Crain's Chicago – Quick Take

Brian Karlow – Gurtz Electric Co. Highlighted

Congratulations to ECA member, Brian Karlow, President, Gurtz Electric Co., as he is highlighted in December 15, 2025’s Crain's Chicago Business "Quick Take" article / video, "How Power Reliability Drives Chicago’s Economy.” 

Gurtz Electric's Brian Karlow discussed why uninterrupted power drives Chicago’s most vital industries.

Please CLICK HERE for Crain's Chicago Business.

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!

ECA EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING FOR 2026

The ECA Research and Education Committee has six programs already scheduled with registration availability. Three additional programs are pending. Please review and register, soon!

February 19

“Leadership for the Field and Office”

8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Presented by Mark Federle, Marquette University

INTECH – 6201 W. 115^th Street - Alsip, IL  

REGISTRATION IS CLOSED!
Please contact ECA in regard to a Waitlist.

March 26

“Effective Client Communication”

8:00 am - 12:00 pm

By David Ashcraft, Advantage Learning Systems

Maggiano’s Banquets – Oak Brook, IL

April 2

"AI in Electrical Construction"

8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Presented by Carl Britton, Iron Thread Consulting

INTECH – 6201 W. 115^th Street - Alsip, IL  

April 23
"Reasonable Suspicion / Sexual Harassment Prevention"
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Presented by Bill Heffernan, ScreenSafe, Inc.
Maggiano’s Banquets – Oak Brook, IL

April 27 - 29

“Basic Estimating of Electrical Construction”

8:00 am - 4:00 pm (all three dates)

Presented by Michael Bill, NECA Education

INTECH – 6201 W. 115^th Street - Alsip, IL 

May 28

“Crew Level Production and Execution: Set Goals and Win"

8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Presented by Walead Atiyeh

INTECH – 6201 W. 115^th Street - Alsip, IL  

September 21 – September 22 (2-day Seminar)

“Advanced Estimating Strategies”

8:00 am - 4:00 pm (both dates)

Presented by Michael Bill, NECA Education

INTECH – 6201 W. 115^th Street - Alsip, IL  

October 15 

“Prefabrication and Preplanning Construction”

8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Presented by Mark Federle, Marquette University

INTECH – 6201 W. 115^th Street - Alsip, IL 

November 12

“Managing Work in Progress”

8:00 am – 12:00 pm

Facilitated by Doug Reitz, Maxim Consulting Group

Maggiano’s Banquets – Oak Brook, IL

ECA President’s Party & Holiday Celebration

December 6, 2025

The ECA held its ECA President’s Party & Holiday Celebration on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at Morgan Manufacturing in Chicago. Over 130 registered for this event!  


Click Here for a link to candid photos from the event!

Click Here for brief video highlights!

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE.

-End of 2025 Highlight - NECA Chicago Convention
Pre-Convention through Closing Celebration Videos

The NECA Convention & Trade Show was held in Chicago on September 12 - 15, 2025. The Chapter had over 90 registrants for the Convention, along with numerous Trade Show only attendees. This was the largest NECA Convention with over 10,000 registrants. The Chapter had numerous activities.

CLICK HERE FOR THE HIGHLIGHT VIDEOS

Highlights of the local and national program can be found by CLICKING HERE.

Illinois General Assembly Update
Bills Taking Effect in 2026

Please click the link below on the Bills that come effective in 2016.

BILLS TAKING EFFECT IN 2026.

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

IAEI South Suburban Division Monthly Meeting
January 15, 2026

The next IAEI South Suburban Division Monthly Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 15, 2026, beginning at 6:00 PM, and is to be held at:

IBEW NECA Technical Institute (IN Tech)

6201 West 115th Street

Alsip, IL 60803

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be available upon request when signing in.

Presentation: NFPA 915 Remote Inspection and Testing

Presenter: George Mostardini, Local #134, IBEW

This presentation provides a comprehensive overview of NFPA 915, the Standard for Remote Inspection and Testing, and its growing role in modern inspection and compliance practices. NFPA 915 establishes a framework for when and how remote technologies, such as video inspection, sensor data, system monitoring, and digital documentation, may be used to supplement or, where permitted, replace traditional on site inspections and testing.

