ECA News & Events Update

ECA Student Chapter Update

2025 Electrical Contracting Innovation Challenge (ECIC) 

ECA Member Special Presentation


As you are aware, the NECA - IIT Student Chapter is excited to participate in the 2025 Electrical Contracting Innovation Challenge (ECIC) sponsored by NECA and ELECTRI International. The students would like to thank Jack Smith, Sr. Division Manager at Kelso-Burnett Co. for his special Revit presentation on Thursday, March 6, 2025 during the Student Chapter session.  


CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

NECA 2025 Association Executives Institute (AEI)


The NECA Association Executives Institute (AEI) is an educational meeting of national and chapter NECA staff in the city where the NECA Convention will be held.  Mark Thomas, ECA Executive Vice President lead the assembly with the "Pledge of Allegiance" and gave a “Welcome Address. ” He showed a brief "Welcome to Chicago!" video highlighting the City – the great work that our members do, the great restaurants, attractions, nightlife, etc. Mr. Thomas also participated with two panels: “Chapter Executive as a Leader” and the “NECA Adopt-A-School Initiative” (Chicago Hope Academy) as moderator. Tim Taylor, ECA Assistant Manager assisted with a “Best Chapter/Member Service Practices” panel.


CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE.


EVENTS

ECA Regular Membership Meeting

Wednesday, March 19, 2025


ECA Membership Meeting

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Mastro's Steakhouse

520 N .Dearborn Street

Chicago, IL 60654 (312) 521-5100


12:00 pm: Registration / Networking

12:30 am: Lunch  

1:15 pm:  Business Session / Guest Speaker

2:30 pm: Concludes

Complimentary Valet Parking


This program will feature industry updates and a guest presentation by Marlene Hopkins, Commissioner, City of Chicago Department of Buildings.


CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION

69th Annual Paddy's Day Luncheon

Friday, March 14, 2025



Chicago Hilton and Towers

THE INTERNATIONAL BALLROOM

720 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago IL


Don't Miss:

Big Shillelagh 2025 David Witz

Shannon Rovers

Door Prize Drawing

Francis P. Cummins Award Presentation

2026 Big Shillelagh Announcement


The Paddy's Day Lunch is THE opportunity to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with hundreds of colleagues in the electrical industry of Chicago.



CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION.

City of Chicago Department of Procurement Services (DPS)

Construction Summit 2025 - March 27, 2025


Join the City of Chicago Department of Procurement Services (DPS) and a host of partners on Thursday, March 27 as they explore construction opportunities from key City infrastructure departments that are building Chicago’s future. The Summit is the ultimate gathering of construction enthusiasts that will feature an immersive agenda with interactive panel discussions, networking, and keynote presentations, offering businesses a must-attend opportunity to hear about upcoming projects.


Business owners can network in person with top government representatives from across the construction value chain who will be showcasing some of the latest projects, innovations, and opportunities driving improvement in our 77 neighborhoods. You will be able to gain a deeper understanding of the City’s construction sector to set up your business for future investments while finding new growth opportunities.



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

EDUCATION

"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.

"Bridging Safety Standards: How the New NFPA 70B Standard Enhances Compliance with NFPA 70E"


Tuesday, March 18, 2025

8:00 am – 12:00 pm

Presented by Kyle Krueger, NECA Codes & Standards Director

IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (INTECH) - 6201 W. 115th Street, Alsip, IL. 


This training session highlights the vital connection between the newly elevated NFPA 70B: Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance and NFPA 70E: Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, focusing on how these two standards work in tandem to foster safer work environments. Electrical equipment maintenance is often a significant contributor to electrical hazards and incidents. The updated NFPA 70B provides a comprehensive framework to help employers and employees understand the pivotal role proper equipment maintenance plays in achieving compliance with NFPA 70E. Attendees will gain insights on how to assess maintenance conditions and implementing effective maintenance programs, as outlined in NFPA 70B, can substantially mitigate electrical hazards such as arc flash and electric shock. By combining expert guidance, practical applications, and actionable strategies, this seminar will demonstrate how proactive maintenance, integrated with robust safety protocols, enhances workplace safety, equipment reliability, and overall operational efficiency for your customers.


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

Industry Partners

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



Have you wondered how Document Crunch works and how it can benefit your company? Join us on Thursday, March 6th, at 12:00 PM CT for Document Crunch Office Hours, where we’ll answer these questions and more!


Register Here!

