ECA Industry Update

Please be aware that a new Powering Chicago commercial has been placed during the Final Four on Saturday, April 5, 2025. The commercial will air at the 7:21 pm break, as of right now.

EIT Wage and Fringe Bond Notification (letter excerpt - 3/17/25)


Per the notice from ECA sent on May 24, 2023, all Local #134 signatory contractors were notified of the new Wage and Fringe Bond requirements and forms effective June 5, 2023, for the above Agreements as adopted by the Joint Arbitration Board. Many contractors have already provided Local #134 and the Electrical Insurance Trustees with the required bonds on the new forms. However, there are still a significant number of wage and fringe bonds that need to be updated. All Local #134 signatory contractors are required to be compliant with the new bond forms for all agreements to which they are signatory. Continuation certificates will not be accepted because a new bond form is required.  A contractor can use their existing agent or if assistance is needed, we are including a list of some agents that are familiar with the EIT/134 bond language. This is for informational purposes only and not meant to be an endorsement of any agent.   If you have not updated the bonds, please address this immediately to avoid the bonds being non-compliant. (the latest acceptable time will be your next renewal date).  The new Bond Forms are available within the Employer Portal on the "Bond Forms" tab via the EIT website (https://fundoffice.org), or at Wage and Fringe Bond Form.


CLICK HERE FOR FULL LETTER FROM EIT

Powering Together: NECA Book is live, Value survey & more!


The digital edition of the NECA Book is now available at NECAnet.org/NECAbook and is optimized for your phone/tablet.

Why it matters: This digital edition offers NECA members and chapters easy access to essential contact information and resources.

  • It ensures you have the most up-to-date information from the NECA database.
  • Note: Make sure you're logged into the NECA website to access the digital edition.

Go deeper: To get the most out of the NECA Book online, visit here for information on updates, new features and tips.

EVENTS

NECA Convention & Trade Show

September 12 - 15, 2025


The NECA Convention & Trade Show will soon be in Chicago!

Special Chapter activities are being planned!

Registration begins the week of May 19, 2025!

NECA LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE (2) image

The 2025 NECA National Legislative Conference is now open for registration! This is the premier conference 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 now open!

Local Union #134 IBEW Helping Hand Fund – Fundraiser

May 10, 2025

2 pm - 7 pm

115 Bourbon Street

3359 West 115th Street

Merrionette Park, IL 60803


The fund was created to aid members of Local Union #134 IBEW who are in need of assistance. Through all of the generous donations that the Helping Hand Fund has received, over 500 Local Union #134 IBEW members have received various forms of assistance.  Join the Helping Hand Fund by assisting with this upcoming Fundraiser. 


There will be food, beer, wine & pop, as well as a 50/50 "Split-the-Pot" raffle and a $1,000 Door Prize! Tickets are $40 in advance. For updates & ticket information, please contact (312) 474-4151 or visit the website at:  www.helpinghand134.org.

NECA Project Excellence Awards Application Process


The 2025 NECA Project Excellence Awards applications are officially open! This is your chance to showcase the innovation, expertise, and dedication that went into your 2024 projects! Winning this prestigious award means national recognition, industry prestige, and the chance to inspire the next generation of electrical contractors!


APPLY NOW!

E2E Summit

June 16, 2025 – June 18, 2025, Indianapolis, IN


E2E Summit is a unique and intimate event that offers executive-to-executive meetings tailored to meet the specific needs of your company.


Learn More

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.

NECA Joins the Intersociety Forum in Advancing Core Principles for Occupational Safety


The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) is proud to announce its participation in the Intersociety Forum (ISF), a coalition of leading organizations dedicated to safeguarding worker safety and health. As part of this coalition, NECA urges the prioritization of modern occupational environmental, health, and safety (EHS) practices, reinforcing the critical role that workplace safety plays in driving economic growth and business success.


CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION.

EDUCATION

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

NII 2025 Recruiting

The NECA Innovation Institute is actively building its 2024 – 2025 cohorts. Please refer to the attached information, program highlights, and interest form. We’re launching two cohorts in 2024 and would love to include your rising leaders in the mix.  

 

The program's annual cost is $6,000

 

Please reach out to innovation@necanet.org with any questions. 


CLICK HERE for Updated Innovation Institute Information (1/17/25).

 

NII Nomination Form and Brochure

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.

NECA This Week

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 >>

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


NECA Alert: (2/20/24)


NECA This Week (3/31/25)

NECA Government Affairs


Please click the link for a recent update from NECA Government Affairs. 


NECA Government Affairs 3/7/25 Update.

 

If you have any questions regarding the update, please reach out to NECA Government Affairs at: (202) 449-8418 

ELECTRI Updates


Big news! Registration is officially open for the ELECTRI Summer Council Meeting, happening July 14–16, 2025, at the iconic Fairmont Royal York in Toronto!