The session will focus on how NFPA 915 affects Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), electrical inspectors, contractors, and installers, including the responsibilities, limitations, and safeguards required to ensure safety, reliability, and code compliance. Emphasis will be placed on understanding what NFPA 915 allows, what it does not allow, and how it may be referenced or adopted alongside existing inspection and enforcement procedures.

Key Topics Include:

• Purpose, scope, and intent of NFPA 915

• Conditions under which remote inspections and testing may be permitted

• Roles and responsibilities of AHJs and installers

• Methods for verifying installation compliance using remote technologies

• Limitations, risks, and safety considerations associated with remote inspections

• Relationship of NFPA 915 to NFPA 70 NEC, NFPA 70B, and other adopted standards

• Practical use cases and real world applications

• Considerations for local adoption, policy development, and enforcement

Upcoming Meetings and Events 2025 2026 Agenda

• February 27th: IBEW Local 134 Codes and Standards Committee Educational Seminar

Ryan Jackson, 8 Hour 2026 NEC Analysis of Changes

• March 19th: VoltServer, Fault Managed Power Systems FMPS, Emerging Technologies for Power Distribution

• April 16th: Joe Pavia, NFPA 70B Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance

• May 21st: Manufacturing Day, Energy Management Systems EMS and Power Control Systems PCS equipment demonstration with Eaton

Stay connected through the IAEI South Suburban Division Facebook page for updates, resources, and event information. Thank you for your continued commitment to electrical safety, education, and code compliance.

The IAEI looks forward to seeing you at the meeting. If you have any questions, please contact:

Matthew Stolspart,

IAEI South Suburban Division President

Email: stolspart@gmail.com

ECA Membership Meeting

Thursday, January 22, 2026

The event is being held on Thursday, January 22, 2026

(in conjunction with the EA Annual Conference).

Drury Lane Conference Center 100 Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace, IL (630) 530-8300

Please join us for the ECA Regular Membership Meeting.

This luncheon event is scheduled as follows:

ECA Membership Meeting

Thursday, January 22, 2026

Drury Lane Conference Center - Crystal Room

100 Drury Lane

Oakbrook Terrace, IL

(630) 530-8300

Registration / Networking: 11:30 am

Lunch begins: 12:00 pm

Business Session: 12:30 pm

Event Concludes: 1:30 pm

The times above are approximate as full agenda of EA Conference is being finalized.

This luncheon program is being held in conjunction with the Electric Association's Annual Conference on Thursday, January 22, 2026. The ECA Membership meeting will feature industry updates and a guest presentation by Brian Witt, Rivet VP of Revenue and Gary Fuchs, Sr., Rivet Workforce Management Advisor, called "Work -- Partnerships & Special Projects." Their presentation is a Labor Operations Master Class.

We look forward to seeing you, there!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.

Electric Association Conference and Tradeshow

Thursday, January 22, 2026

Drury Lane Conference Center, Oakbrook Terrace, IL

Join us as we once again welcome all segments of the electrical construction industry of Chicagoland.

Conference Hours:

Thursday, January 16, 9:00 am - 5:30 pm

Tradeshow Hours:

Thursday, January 16, 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Educational Sessions: Earn up to 8 PDHs!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER as an Attendee

Don't miss this opportunity to gain code, industry, and product knowledge, earn up to 8 PDHs, and expand your network. Register today!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER an Exhibitor Booth

Exhibitor Booths still available!

Don't miss this in-person tradeshow opportunity to meet engineers, contractors, inspectors and other decision makers of the industry.

Register today!

ECA Membership Meeting

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Please join us for the ECA Regular Membership Meeting.

This luncheon event is scheduled as follows:

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

University Club of Chicago

76 E. Monroe Street

Michigan / Monroe Room - Second Floor

Chicago, IL 60603

(312) 726-2840

12:00 pm: Registration / Networking

12:30 am: Lunch  

1:15 pm:  Business Session / Guest Speaker

2:30 pm: Concludes

Complimentary Valet Parking available.