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)


Beginning January 1, 2025, Employees Resource Systems, Inc. (ERS) will be doing business under the name, “AllOne Health.” While it is simply a name change, it also represents the commitment to improve the customer experience and innovate services to best meet your needs. Further updates will soon be available.  In the meantime, please click here to review an updated promotional flyer that features the new logo.      


Updated ERS

Promotional Toolkit: https://allonehealth.com/toolkit-ers/ for easier access to flyers, Insights Newsletters and much more.


How to Register for a Drug Screening


2024 Core Service Flyer

In preparation for Mental Health Awareness Month this May, AllOne Health created a collection of new Mental Health Awareness Resource Guides you can build into your outreach and communication efforts:

 

  • How to Support a Loved OneSupporting a loved one through mental health challenges can feel overwhelming, and this guide offers practical steps to help you navigate the process.
  • Mental Health for EveryoneTo build mental health awareness, this resource provides an overview of why mental health matters and when to seek support.
  • Mental Health in the WorkplaceThis guide provides actionable steps for organizational leaders to promote mental health, communicate effectively, and foster a supportive work environment.
  • Mental Health Signs and SymptomsEvery diagnosis has its own symptoms, but this guide features the most common signs and symptoms to be aware of.
  • What is Resiliency?In mental health resiliency, there are strategic ways to improve your ability to bounce back from challenges. This guide offers a closer look at the four primary areas of defense and specific steps to improve resilience.

 

Seeking Support

Remember, if you or any of your team members are working through mental health challenges, our team is here to support. Our confidential counseling services and resources are available to provide guidance, support, and encouragement whenever it’s needed.

 

Thank you for partnering with AllOne Health in promoting mental health awareness and well-being. In addition to these new resources, your monthly Insights newsletter & HubResource Librarymonthly webinars, the AllOne Health Blog, and your member portal offer a full collection of topical articles and shareable content that can be accessed anytime. If you are looking for specific information or want to discuss other opportunities to align the EAP support services with your internal initiatives, please reach out and I’d be happy to discuss.

  

P.S. Follow on LinkedIn to stay updated on mental health insights throughout the year.


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

IMSCA Update

CLICK HERE for 11/21/24 Legislative Update.


Illinois General Assembly Update


CLICK HERE for Illinois Bills taking effect in 2025.

IMSCA Lobby Day

May 6, 2025


The Illinois Mechanical Specialty Contractors Association (IMSCA) will be hosting its 2025 Lobby Day on May 6, 2025. Registration closes on April 25, 2025.  


The session will feature the following:

12:00 pm to 1:00 pm -- Lunch (IRTA Office) – Illinois Retired Teachers’ Association

1:00 pm to 2:00 pm -- Lobby Day Presentation (IRTA Office)

2:00 pm to 3:00 pm -- Board Meeting (IRTA Office)

3:00 pm to 5:00 pm -- Legislator Appointments (State Capitol and Stratton Building)

5:00 pm to 7:00 pm -- Legislative Reception (Vinegar Hill Mall


You can submit your registration in one of two ways:

Option 1: Please feel free to complete this form; or

Option 2: Please feel free to complete this fillable PDF and email it to sarah@ccepil.com.


If you have any questions regarding 2025 Lobby Day, please do not hesitate to contact IMSCA at: (217) 523-4361. 


We hope that you will be able to participate.

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

CSC Safety Update


The Construction Safety Council offers it Quarterly update called, "Workplace Stretching for Construction Workers" by Herbert Post, Tradesafe publication / Robert Lahey, Chicagoland Construction Safety Council.


CLICK HERE for the New Report.


A FREE half-day training program informs workers about hazards associated with trenching and excavation operations. www.buildsafe.org. CLICK HERE for the flyer. Contact the CSC at: (708) 449-8604 for details.

NECA Safety


Throughout this monthly series, the NECA Risk Management Executive Directors of Safety will discuss specific topics within electrical construction safety


OH&S Webinar: The State of Electrical Safety


NECA SAFETY ROUNDUP!

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.


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

March


March 13, 2025

Labor Cost - Convert Your Biggest Risk To Your Biggest Advantage

INTECH - Alsip, IL

8:00 am - 12:00 pm


March 18, 2025

Bridging Safety Standards: How the New NFPA 70B Standard Enhances Compliance with NFPA 70E

INTECH - Alsip, IL

8:00 am - 12:00 pm

March


March 19, 2025

ECA Regular Membership Meeting

Mastro's - Chicago, IL

Luncheon session

Registration at 12:00 pm

Lunch: 12:30 pm



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