ECA Regular Membership Meeting

Wednesday, March 18, 2026

The Electrical Contractors’ Association of City of Chicago (ECA) held its March Regular Membership Meeting on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at Gibsons Steakhouse in Oak Brook, IL. The program featured industry updates and a legislative focus by a number of presenters. The ECA welcomed Ryan McGuire, NECA Government Affairs Director, as he gave an update on national issues affecting contractors. The Chapter also had presentations by Chris Nybo, ECA State Lobbyist, Chris Nybo LLC and Daniel Flynn, Neil Flynn, IMSCA Administrator. 

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE.

70th Annual Paddy's Day Luncheon

Friday, March 13, 2026

The 70^th Annual Paddy’s Day Luncheon was held on Friday, March 13, 2026 at the International Ballroom of the Chicago Hilton and Towers. This unique networking event offered hundreds of colleagues in the Electrical Industry of Chicago the opportunity to celebrate St. Patrick's Day! The Electrical Contractors’ Association of City of Chicago (ECA) would like to congratulate Mark Thomas, ECA Executive Vice President, as he is the 2026 Francis P. Cummins Award winner!  The ECA would also like to congratulate Elbert Walters, III, Powering Chicago Director, as he is the 2007 Big Shillelagh!

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE!

NECA Midwestern Region Conference

March 10 - 13, 2026

The Midwestern Region Conference was held March 10 - 13, 2026 at the Hilton Waikoloa Village Resort in Waikoloa, HI. It was the one of the largest Midwestern Region Conferences with over 500 registrants. The event offered the attendees the opportunity to network with industry leaders, learn from top experts, gain insights from inspiring speakers, enjoy three entertaining receptions: the NECA Opening Reception Luau & Closing Reception, and the Chicago Chapter Reception & Dinner, a golf outing, special resort / island activities —all while enjoying the beauty of Hawaii! 

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE!

REMINDER

Membership Discount in the Illinois Solar Energy and 
Storage Association (ISEA)

As a reminder, the Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) is offering a discount to member firms that are interested in joining the Illinois Solar Energy and Storage Association (ISEA) as an ISEA Charter Business Member.   


We hope that you will take advantage of this membership benefit opportunity. 


ILLINOIS SOLAR ENERGY AND STORAGE ASSOCIATION DISCOUNT MEMBERSHIP OPPORTUNITY


Illinois Solar Energy and Storage Association (ISEA) Discount Opportunity for ISEA Charter Membership category.


ISEA business members receive benefits meant to expand understanding and opportunity in renewable energy development in the state. These benefits include: a public profile on the ISEA website, invitations to webinars on topics related to renewable energy development in Illinois, RFP announcements, as well as the opportunity to participate in membership calls.

The ECA has maintained its ISEA Sponsor Organization membership which now confers a membership discount of $200 off of the $1,000 ISEA Charter Membership category to all interested ECA member firms. All ECA members are invited to join the Illinois Solar Energy Association at a discount. Again, ECA member firms can take $200 off of the $1,000 ISEA Individual Charter membership category.


Please email ISEA Executive Director, Lesley McCain at lesley.mccain@illinoissolar.org for help facilitating this member discount.


ISEA Charter Membership Benefits:

• Voting rights in ISEA Board of Directors elections
• A public profile on the ISEA Find a Professional page
• ISEA industry-focused newsletter and timely information on policy updates, funding opportunities, and other information relevant to the industry delivered to your email
• Access to business-only content, such as policy webinars, RFP notifications, and more.
• Opportunities to sponsor ISEA events
• Opportunities to promote your business through a profile in ISEA's community-focused newsletter and social media
• Member discounts to events and training
• Discounts for partner organizations' classes and events
• ISEA logo available for your website and communications

Please contact the ECA at: (708) 531-0022, if you have any questions regarding the ECA promotion with the ISEA.

ISEA Special Raffle

The Illinois Solar Education Association is currently running an electric vehicle raffle as its major fundraiser. This year, they are raffling off a Rivian. You do not need to be an ISEA member to participate in the raffle.

CLICK HERE FOR RAFFLE OPPORTUNITY!

NECA Premier Partner Update - 3M

3M 35 kV Deadbreak Kit Availability and 2026 Pricing

3M has updated the lead time for its 35kV Separable Connectors, with deadbreak kit availability now set at 2–3 weeks. In addition, 3M has confirmed that there will be no pricing increases for these products in 2026. This update is intended to support improved planning and project scheduling for NECA members nationwide.

IMSCA Update
Need Your Assistance!

2026 Spring Session

IMSCA is continuing to review and forward legislation that has been identified as being of particular interest. This legislation will now proceed through internal review processes, and IMSCA will monitor committee assignments, forwarding any pertinent information as it is received.