This program will feature industry updates and a guest presentation by Jerry Lewis, 1901 Project.

1901 Project - Vision

A transformative $7 billion private investment on Chicago’s West Side celebrating Chicago’s unique spirit. Spearheaded by the Reinsdorf and Wirtz families, The 1901 Project will transform the West Side with a jolt of new development, bridging neighborhoods and enhancing opportunities for residents, businesses and all of Chicago.


Commitment

The 1901 Project is a long-term, multi-phased development inspired by Chicago’s motto “Urbs in Horto” (City in a Garden).

• Vibrant Neighborhood & Landscape
• Collaborative & Inclusive Programming
• Economic Opportunity


Tapping into 55+ Acres of Private Assets to Bridge Neighborhoods and Create Opportunity

The vision features 25 acres of parks and open space, including a more than 10-acre elevated urban design strategy. The public park aims to establish new open space that connects the community to nature, furthering the legacy of iconic public spaces throughout the city and includes a walking path that will celebrate the West Side and Chicago’s rich history of sports and music.

• 32K Construction Jobs (2K in Phase 1)
• 7K Operational Jobs
• 30% MBE/8% WBE Opportunities

(Excerpts from 1901 Project website)

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

Click below for Registration:

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Electric Golf Club Dinner Dance

 Saturday, February 21, 2026

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 Johnny Lyons and the Pride

CLICK HERE TO RSVP for the EGC Dinner Dance by February 21, 2026

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.

Hotel rooms available at this link.

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 $250.

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 18, 2026.

If you have any questions, please contact Ali Novinger at anovinger@eachicago.org.

The 2026 National Electrical Code (NEC) Is Here — 
Are You Ready?

Free Educational Seminar

The 2026 National Electrical Code (NFPA 70®) has been released just recently, and it will directly impact how electrical systems are designed, installed, inspected, and enforced. Staying current is critical, this seminar prepares you before adoption begins. The IBEW Local 134 Codes & Standards Committee invites you to attend a Free, In-Person Educational Seminar led by Ryan Jackson, a nationally recognized electrical industry leader and National Electrical Code expert. This full-day seminar provides clear, practical guidance on what changed in the 2026 NEC, why it changed, and how it affects real-world electrical work, including inspections, plan review, and installations.

Event Details:

Date: February 27, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Doors Open: 7:00 AM for check-in

Location: IBEW-NECA Technical Institute

6201 W 115th Street, Alsip, IL 60803

Cost: FREE — Registration is REQUIRED to attend

REGISTER NOW – REQUIRED FOR ENTRY


👉 CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

⚠️ This event is free, but advance registration is mandatory. Walk-ins will not be permitted without registration.


CEUs will be provided. Light breakfast, lunch, and refreshments will be available throughout the day. Ample parking is available, and check-in will be located inside the main entrance.

Don’t wait until the 2026 NEC is enforced to learn the changes.

Get informed. Get ahead. Get registered.


If any questions, please contact: 

Matthew Stolspart, Business Representative

IBEW Local 134

mstolspart@local134.org

CLICK HERE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Midwestern Region Conference

March 10 - 13, 2026

Join us in paradise for NECA's Midwestern Region Conference at the Hilton Waikoloa Village in Hawaii on March 10 -13, 2026. This unforgettable event is your chance to network with industry leaders, learn from top experts, and gain insights from inspiring speakers—all while enjoying the beauty of Hawaii!

We are delighted to announce that activities options are now available for the Midwestern Region Conference! 

Here is a link to their events page: Midwestern Region Conference Activities

To edit your registration, log into NECAnet.org, click on your name on the top right and go to My Profile. On the left hand side, you will see “My Registrations” and select the event you want to edit/update. You will be able to add activities from here. 

Please do not hesitate to contact Emily Palm Associate Director, Meetings, Events & Convention at 202-991-6277 with any questions.

CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION.

