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LiveWire - September 2026
| | Maron Electric Company Celebrates 100 Years! | |
Electrical Contractors’ Association of City of Chicago (ECA) member, Maron Electric Company, celebrated 100 years in business at a gala event held on Saturday, August 22, 2026 at the Sanfilippo Estate in Barrington, IL.
Maron’s 100th Anniversary Party was 1920’s era-themed. Guests were invited to tour the Palace de la Musique, enjoyed a silent film and a special presentation / film highlighting the decades of progress of Maron Electric Company. The celebration continued in the Eden Palais Building.
Congratulations to Eric Nixon (pictured above welcoming all to the dinner) and Maron Electric Company on this prestigious milestone in the industry!
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
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Electrical Contractors' Association Summer Social
Offshore Rooftop at Navy Pier in Chicago
August 14, 2026
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The Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) held its Summer Social at Navy Pier's Offshore Rooftop on August 14, 2026. The event had 110 registrants! Attendees were able to view the Chicago Air & Water Show practice from the rooftop! Located at the far East end of Chicago’s Navy Pier, Offshore Rooftop offers unencumbered views of Lake Michigan and the city’s famed skyline not found anywhere else. Celebrated as the world’s largest rooftop (source: Guinness World Records), this stunning, multi-seasonal space also boasts a world-class kitchen and full-service bar. We thank all that were able to attend.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
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Electric Association Centennial Celebration
August 13, 2026
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The Electric Association (EA) is celebrating a century! On Thursday, August 13, 2026, the EA held its Centennial Celebration on the Spirit of Chicago at Navy Pier. Attendees celebrated a century of power, progress, and partnership. The Electrical Association’s Centennial Celebration honored 100 years of innovation and impact in Chicago’s electrical industry. This was more than just a milestone—it was a chance to celebrate the accomplishments, relationships, and people who have helped shape this industry and will continue to drive it forward for the next 100 years. Guests were able to reconnect with colleagues, make new connections, and share the experience.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
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ECA Young Professionals 8th Annual Leadership Conference
Thursday, August 20, 2026 - Friday, August 21, 2026
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The ECA Young Professionals 8th Annual Leadership Conference was held August 20 - 21, at the Kimpton Journeyman Hotel in Milwaukee, WI. Over 30 attendees were able to participate.
The Conference began with a tour of the Rehlko Facility. Conference presenters included:
Seth Davies, Executive Vice President of Competitive Solutions, Inc. – “Process Based Leadership;” Jessica Cardenas – ELECTRI International update and overview; and Carl Britton – Iron Thread Consulting – “AI for Project Managers.”
CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION
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| Smart Tech Lab and Lighting, Automation,
and Cybersecurity Lab Open House
August 6, 2026 | | |
The Electrical Contractors’ Association of City of Chicago (ECA) has been working with Illinois Tech, formerly, Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), since 2007 when the NECA -Illinois Tech (IIT) Student Chapter was formed. Since 2016, the Illinois Tech Smart Tech Lab has been the home for the NECA-Illinois Tech (IIT) Student Chapter sessions. The Smart Tech Lab has been expanded: the Lighting, Automation, and Cybersecurity Lab along with several adjacent display and storage rooms opened with an Open House event on August 6, 2026. Many companies have contributed money, tools, displays, and equipment. The Open House event recognized the efforts of Gurtz Electric Co. for funding key components of the new lab. Frank Gurtz, Gurtz Electric Co. received a special recognition award.
CLICK HERE 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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"Advanced Estimating Strategies"
September 21 - 22, 2026
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
The Electrical Contractors’ Association of City of Chicago (ECA) Research and Education Committee is proud to sponsor the "Advanced Estimating Strategies" seminar on Monday, September 21, 2026 - Tuesday, September 22, 2026 from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm (each day) at the IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (INTECH) at 6201 W. 115th Street, Alsip, IL 60803 - (708) 389-1340. Breakfast & Lunch are to be served. (A Continental Breakfast is to be available at 7:45 am). The session is to be facilitated by Michael Bill, NECA Education.
THE FEE FOR THIS PROGRAM IS $200.00 FOR ECA MEMBERS.
Advanced Estimating Strategies:
Developed to discuss all phases of the estimating process, this course covers all phases of preparing a competitive bid. Key topics include identifying desirable bid opportunities, analyzing the company's capabilities to insure profitable results, the estimator’s role at various stages of the project, writing an effective scope letter and identifying often hidden costs in the bid documents.
Following this course, participants will be able to:
- Discuss the steps necessary to prepare a competitive bid
- Identify the most desirable bid opportunities
- Describe how a company’s capabilities can be analyzed to insure profits
- Discuss cash flow and bonding
- Discuss relevant contract terms
- Identify price adjustment techniques, overhead, and profit
- List the documents required to estimate a construction project
THIS PROGRAM IS ONLY FOR ECA MEMBERS!
If you're interested in attending the "Advanced Estimating Strategies" seminar, please click on the link below to register or go on-line at the ECA website at: www.ecachicago.com (Event Calendar portion).
Registration is open for "Advanced Estimating Strategies"
Monday, September 21, 2026 - Tuesday, September 22, 2026
8:00 am - 4:00 pm (each day)
INTECH
Alsip, IL
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
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NECA Convention
Mandalay Bay - Las Vegas - October 4 - 7, 2026
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The NECA Convention & Trade Show is coming to Las Vegas!
Visit www.necaconvention.org for more details.
Convention Stipend
The ECA Executive Committee approved the stipend of the Registration Fee for up to two representatives and their guests from each ECA member firm that registers for the Convention. The registrations will be reimbursed to the applicable companies after the Convention.
The Chicago Chapter Hotel is the Four Seasons Mandalay Bay.
Chicago Chapter Events
For those Chapter members that attend the NECA Convention, the Chicago and Cook County Chapter functions are listed below.
Saturday, October 3, 2026
“Welcome to Las Vegas” Event
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Reception (cocktails and heavy hors de oeuvres)
Four Seasons Mandalay Bay
Upper Deck-Pool area
Monday, October 5, 2026
Chapter Reception / Dinner
7:00 pm start: Reception / Dinner
House of Blues Mandalay Bay
Vinyl Room Lower Lounge and Terrace (entrance adjacent to Mandalay Bay Front Desk)
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Congratulations / Recogntion of:
Ken Bauwens, Jamerson & Bauwens Electrical Contractors, Inc.,
Induction into the Academy of Electrical Contracting – and
Mark Thomas, ECA Executive Vice President on his upcoming retirement.
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Hazel Coffee & Cocktails area – Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino
(Just off of the main Mandalay Bay elevators)
Wednesday October 7, 2026
Pre-Closing Event Reception
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Reception (cocktails and heavy hors de oeuvres)
Four Seasons Mandalay Bay
Fountain Terrace
If you have registered, please e-mail a copy of your completed registration transaction to the Association office at registration@ecachicago.com. This will allow us to have a record of your registration information, should you need any assistance after registering.
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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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