“NECA Adopt-A-School Initiative” Volunteer Day –

Chicago Hope Academy – September 12, 2025

LAST DAY TO REGISTER!

For the upcoming NECA Convention in Chicago, the institution featured for this year’s NECA Adopt-A-School is the Chicago Hope Academy. We hope that contractor members will be able to offer their support to Chicago Hope Academy through this year’s NECA Adopt-A-School Silent Auction to be held during the upcoming NECA Convention September 12 – 15, 2025, as well as the Volunteer Day scheduled for September 12, 2025 at Chicago Hope Academy. The ECA was hoping for at least 50 volunteers for the Volunteer Day. If you or anyone else from your firm is interested in assisting, please click the link below for the Volunteer Registration Form and send it back to the ECA at: ttaylor@ecachicago.com as soon you can. This will help Chicago Hope Academy with their scheduling as well any specifics the volunteers will need.

Background of Chicago Hope Academy

Chicago Hope Academy (2189 W. Bowler Street in Chicago) is taking workforce readiness to a new level for their students. By introducing the trades as a viable career option, the school hopes to see families break the cycle of inter-generational poverty through skill building and home ownership. The school has a 2-Year Trades Pathway program – students will be granted the opportunity to immediately begin an apprenticeship with one of their three union partners: Local 134 IBEW, Local 150 Operating Engineers and the Laborers. 

Kevin Walters, Local 134 IBEW electrician, 2025 CISCO Educator of the Year is the Career and Technical Sciences Instructor. Mr. Walters is an experienced union electrician with over 20 years of experience in residential, industrial, and commercial electrical installations, maintenance, and repair. He has a proven track record of successful projects and various infrastructures with a commitment to safety and efficiency. His goal at Hope is to prepare students for a registered apprenticeship program by offering structured pre-apprenticeship training. 

Again, please review the varied activities for the Volunteer Day and register, soon!

Thank you in advance for your help!

CLICK HERE FOR VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION FORM.

EVENTS

IAEI South Suburban Division Monthly Meeting Thursday, September 18th, 2025 - 6:00 PM

IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (IN-Tech)

6201 West 115th Street

Alsip, IL 60803

This marks the start of the IAEI South Suburban Division 2025/2026 session, and they are looking forward to another year of education, networking, and advancing electrical safety.

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

Opening Presentation – Bob Hattier

They are proud to welcome back Bob Hattier, who will be presenting on UL 9540 / UL 9540A testing and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), with supporting information on NFPA 855.

This presentation will provide members with a comprehensive look at the rapidly growing field of energy storage technology, including:

• UL 9540 & 9540A: Their scope, purpose, and how they apply to the installation and evaluation of battery energy storage systems.

• Testing and safety considerations: Understanding thermal runaway, fire propagation, and how testing informs real-world safety protocols.

• NFPA 855 updates: How the standard for installation of stationary energy storage systems is evolving and what inspectors need to know for enforcement and compliance.

Bob’s presentation will equip inspectors, contractors, and electricians with practical knowledge on how to identify compliant installations, enforce code, and better understand this cutting-edge technology shaping the electrical industry.

Upcoming Meetings & Events – 2025/2026 Agenda

• September – Bob Hattier: UL 9540 / 9540A & BESS with NFPA 855

• October – Tom Lichtenstein: Interactive Demonstration – Navigating and Using UL Product IQ

• November – Gerry O’Connor: Energy Management Systems (EMS) and Power Control Systems (PCS) – design principles, integration, and inspection considerations for optimizing energy usage, reliability, and demand response.

• 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

The IAEI South Suburban Division encourage everyone to stay connected through the IAEI South Suburban Division Facebook page for updates, resources, and networking opportunities. If any questions, please contact Matthew Stolspart, IAEI South Suburban Division President at Email: stolspart@gmail.com

Click Here for Full Meeting Announcement

Joint Safety Forum - September 25, 2025

"Mental Health / Suicide Prevention" Seminar

Registration is now open for a joint seminar sponsored by the Electrical Contractors’ Association of City of Chicago (ECA) Safety Committee along with the Northeastern Illinois Chapter, NECA Safety Committee. The Committees are proud to present this special program offered for NECA members, only.

The "Mental Health / Suicide Prevention" seminar is scheduled as follows:

DATE: Thursday, September 25, 2025

TIME: 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Registration / check-in: 7:30 am (Continental Breakfast)

LOCATION: IBEW-NECA Technical Institute 6201 W. 115th Street Alsip, IL 60803

Matt Blair, CEO & Co-Founder of The Well Resource Center, NFP is the guest presenter.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

NECA Convention Registration is Open!