EDUCATION

"Effective Client Communication" Seminar

Thursday, March 26, 2026

The Electrical Contractors’ Association of City of Chicago (ECA) Research and Education Committee is proud to sponsor the "Effective Client Communication" seminar on Thursday, March 26, 2026 from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm at Maggiano's Banquets - 240 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, IL - Barbarossa Room) (630) 368-0300. (Breakfast to be available at 7:45 am). The session is to be facilitated by David Ashcraft, Advantage Learning Systems.

Effective Client Communication

Multiple factors influence effective client communications including self-awareness, self-improvement, social awareness and relationship management. In this session, you will learn how to attract, build and maintain long lasting client relations. Better communication skills lead to more client trust, faster decisions and more referrals. This class will benefit those with 1 or 20 plus years of experience.



Following this course, participants will be able to:

• Explain how to build stronger rapport and trust (and maintain it)
• Discuss ideas to connect with clients faster
• Ask better questions to uncover client priorities (Hot Buttons) and their pet peeves.
• Identify techniques that improve listening skills (You can’t ask great questions if you aren’t listening)
• Identify distracting appearance and auditory behaviors and how to reduce them
• List tips to illustrate ideas and improve collaborative communication
• Analyze characteristics of a poor listener
• Explain how to interpret nonverbal responses 

Registration is open for "Effective Client Communication"
Thursday, March 26, 2026
8:00 am - 12:00 pm

Maggiano's Banquets 
Oak Brook, IL

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

"AI in Electrical Construction"

Thursday, April 2, 2026

The Electrical Contractors’ Association of City of Chicago (ECA) Research and Education Committee is proud to sponsor the "AI in Electrical Construction" seminar on Thursday, April 2, 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 Carl Britton, Iron Thread Consulting.

The all-day seminar will cover the following:

Build Automated Systems That Work

This is a hands-on build session. You will not sit and watch slides. You will leave with working AI tools in your business. In this nearly 4-hour portion of the overall workshop, you will:

• Build a custom ChatGPT GPT in under 10 minutes for real daily tasks.
• Set up a Clade Project to act as your digital job trainer for documents, specs, ad workflows.
• Connect your tools with Zapier to automate admin, reporting, and handoffs.

 

AI in the Trades: PM & PE

If your PM or PE is buried in paperwork, chasing down RFIs, or stuck in tedious scope reviews, it’s time to work smarter, not harder. In this nearly 4-hour portion of the overall workshop, you’ll learn how to use AI tools to streamline your workflow, reduce errors, improve communication, and save time across every phase of a project. No fluff. No jargon. Just practical tools and skills you can use tomorrow morning.

What You’ll Learn:

• AI Demystified: Understand what AI actually is (and isn’t), with clear examples tailored to construction roles. No buzzwords. Just real-world relevance.
• Prompt Engineering 101: Learn how to “talk to AI” to get precisely what you need—from schedule drafts to polished client emails.
• Scope & Contract Review with AI: Use AI to identify risks, vague language, and conflicting terms in contracts, scopes, and specs—saving hours of review time.
• Job-Ready AI Tools: Build your toolkit: Intro into ChatGPT, Claude, Notion AI, Excel AI, and more. Learn which ones to use, how to use them, and when to trust them.
• Hands-On Scenarios: Practice solving common PM challenges using AI. From submittals to schedule updates, you’ll leave with repeatable workflows that work in the field and the office.

Start using AI to reduce stress, save time, and level up your efficiency without needing to become a tech expert.

Registration is open for "AI in Construction"
Thursday, April 2, 2026
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
INTECH

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

"Reasonable Suspicion /

Sexual Harassment Prevention Training Seminar" (4/23/26)

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

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.

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

Click Here for recent Update.

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 18: Inside the Electrical Setup of the NECA Convention

In Episode 18 of The Power of Better, Powering Chicago takes viewers inside the McCormick Place West to see how IBEW Local 134 electricians and member contractors brought the 2025 NECA Convention to life.

Over four days, more than 100 electricians installed lighting, truss motors, and sound systems in a 100,000-square-foot exhibit space for nearly 400 exhibitors with precision and pride.

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.