Upcoming and Notable Deadlines

• Senate Committee Deadline: Friday, March 13th.
• House Committee Deadline: Friday, March 27th.
• Primary Election: The 2026 Primary Election is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17th.

LEGISLATION OF PARTICULAR INTEREST

IMSCA maintains a fairly robust bill tracking list. As of today, the list has over 250 bills which IMSCA is actively monitoring. While some are being tracked for general awareness, others are of significant importance to IMSCA members. If you have questions about any particular bill, please let us know.

Prevailing Wage Matter (HB 4751 - Hoffman)

As you likely know, IMSCA has initiated and continues 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.

As a reminder, IMSCA and other stakeholders successfully pushed through legislation during the 2025 Fall Veto Session to postpone HB 2488's effective date until July 1, 2026. IMSCA is presently engaged in discussions with stakeholders, staff, and other relevant parties to assess potential support, neutrality, or opposition to the proposed legislation. As these discussions have just started, IMSCA strongly recommends that everyone immediately contact their elected officials and other supportive individuals to express their backing for this legislation. By clicking [HERE], you will be directed to a landing page where you can input your contact information and corresponding address. Based on the address provided, the system will automatically identify your State Representative and State Senator, and a pre-drafted email message will be generated for your submission.

DOCUMENT CRUNCH

ECA Has Renewed for 2026

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.

FREE Safety Training - 2026

CSC is offering a series of complimentary programs!

The Construction Safety Council (CSC) been awarded an OSHA grant to support local delivery of five high-demand training topics:


• Workzone Hazards
• Excavation Dangers
• Harmful Silica
• Fall Protection
• Electrical Safety

Each session includes four hours of in-person instruction, which requires a 4.5 timeline for delivery (e.g., 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.). This Awareness-Level training is available to employers and employees, locally or nationwide. Their trainers are subject matter experts, who will engage participants in interactive lectures, demonstrations, and discussions about construction workplace hazards and risk-prevention strategies.

The ECA is proud to join the CSC in sponsoring these training opportunities. Due to the availability of federal grant funding, all materials and instruction are available AT NO COST. The training is FREE OF CHARGE for all ECA members.


• OPEN ENROLLMENT courses hosted by CSC in Hillside, Illinois – 2026 training dates will be available at www.buildsafe.org after December 15.
• PRIVATE courses hosted by ECA members – at any time, on any day, at any location.

If any questions, please contact the CSC at: (708) 449-8604.


We hope that you will take advantage of the opportunity to participate with these sessions!

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

AllOne Health “Leadership Webinar”

March 24, 2026

The session is free and pre-approved for 1 SHRM credit.


Join AllOne Health’s Leadership Webinar and Earn SHRM HR Credits | AllOne Health®


Organizations are navigating unprecedented levels of change, uncertainty, and interpersonal strain—often reflected in rising burnout, disengagement, and breakdowns in team communication. This educational webinar helps HR professionals and business leaders identify the systemic drivers behind these challenges and apply practical, evidence-based strategies to strengthen team connection, trust, and collaboration. Drawing from leadership development and organizational culture research, the session reframes common workforce “symptoms” as signals leaders can proactively address upstream.

Check out the new AOH App!

IMSCA Lobby Day

March 24, 2026

The 2026 IMSCA Lobby Day is scheduled for Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in Springfield, IL. IMSCA will discuss issues important to the Illinois Construction Industry. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to talk to your legislator(s) about your business needs. Please make your voice heard and attend this important event.

Schedule of Events for March 24, 2026

12:00PM - 1:00PM   LUNCH at IRTA Office

 1:00PM - 2:00PM   LOBBY DAY PRESENTATION at IRTA Office

 2:00PM - 3:00PM   BOARD MEETING at IRTA Office

 3:00PM - 5:00PM   LEGISLATOR APPOINTMENTS at State Capitol Building

 5:00PM - 7:00PM   LEGISLATIVE RECEPTION at Vinegar Hill Mall

We hope that you will be able to join us for Lobby Day. If you are planning to attend, please register using the Google Form linked HERE, or fill out the PDF notice of the event HERE and e-mail back to: emailtosarah@ccepil.com

If you are unable to join us in Springfield on March 24, 2026, we will be offering a virtual attendance option for the Presentation and Board Meeting. If you have any questions about the event, please do not hesitate to contact Daniel Flynn at: dflynn@neilflynnlaw.com.

ECA Providing Bus Transportation to/from IMSCA Lobby Day activities.

Bus departing from 5 Westbrook Corp. Center on 3/24/26.

Schedule being finalized.

