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NECA Safety PROFESSIONALS INSTITUTE
Oct. 20 - 22, 2026
Washington, D.C.
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Health and safety is a Shared Responsibility, one that depends on safety professionals who are equipped with the right training to prevent accidents, injuries, and fatal incidents on the job. That's why NECA created the Safety Professionals Institute (NSPI): a comprehensive training program designed specifically for safety professionals in electrical contracting.
Learn More
Upon completing the program, attendees will be able to:
· Develop a workplace safety program tailored to their company
· Identify common workplace hazards, with emphasis on those specific to the electrical industry
· Explain safety regulations as defined by OSHA, NEC, and NFPA 70E
· Detail the business case for safety
· Build buy-in from field employees on the importance of safety
Program format:
Prework - Live webinars & on-demand sessions tailored to your focus area (inside or outside work);
Core Program - 3 intensive days covering key safety topics; and
Capstone Project – Attendees will build their own company-specific safety program, reviewed and refined with expert feedback.
A new generation of Safety Professionals: Applications for the NECA Safety Professionals Institute will be processed on a first-come basis and attendance is limited. Registration procedures and application requirements are included in the brochure. If you have any questions about the program, contact institutes@necanet.org
CLICK HERE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.
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NECA 2026 Labor Relations Conference
November 2 - 4 2026
Hotel Vally Ho -- Phoenix, AZ
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Registration is open for this 2026 Labor Relations Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, running November 2–4. This year's sessions explore the connections at the heart of our industry: between employers and employees, between us and our customers, and the legal, regulatory, and contractual frameworks that tie it all together. Topics span the CIR, labor law and history, grievances, negotiations, non-standard IBEW agreements, direct-hire recruiting, hyperscale's effect on labor in your market, and how to prevent problems by building strong relationships from the start. Three days built to help you navigate an increasingly complex web of relationships and lead with confidence!
What to Expect:
Mock CIR Panel
Watch a live mock hearing to see the CIR process play out from start to finish.
Grievance & Negotiation Best Practices
Step-by-step guidance from the first call to the signed agreement.
Regional Breakout Sessions
Dig into challenges specific to your chapter and region.
View the Full Schedule →
Register Now
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NECA Convention & Trade Show
Mandalay Bay - Las Vegas - October 4 - 7, 2026
Early Bird Pricing Closed August 12
Contact ECA if Four Seasons Rooming Block
no longer appears in Registration Que. (See below)
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Celebrate 125 Years of NECA!
The NECA Convention & Trade Show is coming to Las Vegas!
Visit www.necaconvention.org for more details and to register.
Convention Stipend
The ECA Executive Committee approved the stipend of the Registration Fee for up to two representatives and their guests from each ECA member firm that registers for the Convention. The registrations will be reimbursed to the applicable companies after the Convention.
*******Registration********
Registration remains open; however...After the deadline of August 12, 2026, unused rooms will be released, and new reservations will be subject to availability within the overall NECA hotel block. Our chapter has sold out of its room block, guests can place themselves on the waitlist. After the deadline, NECA / CMR will work on the waitlist with any released rooms. Guests will be notified if they are able to fulfill the requests.
Please visit www.necaconvention.org to register for the NECA Convention/Accommodations. Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino is located at 3950 South Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV. The regular "in-person" NECA Convention registration fee is $2,300 per NECA member, and $1,460 for the member’s spouse / guest. However, those who registered early (cut-off dated August 12) received the “early bird” price of $1,925 for members and $1,240 for the member’s spouse / guest.
The Chicago Chapter Hotel is the Four Seasons Mandalay Bay.
Chicago Chapter Events
For those Chapter members that attend the NECA Convention, the Chicago and Cook County Chapter functions are listed below.
Saturday, October 3, 2026
“Welcome to Las Vegas” Event
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Reception (cocktails and heavy hors de oeuvres)
Four Seasons Mandalay Bay
Upper Deck-Pool area
Monday, October 5, 2026
Chapter Reception / Dinner
7:00 pm start: Reception / Dinner
House of Blues' Vinyl Room Mandalay Bay
Vinyl Room Lower Lounge and Terrace
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Congratulations / Recognition of:
Ken Bauwens, Jamerson & Bauwens Electrical Contractors, Inc.,
Induction into the Academy of Electrical Contracting – and
Mark Thomas, ECA Executive Vice President on his upcoming retirement.