The NECA Convention & Trade Show will soon be in Chicago! -- September 12 - 15, 2025

Early-Bird pricing ended on July 25th! This means that early registration and housing for the NECA Convention closed two weeks earlier than previous years. Since that deadline has passed, room availability and pricing cannot be guaranteed.

Among the many other NECA Convention events, education, general sessions, a special NECA activity is highlighted below:

Jerry McGlynn, McWilliams Electric Company, Inc. is to be acknowledged as an Academy of Electrical Contracting Inductee during the September 13 General Session.

Chicago Chapter Events                  

For those Chapter members that attend the full NECA Convention, the Chicago and Cook County Chapter functions are listed below. For each event, transportation is on own.

Saturday, September 13, 2025

This is an open night – 7:00 pm

However, the Chapter has a number of reservations available for dinner at a number of area restaurants.  

Sunday, September 14, 2025 (Joint Chapter Reception / Dinner with Northeastern IL NECA)

7:00 pm: Reception

8:00 pm: Dinner

The Planetarium

1300 S DuSable Lake Shore Drive - Chicago, IL 60605

Monday, September 15, 2025 (Pre-Closing Event Reception)

5:30 pm – 7:00 pm  

Reception (cocktails and heavy hors d'oeuvres) Navy Pier (TBD) - 1000 E. Grand Avenue - Chicago, IL

CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION.

TRADE SHOW ONLY PASSES AVAILABLE!

The Chicago & Cook County Chapter, NECA has available for distribution "Trade Show Only" passes for the NECA Convention Trade Show. This complimentary Trade Show Only coupon is a $150 value. Please contact the ECA office at: (708) 531-0022 to order your passes for your employees and customers. What's available on the Trade Show floor from Education, new products, among other areas are highlighted on the coupon. The special Invitation Code, "25EXH" must be used when registering. Call soon to have the coupons/Trade Show Passes mailed to your office!

However, If you do not need to distribute the paper pass information, you can use the code on-line (look for lower right-hand portion of registration screen that indicates Code use and follow instructions).

NECA Convention - Apprentice Appreciation Day

The Apprentice Appreciation Day is Sunday, September 14, 2025 at the NECA Convention. Please click the link below for Apprentice Registration information, as well as highlights of the special event: guest speakers, special activities, as well as the new High-Voltage Village!

For apprentices to register, have them visit: https://corereg.cmrus.com/necaannual/attendee/authenticate. Enter code, "JATCHI" in the Invitation Code" field prior to starting the registration.

CLICK HERE FOR THE APPRENTICE APPRECIATION DAY INFORMATION.

Fifth Annual

Electric Association Golf Outing

12:00 pm Shotgun Start, Scramble

Monday, September 22, 2025

Royal Fox Country Club

The Electric Association is a forum to support and strengthen the relationships that grow the electrical industry of Chicagoland. Don't miss the opportunity to build relationships with professionals and decision makers in all segments of the industry.

Royal Fox Country Club

4405 Royal and Ancient Dr.

St. Charles, IL 60174

10:30 am Registration Opens

11:00 am Lunch Buffet and Networking

12:00 pm Shotgun Start, Scramble Format

Dinner and prizes immediately following golf.

• Lunch, Golf, Prizes, Dinner and Networking
• Attendee List shared with attendees before the event to support your relationship building
• Join us to support your Electric Association as we prepare for the Centennial Year in 2026!

Registration fee includes lunch, golf, and dinner with prizes.

• $285 per person for EA member attendees
• $310 for non-member attendees.

Register on your own or as a foursome.

REGISTER FOR The Electric Association Golf Outing at Royal Fox Country Club

Communication Technologies Forum - CTF All Industry Golf Outing - 10/2/25

Cog Hill Golf and Country Club in Lemont

Thursday, October 2, 2025

Register your foursome today!

Full Registration Includes: Greens Fees, Cart, Use of Driving Range, Dinner on the Patio, Golf Contests, Prizes, and Great Industry Camaraderie!

11:00 am Registration Opens

1:00 pm Shotgun Start, Scramble Format

Dinner immediately following golf.

Registration $210 per person for CTF members and $230 for CTF non-members. Please complete the registration form and then follow the link to submit payment

Sponsorships Available

CORPORATE HOLE SPONSORSHIPS ($500)

This sponsorship includes signage at registration, on a hole at the course, and the dinner party. Special recognition at dinner and on our social media platforms. NEW! All sponsors have an option host a display table at the hole to meet all golfers at the outing.

