Apprentice Graduation Ceremony

May 17, 2025

The Apprentice Graduation Ceremony was held on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at the IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (INTECH) in Alsip, IL with over 200 graduates of the “A” Program and nearly 20 graduates for the “C” Program. The event featured a number of industry speakers and special recognitions. 

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE.

ECA May Membership Meeting May 14, 2025

The Electrical Contractors’ Association of City of Chicago (ECA) held is May Regular Membership Meeting on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at Gibsons Steakhouse in Oak Brook, IL. The luncheon event featured industry updates and a guest presentation from Anna (Trapane) Jochim, Director of Future Workforce Development, ELECTRI International.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE.

Chapter Member Legislative Activity

The Electrical Contractors’ Association of City of Chicago ECA) / Chicago & Cook County Chapter, NECA would like to thank Kendra Dinkins, ECA Vice President, Taylor Electric Company (leftside of photo), for meeting with Congresswoman Robin Kelly, Illinois 2nd Congressional District (rightside of photo) on Monday, May 12, 2025. Ms. Dinkins was able to dovetail a meeting with Congresswoman Kelly following a City Club of Chicago meeting at Maggiano’s Banquets in downtown Chicago where the Congresswoman was the featured presenter. Topics carried over from the recent NECA Legislative Conference were discussed. These issues aimed at optimizing the business climate for electrical contractors included: Supporting a Reconciliation Package, Securing Prosperity Through Tax Reform, Greenlighting Growth with Permitting Reform, and Investing in Our Nation’s Infrastructure.  Thank you, Kendra! Also, the ECA Legislative Committee encourages members to reach out to their elected officials and discuss small business concerns / issues vital to the electrical contracting industry.  Let the ECA know if you need assistance coordinating a session or you wish to report on a meeting you’ve had.

Wage Rates & Allocations:

Principal, "B" Maintenance,

Communication, Residential Agreements,

and Trainee Information

Start Date: Monday, June 2, 2025

Please click on the links below for the Wage Rates & Allocations for the Principal, "B" Maintenance, Communication, Residential Agreements, as well the Trainee information starting Monday, June 2, 2025 through Sunday, May 31, 2026.

PRINCIPAL AGREEMENT INFORMATION

"B" MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT INFORMATION

COMMUNICATION AGREEMENT INFORMATION

RESIDENTIAL AGREEMENT INFORMATION

TRAINEE INFORMATION

Please contact the ECA at: (708) 531-0022 with any questions.

NECA Recognition of Achievement in Safety Excellence

Zero Injury / Small Contractor Safety Excellence

Congratulations to the 2025 NECA Safety Award Winners!

CLICK HERE for the Chapter winners.

CLICK HERE for the overall winners.

EVENTS

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

ECA Young Professionals

7th Annual Leadership Conference

Thursday, August 14, 2025 - Friday, August 15, 2025

Hilton Chicago / Oak Brook Hills Resort -- Oak Brook, IL

The Electrical Contractors’ Association of City of Chicago’s (ECA’s) Young Professionals 7th Annual Spring Conference will be held on August 14 - 15, 2025 at the Hilton Chicago / Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center.  The resort and conference center is surrounded by a serene 150-acre estate that includes the Audubon-certified 18-hole Willow Crest Golf Club, just 25 minutes from Chicago O’Hare International Airport. It has a lakefront outdoor pool, tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts, a spa, two golf simulators, and two restaurants.

CONFERENCE INFORMATION / SCHEDULE

Alex Willis, Leadership Surge will be the Conference Moderator.

The presenters are being finalized!

Thursday, August 14, 2025

OPTIONAL GOLF OUTING

10:30 A.M. Tee Times Start

Willow Crest Golf Club

Hilton Chicago / Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center

Hotel Registration -- 4:00 P.M.

Conference Opening -- 5:00 P.M

Reception -- Drinks / Heavy Hors d'oeuvres -- 6:00 P.M.

Friday, August 15, 2025

Breakfast / Leadership Sessions -- 8:00 A.M.

Hotel Checkout -- 11:00 A.M.

Lunch / Final Leadership Session(s) -- 12:00 P.M.

Conference Concludes -- 3:00 P.M.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

EDUCATION

2025 ECA Research and Education Committee Update

The 2025 Education Programming Schedule is confirmed for 2025. Please click the link below for a full listing with links for registration!

CLICK HERE FOR LISTING

ECA Educational and Conference Stipends for 2025

The Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) Executive Committee has approved a number of educational stipends for many special programs / conferences throughout 2025. All stipends / reimbursements are made after each conference with registration confirmation(s) and applicable receipts forwarded to ECA.  

CLICK HERE FOR LISTING

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

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

Webinar Details:

2nd Quarter Session

🗓 Thursday, May 29

🕒 3:00 PM Eastern

Topic: How to Redline

(Includes brainstorming with chat and using ELECTRI's Good/Medium/Deficient practices)

Link to be made available, soon.

In preparation for Mental Health Awareness Month this May, AllOne Health created a collection of new Mental Health Awareness Resource Guides you can build into your outreach and communication efforts:

• How to Support a Loved One: Supporting a loved one through mental health challenges can feel overwhelming, and this guide offers practical steps to help you navigate the process.
• Mental Health for Everyone: To build mental health awareness, this resource provides an overview of why mental health matters and when to seek support.
• Mental Health in the Workplace: This guide provides actionable steps for organizational leaders to promote mental health, communicate effectively, and foster a supportive work environment.
• Mental Health Signs and Symptoms: Every diagnosis has its own symptoms, but this guide features the most common signs and symptoms to be aware of.
• What is Resiliency?: In mental health resiliency, there are strategic ways to improve your ability to bounce back from challenges. This guide offers a closer look at the four primary areas of defense and specific steps to improve resilience.

Seeking Support

Remember, if you or any of your team members are working through mental health challenges, our team is here to support. Our confidential counseling services and resources are available to provide guidance, support, and encouragement whenever it’s needed.

Thank you for partnering with AllOne Health in promoting mental health awareness and well-being. In addition to these new resources, your monthly Insights newsletter & Hub, Resource Library, monthly webinars, the AllOne Health Blog, and your member portal offer a full collection of topical articles and shareable content that can be accessed anytime. If you are looking for specific information or want to discuss other opportunities to align the EAP support services with your internal initiatives, please reach out and I’d be happy to discuss.

P.S. Follow on LinkedIn to stay updated on mental health insights throughout the year.

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

EP 15: Chicagoland's Electrical Industry in Action

In Episode 15 of The Power of Better, Powering Chicago takes you inside some of the region’s most forward-thinking electrical projects, delivered by IBEW Local 134 electricians and Powering Chicago member contractors.

From cutting-edge energy systems to public sector innovation and hands-on workforce development, Episode 15 shows what’s possible when expertise and collaboration drive the work forward.

Watch Now

Suicide Rate Among Construction Workers Hits Crisis Levels

Kevin O’Shea, president of Shamrock Electric Co., Inc., has one vital message to construction workers who are struggling with their mental health: call him. 

It's a message he shares as much as possible, given the growing number of suicides among workers in the industry. 

Click Here to Read the Full Article

NECA Safety Professionals Conference

The NECA Safety Professionals Conference (NSPC) is the premier event for safety leaders in the electrical industry!

Join NECA on May 19-21 at the IOWA Events Center in Des Moines, IA, for three dynamic days filled with powerful keynotes, expert-led breakout sessions, and cutting-edge safety solutions tailored for electrical professionals.

CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION.

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.