 

 

Event Details

Dates: July 14–16, 2025

Location: Fairmont Royal York, Toronto

Registration Fee: $250 per adult (including guests)

Registration Link:  Register here

 

 

Secure your spot now! Once registered, don’t forget to visit the "Complete Your Payment" tab to finalize your payment. Make sure you're logged into the website to complete the process!  You must register to receive the hotel reservation link.

 

Important Travel Reminders

 

🔹 Passports Required: All travelers to Canada must have a valid passport that does not expire within six months of your trip. If you need to apply for or renew your passport, you can do so here

 

🔹 Check Your Eligibility: Canada has specific entry requirements. Under Canada’simmigration law, if you have committed or been convicted of a crime (including some minor crimes such as DUI), you may not be allowed into Canada. Please review the official travel requirements here to ensure a smooth trip.

 

Toronto is calling, and this is one meeting you won’t want to miss! Get registered today and get ready for an unforgettable summer with ELECTRI!


March Webinars: Productivity and IT Structure -

In case you missed our March webinars here is your chance to watch them!

Council Room Session: Best Practices to Drive Productivity

It & Coffee: IT Structure by Company Size


Registration Opens for Summer Council Meeting Soon!

On April 1st, we will open registration for our Summer ELECTRI Council Meeting, taking place in Toronto from July 14–16. Please note that all attendees must have a valid passport that does not expire within six months of the trip. A link to Canada’s travel restrictions will be available on the event page—be sure to review it in advance. As a reminder, the registration fee is $250 per adult.


New ELECTRI Report - Megaprojects and Labor Market Impacts

ELECTRI International has released Megaprojects Impact on Labor Markets, a timely research report examining how billion-dollar construction projects are reshaping the electrical industry. The report provides key insights and practical recommendations on managing labor challenges, maintaining market share, understanding workforce dynamics, and preparing for the demands of large-scale projects. Two executive summary guides, one for NECA contractors and one for Owners, are included to support informed planning and coordination, with significant findings and corresponding recommendations highlighted. Reviewing this report and its supplements will help contractors and the industry better navigate the complexities of today’s megaproject environment.


ELECTRI is pleased to remind you to share two newer research reports that offer valuable insights and strategies to support your businesses:

 

1.Addressing a Changing Trade Workforce: Strategies for Electrical Contractors This new ELECTRI research provides valuable insights and actionable strategies to help contractors navigate workforce challenges, adapt to evolving industry dynamics, and empower the next generation of electricians. Be sure to explore this resource and discover innovative solutions to strengthen your workforce and drive your business forward. Access the full research report here.

 

2.Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the Electrical Construction Industry

This cutting-edge report explores how AI technologies can enhance productivity, streamline operations, and create new opportunities for electrical contractors. Dive into this forward-thinking research to discover how your company can leverage AI to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive industry.

Empower Your Contractors with AI Insights – This report provides practical AI use cases tailored for electrical contractors, helping them automate tasks, improve efficiency, and stay competitive.

Address Workforce & Business Challenges – AI can help streamline back-office operations, enhance job site safety, and optimize contract management—all critical pain points for contractors.

This is more than research—it’s a roadmap to the future!

 

Example case study of where AI can be used as a tool within contract management


 Access the full report here.



New! ELECTRI’s AI Tool List

Looking to streamline your operations? ELECTRI has compiled a comprehensive AI Tool List to help contractors integrate AI tools for greater efficiency.

View the AI Tool List

 

Chatbot Now Available on ELECTRI Website

Don’t forget to explore ELECTRI’s new website chatbot, now available on ELECTRI.org, to quickly find information within this report and other recent research. It’s a helpful tool for locating insights, recommendations, and supporting materials with just a few prompts. This can be found on the lower right hand of the website.



IMPORTANT REMINDER:


ELECTRI International and American Apprenticeships Work have partnered to offer a national Project Management Apprenticeship program! The NECA/ELECTRI Project Management Apprenticeship provides aspiring electrical project managers with the technical expertise, leadership abilities, and business acumen needed to work on large-scale electrical projects successfully. Click Here for more information.


ELECTRI appreciates your assistance with this research. If you have any questions about the research, please contact Amanda Harbison, ELECTRI’s Director of Research, at Amanda@electri.org.


 

ELECTRI International Quick Links

 

ELECTRI Meetings         ELECTRI Research        Business Coaching       

Council Room Sessions        Research Engagement Hub       PM Apprenticeship Program  

ConTech & Coffee/IT & Coffee       Think Like A Leader     AI Toolkit

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.

SAVE THE DATES

April


April 6 - 7, 2025

Women in NECA (WIN)

Diplomat Hotel

Fort Lauderdale, FL





April 7 - 9, 2025

NECA Now

Diplomat Hotel

Fort Lauderdale, FL

April


April 16, 2025

ECA Regular Membership Meeting

Truluck's Steakhouse - Rosemont, IL

Luncheon session

Registration at 12:00 pm

Lunch: 12:30 pm



April 26, 2025

Rebuild Together Metro Chicago

"Christmas in April"

Timing TBD

ecachicago.com
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