation can elevate your workforce. 

P.S. A healthy leader fosters a healthy workplace. Pair leadership development with Wellness Coaching or any of our Stress Management Programs to support holistic well-being. 

Schedule a Meeting

AllOne Health Organizational Consulting and Wellness solutions has numerous programs available, including these 5 most popular and impactful programs right now: 

Organizational Consulting--

Communication Boundaries—Staying Unified in Polarizing Times

Help your team navigate tense conversations and stay connected. 

Designing Teamwork—How We Work, Together

A multi-part framework to align purpose, values, and roles, to improve collaboration and effectiveness.

Cultures of Belonging—Leading Through Tough Times

A 4-part series that helps leaders build authentic connections and inclusive environments, even during tough times. 

Wellness--

Shift Happens

A 1-hour session on navigating change and building resilience.  

Zone In—Developing Body and Mind Awareness

A 1-hour session to help your teams understand stress and respond with intention. 

These specialized services are available at an additional investment beyond your EAP — and are designed to help teams reset, realign, and rebuild when it matters most. 

Ready to learn more? 

REQUEST A CONSULTATION

EP 17: CHEST Enhances Lung Health and Sustainability with Solar Energy

In Episode 17 of The Power of Better, Powering Chicago highlights the American College of Chest Physicians’ (CHEST) ambitious solar project in Glenview, Illinois.

Hardt Electric and IBEW Local 134 electricians installed 560 solar panels, overcoming roof load restrictions and integrating advanced solar technology. The system now powers one-third of the 48,000-square-foot facility and cuts energy costs by $40,000 annually.

Watch Now

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.