EVENTS

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.

2025 Electric Association Awards

Thursday, November 6, 2025

 The Carlisle Banquets

435 E. Butterfield Road, Lombard, IL 60148


Cocktails: 5:30pm, Dinner 6:30pm

Awards Ceremony to follow

Dress is Business Attire.

Please join us to celebrate the

Electric Association Award Recipients...

Gold Medal Award Winner: 
David Rosenstein, Connexion

Hall of Fame Inductions: 
Frank Gurtz, Gurtz Electric Co.

 Michael Mahoney, Chicago Sales Agency

 Andrew F. Ondik, Steiner Electric

If you have not already done so, CLICK HERE TO RSVP by October 28, 2025

If you need to register for this event or cancel for any reason, please do so by October 28. Space is not guaranteed and no refunds will be given after October 28.

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.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.

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 2 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

South Suburban Illinois IAEI Division 
Code Authority Community Opportunity - UL Solutions

The South Suburban Illinois IAEI Division wanted to share an opportunity that was recently passed along by Tom Lichtenstein of UL Solutions, who is also part of the Illinois IAEI State Chapter. He is reaching out to invite the South Suburban Illinois IAEI Division and more importantly, your members to join a growing network of professionals shaping the future of building safety, compliance and innovation: The Code Authority® community.

This initiative is designed to connect authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), inspectors, code officials, tradespeople, educators and industry professionals across the fire, electrical, security and building sectors with valuable resources, peer insights and continuing education opportunities. 

As a member of The Code Authority community, your audience will gain: 

✅ A monthly newsletter with articles, inspection guides, case studies and expert interviews 

✅ Invitations to exclusive webinars, workshops and live events focused on codes, compliance and emerging technologies 

✅ Opportunities for continuing education and professional development 

✅ A platform to share their voice in shaping the standards and practices that guide our industries 

✅ Access to our social communities for networking, collaboration and ongoing dialogue 

To join, simply click the link below for the brief newsletter subscription form. Links to our other platforms are also included on that page, but I’ve listed them individually below as well.

The Code Authority Community | UL Solutions

LinkedIn

Spotify

YouTube

If any questions, please contact Matthew Stolspart, IAEI South Suburban Division President at Email: stolspart@gmail.com.

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

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 17: CHEST Enhances Lung Health and Sustainability with Solar Energy

In Episode 17 of The Power of Better, Powering Chicago highlights the American College of Chest Physicians’ (CHEST) ambitious solar project in Glenview, Illinois.

Hardt Electric and IBEW Local 134 electricians installed 560 solar panels, overcoming roof load restrictions and integrating advanced solar technology. The system now powers one-third of the 48,000-square-foot facility and cuts energy costs by $40,000 annually.

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.

Chicago Build 2025 Expo
October 29 - 30, 2025

The Chicago Build 2025 Expo will be held October 29 - 30, 2025 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Powering Chicago is a sponsor for this event. Jerry McGlynn, ECA Safety Committee Chair, McWilliams Electric Company, Inc., is a panelist scheduled for October 30, 2025. The session, Putting on your Hard Hat: Enhancing Safety Culture in Construction is scheduled for 2:00 pm - 2:50 pm.

From the Expo website: "Hear from 400+ speakers across 13+ conference tracks & AIA workshops including Future of Construction, Architecture, Real Estate, AI & Digital Construction, Sustainability, and much more."

CLICK HERE FOR CHICAGO BUILD EXPO INFORMATION.

The Great Central U.S. ShakeOut - Get Ready!

This year's International ShakeOut Day is October 16, when millions of people worldwide will participate in earthquake drills at work, school, or home! At 10:16 a.m. (local time) on 10/16, you can join more than a million people across the Central U.S. practicing earthquake safety. While we encourage you to participate with everyone, you can register your ShakeOut drill for any day of the year, and drill at a time of your choice. You can also include people in multiple locations through video conferencing.

The Great Central U.S. ShakeOut - Get Ready!

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.