BEVERAGE, LUNCH, OR DINNER SPONSORSHIPS ($750)

This sponsorship includes signage at registration and dinner. Your company logo will be printed on each golfer’s beverage, lunch, or dinner ticket. Special recognition at dinner and on our social media platforms.

Please contact Ali Novinger at anovinger@eachicago.org to confirm your sponsorship as soon as possible to guarantee inclusion on event signage.

The Communication Technologies Forum was created to bring together all disciplines within the voice and data communications fields in a venue where they can network, be informed and have quality education.

Register Today

Communication Technologies Forum| Division of the Electric Association

630-305-3050|

ECA Membership Meeting

Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Please join us for the ECA Regular Membership Meeting. The luncheon program will feature industry updates, and a guest presentation from Mr. Don Finn, Local 134 IBEW Business Manager.

This luncheon event is scheduled as follows:

Wednesday, October 8, 2025

IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (INTECH)

6201 W. 115th Street

Alsip, IL 60803

(708) 389-1340

Registration / Networking: 12:00 pm

Lunch: 12:30 pm

Business Session: 1:15 pm

Event Concludes: 2:30 pm

We invite all signatory contractors to this session.  We do hope that you'll join us for this opportunity to meet and network with your peers in the industry! We encourage all NECA members to invite a signatory firm to the session!

CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION.

EDUCATION

"Project Planning for Small Projects"

Thursday, October 23, 2025

The ECA Research and Education Committee is proud to sponsor the "Project Planning for Small Projects" seminar scheduled for Thursday, October 23, 2025 at 8:00 am - 4:00 pm at the Hyatt Lodge Hotel - 2815 Jorie Blvd., Oak Brook, IL.

Mark, Federle, Marquette University - Facilitator

Program description:

Successful execution of all projects, regardless of size, requires proper planning to ensure project profitability. There are a variety of tools and techniques that contractors of all sizes can use to successfully plan their projects. This course will review common forms of schedules, the impact of schedule changes and how to use the schedule to manage the project.

Following this course, participants will be able to:

• Identify scheduling best practices
• Create and differentiate between several different types of project schedules
• Discuss the relationship between the schedule and project management
• Discuss the importance of preplanning
• Identify planning strategies to improve productivity
• Identify activities at each phase of the construction process to preplan

Only 5 spots remain!

CLICK HERE FOR EGISTRATION INFORMATION.

"Advanced Estimating of Electrical Construction /

Calculating Shop Burden" 

Monday, October 27, 2025 - Wednesday, October 29, 2025 

The ECA Research and Education Committee is proud to sponsor the "Advanced Estimating of Electrical Construction & Calculating Shop Burden" program. It will be held on October 27 - 29, 2025 at INTECH in Alsip, IL. Presenters: Jim Johannemann, NECA Estimating Training Faculty Member - (Adv. Estimating) and Walead Atiyeh, NECA Training Faculty Member / Consultant -(Shop Burden) (8:00 am - 4:00 pm for the first two days; 8:00 am - 12:00 pm on the third day).

Only 10 spots remain!

CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION.

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

Upcoming Office Hours Session: We will be hosting your next office hours session on Thursday, August 7^th, 2025, at 12:00 PM CT. Kindly encourage your members to attend—especially those who have not yet begun utilizing Document Crunch.

👉 Register for the August 7^th Office Hours

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 16: Powering and Iconic Marina

In Episode 16 of The Power of Better, Powering Chicago takes you behind the scenes of one of the city’s most complex waterfront projects, Navy Pier Marina.

From underwater cable pulls to public safety systems, this episode showcases what happens when trusted expertise, union labor, and collaboration come together on one of Chicago’s most visible construction projects.

Watch Now

Please click the link above for the Summer 2025 Issue of SubStance Magazine, presented by the Illinois Mechanical & Specialty Contractors Association (IMSCA).

This issue features a recap by IMSCA President, Karsten Pawlik, of IMSCA's successful Lobby Day event held in May. Additionally, IMSCA Special Counsel Jim Rohlfing provides detailed information on recently approved legislation that restricts the amount of retainage permissible on public construction projects. Furthermore, IMSCA Special Counsel Jim Rohlfing and his colleague, Attorney Matthew Bryant, have co-authored an article discussing the current administration’s tariff actions and the significant uncertainty this has introduced into the economy generally and the construction industry specifically.

If you have any questions or wish to contribute to a future issue, please contact IMSCA at:

Neil F. Flynn & Associates - Cell Phone: (217) 494-1968.

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

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.