Please Join Us in Springfield on March 24th!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

NECA Emerge Conference
April 13 - 15, 2026

NECA EMERGE is back and registration is officially open! After a highly successful debut in 2024, NECA EMERGE returns April 13–15, 2026, in Atlanta, GA, marking the second time this groundbreaking conference will take place. Designed to happen every other year, EMERGE was created to address the evolving ways NECA contractors do business and the response to the inaugural event made one thing clear: this conference fills a critical need! NECA EMERGE brings together multiple industry-favorite meetings into one power-packed, three-day experience.

STIPEND AVAILABILITY

The Executive Committee approved the educational stipends of the Registration fees for up to two representatives and their guest and/or spouse, if applicable, of participating ECA member firms for the NECA Emerge Conference to be held April 13 - 15, 2026 in Atlanta, GA.

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS / REGISTRATION INFORMATION!

- Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago - 
“Christmas in April”
April 25, 2026

Powering Chicago is extending an invitation to you to partner with them in the annual Rebuild Together event. Christmas in April is a day of service that provides minor to moderate electrical repairs in communities that would otherwise go neglected. We are asking our partners to assist this year by providing service vans, trucks, and tools to help assist in making the 2026 campaign a successful Rebuilding Together. This year’s event is scheduled for April 25, 2026. There are two locations where industry representatives are donating their talents: Maywood for the suburban community and the Austin community of the City of Chicago.

Powering Chicago, again, requests your assistance in the donation of your time and resources to make this a truly successful event. This includes service vans equipped with battery tools, foot benders, and ladders. “Thank you” in advance of your help. A link to sign up for service vehicles is now available (below) and on the ECA website. If any questions, please contact Elbert Walters, III at: ewalters@poweringchicago.com for details on how you can help provide a positive impact.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

CLICK HERE for the Contractor Christmas in April Signup.

NECA 2026 Legislative Conference is Open for Registration!

The 2026 NECA Legislative Conference will be taking place on Monday, May 4, 2026 to Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel in Washington, DC. This conference is the premier event for electrical contractors to hear about the top legislative issues affecting the industry and meet the leaders who are working to provide real solutions.

Registration is officially open for the NECA Legislative Conference — the premier event for electrical contractors to hear directly about the legislative issues shaping our industry and to engage with the leaders working to deliver real solutions. Over three impactful days, attendees will participate in high-level interactions with policymakers at the highest levels of government, including members of Congress who will speak directly to conference participants. This conference allows NECA members to advocate on the issues that matter most to contractors!


NECA’s top legislative priorities for 2026 are aimed at:

• Surface Transportation Reauthorization 
• Securing Prosperity Through Tax & Retainage Reform
• Greenlighting Growth with Transmission Permitting Reform

Stipend Availability

The Executive Committee approved the registration fees, transportation and accommodation costs for all attendees of the NECA Legislative Conference to be held May 4 - 6, 2026 in Washington, D.C.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION / REGISTRATION

NECA Safety Professionals Conference

May 18 - 20, 2026

In a rapidly evolving regulatory and risk landscape, safety leaders need more than updates, they need strategy. The 2026 NECA Safety Professionals Conference (NSPC) is designed exclusively for safety experts who are committed to strengthening their company’s safety culture, improving compliance, and driving measurable results in the field. If you’re ready to enhance your company’s safety standards and lead with confidence, NSPC is where you need to be on May 18-20 in Atlanta, GA!



CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS / REGISTRATION INFORMATION!

EDUCATION

ECA Educational and Conference Stipends for 2026

The Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) Executive Committee has approved a number of educational stipends for many special programs / conferences throughout 2026. All stipends / reimbursements are made after each conference with registration confirmation(s) and applicable receipts forwarded to ECA.  

CLICK HERE FOR LISTING

ECA Educational Programming for 2026

The 2026 Education Programming Schedule is confirmed for 2026. Please click the link below for a full listing with links for registration!

CLICK HERE FOR LISTING

"Reasonable Suspicion /

Sexual Harassment Prevention Training Seminar" 
April 23, 2026

Maggiano's Banquets

Oak Brook, IL

The Electrical Contractors’ Association of City of Chicago (ECA) Research and Education Committee is proud to sponsor the Reasonable Suspicion / Sexual Harassment Prevention Training Seminar on Thursday, April 23, 2026 from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm at Maggiano's Banquets, 240 Oakbrook Center - Barbarossa Room in Oak Brook, IL (630) 368-0300.

The session is to be facilitated by Bill Heffernan, Screensafe, Inc.

This seminar fulfills City & State requirement for Annual Sexual Harassment Prevention Training.

This program is complimentary for ECA members!

Registration link is below:

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

"Basic Estimating of Electrical Construction" 
April 27 - 29, 2026

The Electrical Contractors’ Association of City of Chicago (ECA) Research and Education Committee is proud to sponsor the "Basic Estimating of Electrical Construction" seminar on Monday, April 27, 2026 - Wednesday, April 29, 2026 from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm (each day) at the IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (INTECH) at 6201 W. 115th Street, Alsip, IL 60803 - (708) 389-1340. Breakfast & Lunch are to be served. (A Continental Breakfast is to be available at 7:45 am). The session is to be facilitated by Michael Bill, NECA Education.