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Hazel Coffee & Cocktails area – Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino
(Just off of the main Mandalay Bay elevators)
Wednesday October 7, 2026
Pre-Closing Event Reception
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Reception (cocktails and heavy hors de oeuvres)
Four Seasons Mandalay Bay
Fountain Terrace
After you have registered, please e-mail a copy of your completed registration transaction to the Association office at registration@ecachicago.com. This will allow us to have a record of your registration information, should you need any assistance after registering.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
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Prevailing Wage in Illinois
Communication Apprentice Adjustment Effective July 1, 2026
The following concerns any Prevailing Wage work done in Illinois under the Communications Agreement as of July 1, 2026:
Effective July 1st, 2026, employers will now be required to pay the same fringe benefit contributions for apprentices as is required for journey-level workers only when performing work on a project covered by the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act. ECA is currently working with the Electrical Insurance Trustees (“EIT”) to accommodate this change in the law. A new, prevailing wage-specific report will be available to employers for July hours and benefits reports. Through this new report, employers will be able to pay the regular apprentice wages with journey-level fringe benefits in lieu of paying the benefits on the check, with the exception of NEBF. While this new report will use the JW rate as the basis for calculations, employers need only pay the appropriate apprentice wage scale for your apprentices plus the excess NEBF contribution, as illustrated below. EIT’s reporting system can only calculate the correct journey-level fringe benefits by populating the JW rate of $53.64, but this is not the wage that employers are required to actually pay.
For NEBF, employers will be required to pay an additional amount of money on the apprentices wages in order to make up the difference between what a JW is owed for the NEBF contribution versus what an apprentice would ordinarily be owed. To calculate the additional amount needed for the wage, you simply divide the difference between the JW NEBF contribution and the normal apprentice NEBF contribution by 1.03.
For the Vacation contribution, apprentices must receive the same $1.50 per hour contribution as JWs when performing work on a project covered by the Prevailing Wage Act.
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Prevailing Wage in Illinois
"A" Apprentice Adjustment Effective July 1, 2026
The following concerns any work done in Illinois under Prevailing Wage as of July 1, 2026:
Effective July 1st, 2026, employers will now be required to pay the same fringe benefit contributions for apprentices as is required for journey-level workers only when performing work on a project covered by the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act. ECA is currently working with the Electrical Insurance Trustees (“EIT”) to accommodate this change in the law. A new, prevailing wage-specific report will be available to employers for July hours and benefits reports. Through this new report, employers will be able to pay the regular apprentice wages with journey-level fringe benefits in lieu of paying the benefits on the check, with the exception of NEBF. While this new report will show the JW rate as the basis for calculations, employers need only pay the appropriate apprentice wage scale for your apprentices plus the excess NEBF contribution, as illustrated below. EIT’s reporting system can only calculate the correct journey-level fringe benefits by populating the JW rate of $63.15, but this is not the wage that employers are required to actually pay. Employers should continue paying the regular apprentice wage.
For NEBF, employers will be required to pay an additional amount of money on the apprentices wages in order to make up the difference between what a JW is owed for the NEBF contribution versus what an apprentice would ordinarily be owed. To calculate the additional amount needed for the wage, you simply divide the difference between the JW NEBF contribution and the normal apprentice NEBF contribution by 1.03.
For example – a JW working 1 hour at the straight time rate of pay is entitled to $1.89 towards NEBF ($63.15 x 3%), vs. a 40% apprentice working one hour at the straight time rate of pay who is owed $0.76 ($25.26 x 3%). The difference between the two is $1.13. If you divide $1.13 by 1.03, you need only pay an additional $1.10/hour on the apprentices wage in order to match the JW’s $1.89 contribution. This formula accounts for the 3% of gross wages contribution that applies to the new, higher wage resulting from the change in law.
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This formula works for shift, overtime, and double time premiums as well. For example – the NEBF contribution for a JW working 1 hour of double time is $3.78, whereas a 40% apprentice working the same would normally receive $1.51. For an employer to pay the $3.78 NEBF contribution that is now required under the law, you need only pay an additional $2.20 on the check (additional $2.20 on the check plus $1.58 NEBF contribution = $3.78).
EIT and ECA will be hosting informational webinars once the report is available to assist employers with this change in the reporting process. We will share the dates and times for the webinars as soon as they are available. Please contact the office should you have any questions.
