ECA Membership Meeting Highlights
September 9, 2026
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The Electrical Contractors’ Association of City of Chicago’s (ECA’s) September Membership meeting was held on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at Maggiano’s Banquets in Oak Brook, IL. This was a breakfast session that featured a number of industry updates and Committee reports. The program featured Chris Nybo, ECA State Lobbyist, Chris Nybo LLC as the guest speaker.
The ECA also welcomed its newest member firm, 93 Energy! The overall program was highlighted by a special award presentation.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
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"Advanced Estimating Strategies" Seminar
September 21 - 22, 2026
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The Electrical Contractors’ Association of City of Chicago (ECA) Research and Education Committee was proud to have sponsored the "Advanced Estimating Strategies" seminar that was held at the IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (INTECH) in Alsip, IL. The sessions were facilitated by Michael Bill, NECA Education.
The Association thanks all who participated, as well as Michael’s efforts with the program!
CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION
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Strengthen ECA’s Voice in Springfield
Monthly Dues Deduction Reminder /
ECAPAC Voluntary Contributions
We need your assistance!
Over the past two years, ECA members have faced significant legislative threats in Springfield. As we enter an important election cycle, increased political engagement is critical to protecting electrical contractors and ensuring that ECA can advocate effectively before state policymakers.
DUES DEDUCT
Currently, only about one-third of ECA members contribute to the ECAPAC, meaning dozens of member firms are not yet participating. Broader participation would significantly strengthen ECA’s voice in Springfield. Members may authorize up to 2% of their monthly ECA dues payment to be allocated to the ECAPAC. This does not increase the amount of dues owed; it simply directs a portion of the existing dues payment to the PAC. To participate, please click on the link below to complete the authorization form and return it to the ECA office at: ttaylor@ecachicago.com.
Again, contributing to the ECAPAC via the 2% dues deduction is at no cost to the contractor member; the ECA needs the authorization to deduct the 2% amount when the ECA receives the member company’s dues payment.
CLICK HERE FOR FURTHER DETAILS / DUES DEDUCT AUTHORIZATION FORM
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"Prefabrication and Preplanning Construction"
October 15, 2026
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
The Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) Research and Education Committee workshop called, "Prefabrication and Preplanning Construction" is being conducted by Mark Federle, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs for the OPUS College of Engineering at Marquette University, and the program will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2026 from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm. at the IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (INTECH) at 6201 W. 115th Street in Alsip, IL 60803 (708) 389-1340. Breakfast & Lunch are to be served. (A Continental Breakfast is to be available at 7:45 am.)
THE FEE FOR THIS PROGRAM IS $100.00 PER ECA MEMBER.
Prefabrication and Preplanning Construction:
Prefabrication can save an electrical contractor time and money, but what do you prefab? And how do you tackle the preplanning required to even get out of the gate? This program will discuss tactics to aid those at any step of the prefabrication process in optimizing their preplanning and increase their prefabrication efficiency. This program is based on an ELECTRI International research report.
Following this course, participants will be able to:
- Discuss the importance of preplanning
- Identify planning strategies to improve productivity
- Identify activities at each phase of the construction process to preplan
- Utilize the benefits of activities such as prefabrication, lean construction, and building information modeling on preplanning
- Identify tactics that can increase the amount of prefabrication you do
REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED! PLEASE CONTACT THE ECA REGARDING WAIT LIST.
Please contact the ECA with any questions at (708) 531-0022. We look forward to your participation with the program! Thank you for your continued support of Association activities.
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Electric Association - Women Build Industry Build Day
October 16, 2026
On Friday, October 16th in Chicago, Habitat for Humanity Chicago is hosting its first-ever Women Build – Electrical Industry Build Day. This event will bring together women from across our industry for a day of hands-on service, collaboration, and community impact.
The goal is to form seven build teams (approximately 70 participants), and we would love to have your organization represented. This is a fantastic opportunity for the women on your team to:
- Connect with peers across the industry
- Give back through a meaningful community project
- Showcase the strength, skill, and impact of women in electrical
CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION
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NECA 2026 Safety Professionals Institute
Washington D.C. - October 20 - 22, 2026
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Health and safety is a Shared Responsibility, one that depends on safety professionals who are equipped with the right training to prevent accidents, injuries, and fatal incidents on the job. That's why NECA created the Safety Professionals Institute (NSPI): a comprehensive training program designed specifically for safety professionals in electrical contracting.
