Powering Chicago Experts Lead Crain’s Webcast on Staying Compliant with Emerging Electrical Systems and Technologies

Powering Chicago partnered proudly with Crain's Chicago Business for its webcast, "Keeping Current: How to Stay Compliant in Maintaining Existing and New Electrical Technologies” on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. During the webcast, our expert panelists and Powering Chicago members discussed the latest updates to NFPA 70 and the shift of NFPA 70B into an active standard for preventative maintenance. These changes are pivotal in shaping the future of electrical systems and ensuring the safety and efficiency of buildings and infrastructure.

The panelists included ECA members & Local 134 representatives:

Dave Chorley, President, Continental Electrical Construction Company 

Bill Cullen, Vice President, Sharlen Electric Company

Jerry McGlynn, VP of Field Operations & Safety, McWilliams Electric Company, Inc. 

George Mostardini, Business Representative, IBEW Local 134

Gary Shamasko, VP of Solutions, Jamerson & Bauwens Electrical Contractors, Inc. 

Matt Stolspart, Business Representative, IBEW Local 134 

The discussion highlighted how these updates improve the safety, reliability, and efficiency of electrical systems while ensuring that electricians and contractors are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills. By staying compliant with these evolving standards, we can continue to build safer, more sustainable, and energy-efficient infrastructure. Powering Chicago is excited to have contributed to this important discussion and looks forward to continuing our efforts to shape the future of the electrical industry. Watch the Full Webcast to learn more about how these updates can impact your projects and ensure compliance with the latest standards. 

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

EVENTS

Reasonable Suspicion/Sexual Harassment

Prevention Training Seminar

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

8:00 am - 12:00 pm

Maggiano's Banquets (240 Oakbrook Ctr. Oak Brook, IL 60523)

Presentation facilitated by Bill Heffernan, Screensafe, Inc.

Participants will learn signs and symptoms of drug and alcohol misuse and abuse, the importance of objective and factual documentation, strategies and approaches to successful interventions and procedures and protocols regarding reasonable suspicion testing. The presentations are to include discussion of the Illinois Workplace Transparency Act concerning employer obligations for Sexual Harassment Prevention Training and Reasonable Suspicion implementation.

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

This program is complimentary for ECA members!

REGISTER NOW

ECA Regular Membership Meeting

Wednesday, February 12, 2025 - Breakfast Session!

Maggiano's Banquets - 240 Oakbrook Ctr. - Oak Brook, IL 60523

Please join us for the ECA Regular Membership Meeting.

This Breakfast event is scheduled as follows:

ECA Membership Meeting

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Maggiano's Banquets

240 Oakbrook Ctr.

Oak Brook, IL 60523

(630) 368-0300

8:00 am: Registration / Networking

8:30 am: Breakfast / Business Session / Guest Speaker

10:00 am: Event Concludes

This program will feature industry updates and a guest presentation by Jef Fagan, NECA SVP Labor Relations & Risk Management.

Topics to include: Incentive pay, per diem vs. bonuses, proper payment requirements, among other areas.

We do hope that you'll join us for this opportunity to meet and network with your peers in the industry!

You can register on the ECA website/link below or give the office a call at: (708) 531-0022.

Click below for Registration:

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

CEAEF Scholarship Applications will be accepted through January 27, 2025.

All employees of Electric Association Members and their descendants are eligible for these scholarships. Thanksgiving break is a great time to apply for scholarships!

The Chicagoland Electric Association Education Foundation is pleased to share the application period for the following seven academic scholarships:

• Electric Association Scholarship ($2500)
• NEW! Women in Industry Scholarship ($2500)
• The Kinander Family Scholarship ($2500)
• The Steiner Kerman Education Foundation Scholarship ($2500)
• The Joseph J. Archibald Jr. Memorial Scholarship ($2500)
• The Rosenstein Family Scholarship ($2500)
• The Anixter Family Scholarships (2 @ $2500)

Download the criteria and application to submit by January 22, 2025.

Electric Association members and their lineal descendants are eligible to apply. Please carefully review the scholarship criteria for complete details, deadlines, and a check list of items to be included in each application.

If you have any questions regarding the scholarship program please email: anovinger@eachicago.org.

Chicagoland Electric Association Education Foundation

630-305-3050| E-mail | Website

CLICK HERE FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS

Electric Golf Club Dinner Dance

 Saturday, February 22, 2025

The Westin Chicago Northwest

400 Park Blvd, Itasca, IL 60143

Cocktails: 6:00pm, Dinner 7:00pm

Awards Ceremony

Auction Open 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

LIVE MUSIC from Jonny Lyons and the Pride 

CLICK HERE TO RSVP for the EGC Dinner Dance by February 22, 2025

Complete tables purchased by a company will have their Company's name displayed on the table. Tables 10, 11, and 12 Seats can be accommodated. Seats of less than 10 will be open seating.

AUCTION ITEMS NEEDED!

Support the CEAEF Scholarship Program and Electric Association Education Programs!

This year's auction will accessible on a mobile app for easy bidding at the Dinner Dance. Each donation item/package must carry a minimum value of $200.

Each donor will be recognized for their contribution with a sign displayed in front of their donation at the auction. They will also be recognized on the bidding app and after the event in promotions.

If you would like to make a donation, please complete the linked donation form here. All donations need to be mailed or dropped off at the EA office by February 16, 2024.

Contact Ali Novinger at anovinger@eachicago.org with any questions.

CISCO is accepting applications for its long-standing Annual Scholarship Awards Program. Applications form are available by clicking on one of the three types of scholarship awards below.