Additional background information:
Earlier this year, IMSCA had initiated and continued to advocate for the passage of (HB 4751 - Hoffman), in order to address the issues stemming from the passage of HB 2488 at the close of the 2025 Spring Session. The action did not prevail.
IMSCA's legal counsel had prepared and submitted to the Illinois Department of Labor a letter seeking the Department's guidance regarding the implementation of H.B. 2488 (P.A. 104-0017), which amended the definition of "prevailing rate of wages" within the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act (“IPWA”), effective July 1, 2026 (as delayed by H.B. 1437/P.A. 104-0434). Click the link for A copy of the letter.
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Illinois's 2026 Prevailing Wage Rates Published
Dear IMSCA Members,
The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) has published the 2026 prevailing wage rates for construction trades in every county across Illinois. Official press release can be found HERE.
The updated rates took effect Wednesday, July 15, 2026, following IDOL's annual statewide survey conducted in June pursuant to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act.
The Act requires workers on publicly funded construction and infrastructure projects to be paid wages that reflect local standards. By ensuring workers receive locally prevailing wages, the law helps protect good-paying jobs, promotes fair competition among contractors, and keeps taxpayer investments supporting Illinois workers and communities.
Each year, IDOL determines prevailing wage rates by reviewing total compensation—including hourly base wages and annualized fringe benefits—commonly paid to workers performing similar work on public works projects within each locality.
"Illinois' prevailing wage law helps ensure that public investments create quality jobs while maintaining a level playing field for responsible contractors," said Illinois Department of Labor Director Jane Flanagan. "Publishing these rates provides the transparency contractors, workers, and public agencies need as they plan and complete construction projects across our state."
Individuals who wish to object to the posted 2026 prevailing wage rates must submit a written objection to the Department by August 14, 2026. If an objection is received, it will be heard by an Administrative Law Judge.
To view the 2026 prevailing wage rates by county and construction trade, visit the Illinois Department of Labor's Prevailing Wage Act Rates webpage.
Best regards,
Daniel, Neil, and Sean Flynn
IMSCA
600 S. Second Street, Suite 102
Springfield, IL 62704
| | Join a partnership with a track record of success /
Providing a Retirement Plan | | Western Regions NECA 401(k) Plan | | |
The Chicago & Cook County Chapter, NECA now has information to share from the Western Region, NECA, regarding how an organization can provide a quality retirement plan. Please review the following excerpt from a background document and if interested, please click the link at the end of the article for a detailed proposal.
Please click here for the background information.
For many organizations, providing a quality retirement plan may seem out of reach. But with the Western Regions NECA 401(k) Plan and Empower, you can deliver a cost-effective, practical retirement solution created specifically for your organization. Access the experience of a leading retirement plan that can help you navigate an increasingly complex legal and regulatory environment while offering resources that can help your employees get the results they deserve.
Attract and retain employees with a highly competitive retirement savings program. Save time on plan administration. Access a comprehensive universe of investment options. Rooted in workplace retirement, Empower helps more than 19 million people on their journey to financial independence. Empower’s people, technology, and approach provide individuals with a clear and simple understanding of where their finances are today and where they’re headed.
For a detailed proposal Click Here.
Contact Amber Restine (arestine@focusinvestment.com), Jacque Lam (jlam@focusinvestment.com), or call (760) 230-1880 with any questions.
| | Back by Demand: EMI's Second Session of 2026 | | |
Executive Management Institute (EMI) is an intensive, three-and-a-half-day experience designed to enhance the leadership skills of current and up-and-coming executives and managers.
Due to its popularity, this is the second EMI program offered this year, following a successful session held earlier in the year.
The program provides state-of-the-art management concepts and analytical tools that build on existing knowledge of the industry to increase the value and effectiveness of contracting firms. Through exercises, case studies, and group discussions, EMI addresses the common decisions, challenges, and changes that all businesses in our competitive industry must face.
CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION.
| | NECA/ELECTRI Project Management Apprenticeship | | |
NECA and ELECTRI International invite you to invest in your company’s future by sponsoring an employee in the NECA/ELECTRI Project Management Apprenticeship, a one-year, U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Program designed specifically for electrical contractors. This national apprenticeship program prepares aspiring project managers with the technical expertise, leadership skills, and business acumen needed to successfully manage complex electrical construction projects while they continue working full time.