THE FEE FOR THIS PROGRAM IS $200.00 FOR ECA MEMBERS.

Basic Estimating of Electrical Construction

Small mistakes in an estimate can have a huge impact on your bid’s bottom line and this course provides the tools needed to be both comprehensive and competitive. This course will discuss the process for assembling an estimate including: developing material lists, applying labor unit data, material takeoff and application of direct job costs, overhead, and profit.

Following this course, participants will be able to:

• List types of mistakes found when estimating electrical construction projects and how to avoid them
• Describe the parts of an estimate
• Explain the importance of establishing the true cost for a project
• Develop an estimate to provide job management information
• Discuss how labor units can be used to competitively bid projects
• Explain the difference between a competitive bid and simply a low bid

THIS PROGRAM IS ONLY FOR ECA MEMBERS!

ONLY 3 spots left!

If you're interested in attending the "Basic Estimating of Electrical Construction" seminar, please click on the link below to register or go on-line at the ECA website at: www.ecachicago.com (Event Calendar portion).

Registration is open for "Basic Estimating of Electrical Construction"

Monday, April 27, 2026 - Wednesday, April 29, 2026

8:00 am - 4:00 pm (each day) - Large Multi-purpose Room
IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (INTECH)

6201 W. 115th Street
Alsip, IL 60803
(708) 389-1340

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

DOCUMENT CRUNCH INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR 
May 12, 2026

NECA Chicago members have complimentary access to Document Crunch through the NECA/ELECTRI member benefit. This session will show you how to take advantage of this no-cost resource and put it to work for your team. Join Miah Veselinovic, Partnership Manager at Document Crunch supporting NECA and ELECTRI chapters, for a practical walkthrough of the platform and how contractors are using it in their daily workflow.

During this session, you will:

• See the platform in action through a live demonstration

• Learn how to quickly identify risks, key clauses, and critical requirements

• Understand how contractors use it to protect margins and avoid surprises

• Get step-by-step guidance on signing up and getting started

• Ask questions and connect with the Document Crunch support team

Whether you’re exploring the benefit for the first time or looking to use it more effectively, this session will help you get started with confidence — at no cost and no risk to your business.

We hope to see you there!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

"Crew Level Production Planning and Execution: 
Set Goals and Win" 
May 28, 2026

The Electrical Contractors’ Association of City of Chicago (ECA) Research and Education Committee is proud to sponsor the "Crew level Production Planning and Execution: Set Goals and Win" seminar on Thursday, May 28, 2026 from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm at the IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (INTECH) at 6201 W. 115th Street, Alsip, IL 60803 - (708) 389-1340. Breakfast & Lunch to be served. (A Continental Breakfast to be available at 7:45 am). The session is to be facilitated by Walead Atiyeh, Associate Director, Maxim Consulting Group.


THE FEE FOR THIS PROGRAM IS $100.00 FOR ECA MEMBERS.


Crew Level Production Planning and Execution: Set Goals and Win

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. 


THIS PROGRAM IS ONLY FOR ECA MEMBERS!

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).


Registration is open for:
"Crew Level Production Planning and Execution: Set Goals and Win"

Thursday, May 28, 2026.

8:00 am - 4:00 pm - Large Multi-purpose Room

IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (INTECH)

6201 W. 115th Street in Alsip, IL 60803


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

IMSCA PAC Funding Drive

Your voice matters in Illinois! 

By contributing to the IMSCA Political Action Committee (PAC), you help support candidates and initiatives that align with the values and goals of IMSCA. Any contribution, no matter the level of support, is incredibly helpful. We hope that you will consider a contribution.


Click Here for further information.

Click Here for Legislative Update (3/6/26).

Click Here for Legislative Update (3/20/26).

With Mental Health Awareness Month coming up in May, I wanted to personally share some resources to help you raise awareness, drive engagement, and ensure your team knows about the support available through AllOne Health. We’re here to partner with you every step of the way to make this month meaningful for your organization.

To make it easy, we’ve put together a Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkit you can use right away. It includes:

• A kick-off announcement message + video
• Weekly outreach communications (copy/paste ready)
• Links to resource guides and upcoming webinars
• Clear instructions for use

All materials are on an easy-to-access, easy-to-share landing page, designed to help you highlight mental health support across your organization.

EP 19: Electrical Projects Driving Better Outcomes Across Chicagoland

Episode 19 of The Power of Better brings together highlights from Episodes 14, 16, 17, and 18, offering a comprehensive look at how electrical work is shaping better outcomes across Chicago and Cook County.

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.