CISCO’s three (3) scholarship program categories are:

– Three (3) four-year scholarships ($2,000/year) for High School seniors to support college-bound children of construction building trade Union members and employees of Union contractors, or to children of non-bargaining unit employees of a Union contractor affiliated with CISCO. DOWNLOAD APPLICATION HERE

– Two (2) two-year awards ($1,000/year) for High School seniors planning on attending a community college or pursuing an Associates Degree. Must be a child of a construction building trade Union member and employee of Union contractors, or a child of a non-bargaining unit employee of a Union contractor affiliated with CISCO. DOWNLOAD APPLICATION HERE

– Two (2) two-year continuing education awards ($1,000/year) to support CISCO members who are enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at a community college or a 4-year accredited college or university who are working in the Union building construction trades or are employees of a CISCO contractor. DOWNLOAD APPLICATION HERE

CISCO 2025 Annual Meeting

Friday, January 31, 2025

8:00 am - Registration / Breakfast

9:00 am - Program

Harry Caray's at the Westin

70 Yorktown Shopping Ct.

Lombard, IL

Registration is FREE / RSVP, early.

Register by e-mailing Julia Mulvey at julia@cisco.org using Subject Line: "RSVP for Pride in Construction Awards" or call (630) 472-9411 with names of attendees.

CLICK HERE for a detailed informational flyer and registration form.

Get your tickets NOW for CISCO’s Jan. 31 Annual Meeting, where CISCO will celebrate their 2024 Project of the Year winners and honor Union construction!

Learn more about the construction project winners here.

Sponsorships are also available. Registration/Breakfast at 8 a.m. with Program at 9 a.m.

EDUCATION

"Managing the Lifeblood of Contracting - Cash Flow"

Thursday, February 13, 2025

8:00 am – 12:00 pm

Presented by Shaabini Alford, Maxim Consulting Group

Maggiano’s Banquets - Oak Brook, IL 

Cash flow is one of the most important issues facing contractors today. As the market continues to stay strong, companies are faced with starting new projects, hiring staff, and investing in assets to support the business. More companies go bankrupt due to cash flow issues than due to profitability. Many things can and should be done to improve cash management practices. We will explore a range of tools and techniques, from simple to complex, that allow firms to manage and control cash flow. Examples include contractual negotiation strategies, pricing and bidding practices, development of cost and resource-loaded schedules that tie to billing activities in the schedule of values, use of 12-week cash flow forecasts, project closeout procedures, and managing the billings and collection cycle. An interactive cash flow simulation provides hands-on experience that enhances the learning outcomes.

REGISTER NOW

"Labor Cost - Convert Your Biggest Risk To Your Biggest Advantage."

Thursday, March 13, 2025

8:00 am - 12:00 pm 

Presented by Shaabini Alford, Maxim Consulting Group

IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (INTECH)

6201 W. 115th Street, Alsip, IL.

Case studies demonstrate common myths of field productivity due to a fundamental misunderstanding of what productivity really is. Case studies provide step by step illustration for participants to simply and clearly define productivity and production. Case studies illustrate methodologies for measuring and managing jobsite productivity for sustainable, breakthrough performance gains.

Following this course, participants will be able to:

• Define and appropriately measure productivity
• Define and understand the mechanics of production
• Understand blind spots existing project management approaches have to productivity improvement and what to do about it
• Gain an introductory understanding, based on case studies, of how to measure cost of lost production and how to implement effective improvement routines

REGISTER NOW.

Culture of Collaboration Workshop

Transforming Our Industry Together: Introducing the DEI Program for ECA of Chicago

We're embarking on an 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

Please click below for a DOS Alert from January 21, 2025

DPS ALERT (1/21/25)

The Independent Alliance for the Electrical Industry (IAEI) is excited to invite you to an exclusive, free, in-person electrical educational seminar designed to equip professionals like you with essential updates and insights for 2025. Organized by the IBEW Local 134 Codes and Standards Committee and Powering Chicago, this event also serves as the IAEI Illinois Chapter Winter Meeting.

Event Details

• Date: February 28th, 2025
• Duration: 8-hour comprehensive training session
• CEUs: Continuing Education Units will be awarded to all attendees

CLICK HERE FOR BACKGROUND INFORMATION

CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION / EVENT DETAILS

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



EP 13: An Icon Reinvented: Inside Abt Electronics’ Renewable Revolution

Since opening its doors in 1933, the iconic, family-owned Abt Electronics campus has evolved into a one-million-square-foot testament to innovation in Glenview, Illinois. Today, this historic retailer has transformed its storied grounds into a beacon of clean energy — one that will continue to harness renewable resources, deliver cleaner power, and generate thousands of megawatt-hours of electricity for generations to come.

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

Get ready for the annual Construction Expo & Safety Conference on March 3-4, 2025 at the Drury Lane Conference Center in Oakbrook Terrace. Registration is now open, with a $100 DISCOUNT available on purchases of the All-Access Pass until January 31. 

This two-day event features 24 safety training sessions, a business-to-business tradeshow on March 4, a Keynote Speaker, and unparalleled opportunities to connect with fellow industry professionals. 

REGISTER HERE

OSHA New Arch Flash Information (December 2024)

Click the link below to the ECA website for member's only content - "Safety News and Resources" / "NECA / ECA Safety Resources" for a brief introduction regarding the new OSHA Arc Flash information, as well as new OSHA publications concerning Arc Flash.

CLICK HERE FOR LINK FOR NEW OSHA ARC FLASH INFORMATION / NEW OSHA ARC FLASH PUBLICATIONS.

You can also access this member only content directly through the ECA website by visiting the Industry Resources section - then NECA Safety Resources. Either way, you will need your username and password to visit the area(s).

Applications Open + New Criteria for 2025

Join NECA’s elite Recognition of Safety Achievement Program and showcase your excellence in safety and health. Apply by March 7, 2025. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE 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.