CLICK BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION.
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New Publications in the NECA Store
NECA has collected, analyzed and interpreted hundreds of data points, so our members can use these crucial reports to develop strategies, optimize processes, and improve decision-making, leading to better outcomes and a competitive advantage in the market.
CLICK HERE for the latest additions to thestore.
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Industry Alliance Network (IAN) Education Hub
Introducing the Industry Alliance Network (IAN) Education Hub, a central resource connecting members with top-tier training, professional development and certification programs from our Premier Partners and Ambassadors.
Why it matters: The Hub offers a unified platform for members to access high-quality educational content.
- Through NECA's partnerships with leading manufacturers and service providers, members gain access to specialized courses, technical training, and emerging technology insights
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NECA Business Development Information
NECA is updating its Business Development contact list for 2025! This list will be notified about Business Development resources, events and exclusive sessions. Please complete this short form and let NECA know the Business Development contact person(s) for your company.
Complete Business Development Contact List Form >>
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NECA: 125 Years, Spotlighting Acts of Service
As NECA prepares to celebrate its 125th anniversary, they are looking to honor the remarkable service projects by NECA members.
From organizing drives to volunteering at shelters to beautification projects, these acts exemplify the spirit of giving back. The ECA encourages members to share their story of service, regardless of the year of completion.
Complete the form linked below to submit your content for a chance to be featured before a NECA 2026 Las Vegas General Session.
CLICK HERE FOR SUBMISSION FORM.
NECA Gives Back - Tunnels to Towers 2026
In conjunction with NECA's 125th Anniversary, NECA is promoting the "Tunnels to Towers" Charity organization throughout the year. Please click the link below regarding the "Tunnels to Towers" effort.
CLICK HERE FOR TUNNEL TO TOWERS CONTRIBUTION INFORMATION.
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NECA Government Affairs
Please click the link for a recent update from NECA Government Affairs.
NECA Government Affairs 8/14/26
If you have any questions regarding the update, please reach out to NECA Government Affairs at: (202) 449-8418
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DOCUMENT CRUNCH
ECA Has Renewed for 2026
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The Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) has renewed the Document Crunch service for the membership for 2026. Please review the information below and register for this unique service!
Document Crunch’s mission is to empower construction teams to confidently make informed decisions that reduce risk and deliver better project outcomes. Their AI Risk Reduction Platform is built specifically for construction and gives teams the power to review documents in seconds, guide decisions with best practices, and assist with on-the-job questions and tasks. Document Crunch and NECA/ELECTRI have partnered to offer an exclusive solution that enables those better project outcomes for your business.
Faster Reviews
CrunchAI greatly reduces contract review times, typically done in just a few minutes!
Unmatched Insight
Deep and thorough AI-driven analysis of your contract gives a holistic view, benchmarked against 12 common areas of risk for electrical contractors.
Top 12 Contract Issues for Trade Contractors:
1. Pay if Paid
2. Right to Stop Work
3. Consequential Damages
4. Liquidated Damages
5. Liability Caps
6. Indemnity
7. Delays
8. Subsurface Conditions
9. Hazardous Materials
10. Design Responsibility
11. Payment Terms
12. Material Price Escalation
Understand Major Issues
Generative AI summaries provide easy consumption and understanding. Quickly learn if the contract language meets NECA best practices.
Suggested Redlines
For issues that fall short of best practice, CrunchAI creates and suggests language alternatives to bring the contract up to standard.
ECA members, who sign up for the service have exclusive access to an ELECTRI-specific solution of Document Crunch that will assess your contracts and quickly identify these top 12 critical risk provisions within your contracts. As part of the ELECTRI Document Crunch partnership, the platform’s enhanced benchmarking service is available to you to understand your levels of risk related to your peers.
Document Crunch
Click Here for Demo Video
Sign Up for Access
Click Here for recent Update.
If any questions, please contact Miah Veselinovic, Document Crunch at: mveselinovic@documentcrunch.com.
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FIVE NEW RESEARCH PRODUCTS FROM ELECTRI:
1) Built to Sell: Building a More Valuable Electrical Contracting Company
2) Data Centers: What the Evidence Shows
3) HR Onboarding Guide for an Electrical Contracting Company
4) Sample Job Descriptions for an Electrical Contractor Company
5) Project Checklist for an Electrical Contracting Company
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE NEW PRODUCTS
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Missed the ELECTRI Summer Council Meeting? Catch Up with the Recap!