Learn More
Upon completing the program, attendees will be able to:
- Develop a workplace safety program tailored to their company
- Identify common workplace hazards, with emphasis on those specific to the electrical industry
- Explain safety regulations as defined by OSHA, NEC, and NFPA 70E
- Detail the business case for safety
- Build buy-in from field employees on the importance of safety
Program format:
Prework - Live webinars & on-demand sessions tailored to your focus area (inside or outside work);
Core Program - 3 intensive days covering key safety topics; and
Capstone Project – Attendees will build their own company-specific safety program, reviewed and refined with expert feedback.
A new generation of Safety Professionals: Applications for the NECA Safety Professionals Institute will be processed on a first-come basis and attendance is limited. Registration procedures and application requirements are included in the brochure. If you have any questions about the program, contact institutes@necanet.org
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION / REGISTRATION
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ECA Regular Membership Meeting
October 21, 2026
12:00 pm - 2:30 pm
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:
ECA Membership Meeting
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
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! (If not a NECA member, please use Non Member and Comp Code "NON-MEMBER" ) or give the office a call at: (708) 531-0022.
CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION
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“Understanding NFPA 70B Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance"
October 23, 2026
8:00 am - 10:00 am
Joint Safety Forum
“Understanding NFPA 70B Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance"
Friday, October 23, 2026
8:00 am - 10:00 am
Location:
IBEW-NECA Technical Institute
6201 W. 115th Street
Alsip, IL 60803
(708) 389-1340
Continental Breakfast to be made available by 7:45 am.
On behalf of the Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) and the Northeastern IL Chapter, NECA Safety Committees, a Joint Safety Forum called, "Understanding NFPA 70B Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance" will be held on Friday, October 23, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. at the IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (INTECH). Local #134 IBEW Business Agent, George Mostardini will be the facilitator.
Understanding NFPA 70B Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance:
- Understanding NFPA 70B: Learn what this standard is all about and its core purpose.
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The NFPA Trilogy: Discover how NFPA 70B fits in with the NEC (NFPA 70) and Electrical Safety (NFPA 70E).
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The Importance of a Standard: Understand why NFPA 70B becoming a standard is a significant development for electrical maintenance.
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Who Needs to Comply: Identify the types of facilities and personnel that are required to follow NFPA 70B.
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Key Steps to Compliance: Get an overview of the essential actions for establishing and maintaining an effective Electrical Maintenance Program (EMP) under NFPA 70B.
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Benefits of Adherence: Explore the safety, reliability, and efficiency advantages of complying with NFPA 70B.|
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2026 NFPA 70B Analysis of Changes: Brief overview of the "significant" changes.
If possible, please bring a current copy of the 2026 NFPA 70B if you'd like to follow along with the technical reference portion.
There is no cost to attend this event, but advance registration is required.
You need to use the COMP CODE: ECA MEMBER when registering (ECA MEMBER is all uppercase). You can also visit the ECA website at: www.ecachicago.com (Event Calendar area) and register on-line for this complimentary program.
Please contact the ECA at: (708) 531-0022 with any questions. We look forward to seeing you, there!
CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION
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ECA Educational and Conference Stipends for 2026
The Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) Executive Committee has approved a number of educational stipends for many special programs / conferences throughout 2026. All stipends / reimbursements are made after each conference with registration confirmation(s) and applicable receipts forwarded to ECA.
CLICK HERE FOR LISTING
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ECA Educational Programming for 2026
The 2026 Education Programming Schedule is confirmed for 2026. Please click the link below for a full listing with links for registration!
CLICK HERE FOR LISTING
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CSC Update
For a listing of coursework available through the Construction Safety Council (CSC) for the month of January 2026, please visit www.buildsafe.org.
FREE Safety Training - 2026
CSC is offering a series of complimentary programs!
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Earlier this year, ECA Chicago announced a partnership with the Construction Safety Council in support of our shared commitment to enhancing and preserving the well-being of Local 134 employers and employees. This unique opportunity for contractors and workers to receive safety training expires December 31, 2026. Courses will continue to be offered at no cost - thanks to federal grant funding from the U.S. Labor Department Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
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!
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