Couldn’t join us in Dearborn? You can still catch up on the conversations, insights, and ideas shared during the ELECTRI Summer Council Meeting. Our comprehensive meeting recap is packed with information from the educational panels, speakers, and discussions that explored the future of electrical construction and the opportunities and challenges ahead for our industry.
From upcoming ELECTRI research and preparing contractors for the future to grid modernization, energy, workforce, and the evolving relationship between NECA, IBEW, and other industry partners, the recap offers an abundance of information and insights from the meeting. You’ll also find links to the presentation slides at the top of each day’s recap.
Check out photos from the meeting here.
Read the Summer Council Meeting Recap HERE
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August Webinars
ELECTRI International’s webinar series continue to draw strong participation across the industry. Programs including Service & 70Brew, Best Practices in Offsite Construction, IT/ConTech & Coffee, and our Council Room Sessions are providing timely insights and practical takeaways for contractors and industry partners alike.
Be sure your team stays engaged with these Council-only webinars. These sessions are a great way to stay connected to the latest ideas, tools, and conversations shaping the electrical construction industry. Sign up to receive webinar invitations and stay connected to the latest insights and innovations shaping the electrical construction industry. You can also add multiple employees from your company at one time so everyone who may be interested receives the invitations.
Below are the remaining August webinar sessions, with dates, topics, and registration links.
Offsite Construction: Best Practices in Skidding
On August 21st at 1:30PM Eastern join us for a webinar focused on best practices in skidding led by Josh Bone.
ConTech & Coffee: Labor Management
Join us on August 26th at 11AM Eastern for a discussion led by Alex Huntoon with Newkirk and Ryan Meitl with Rivet.
Council Room Session: Onboarding, Roles & Project Checklists
Join us on the afternoon of August 27 at 3PM eastern, for the ELECTRI Council Room Session. Josh Bone will review ELECTRI’s recent research and resources from our PCA, including practical tools and strategies for onboarding, organizational structure, job descriptions, and project checklists.
A calendar hold will be sent to everyone on the Council, or you can connect through this link on the 27th.
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13,000 Homes Still Need Electricity. You Can Help
ELECTRI is partnering Electrical Workers Without Borders North America (EWWBNA) to provide tools and support for the volunteer work being done to power Navajo Nation. There are 13,000 homes in Navajo Nation without electricity or running water. EWWBNA is sending 115 volunteer IBEW electricians from August to December 2026 to work in Navajo Nation and provide power to those in need.
The tools and materials are needed by August 10. If you are able to help, we encourage you to respond as soon as possible so the volunteers have everything they need before departing for the Navajo Nation.
Below are four tool lists needed for the volunteers to perform this work. If you are willing to volunteer to send tools and materials for this project, please contact Jim O’Leary, Executive Director of EWWBNA at joleary@ewwbna.org or 202-577-1815.
In addition to the tools needed for this project, the cost of travel and lodging for the volunteers is approximately $1,000 per volunteer. If you’d like to sponsor a volunteer or donate towards their $115,000 goal to cover the expenses of the 115 volunteers, you can donate online here: https://ewwbna.org/donate/
We appreciate the generosity of the ELECTRI Council and hope you will consider helping with this very important cause. For any questions about the program or how to donate, please contact Jim O’Leary, Executive Director of EWWBNA at joleary@ewwbna.org or 202-577-1815.
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Get Involved: Join a Task Force
We invite you to help shape the direction of these projects. Volunteer to serve on a research task force: Sign up here!
Lend Your Expertise: Participate in Surveys
ELECTRI needs contractor input to ensure our research is grounded in meaningful, real-world data. Take the surveys
Share Your Tools
PCA Researcher Deniz Besiktepe is developing resources to support onboarding and project planning. If you have sample onboarding guides or project checklists, please send them to denizb@purdue.edu.
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Share Your Insights on Jobsite Safety For a New Study
NECA is partnering with CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training and Dodge Construction Network on a new study focused on jobsite safety, and your input is essential. This survey will help track trends in safety practices across the U.S. construction industry. Please click the link below. Thank you for your participation!
CLICK HERE FOR NECA SAFETY SURVEY.
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