Illinois IBEW Renewable Energy Fund’s 2026 Summer Solar Training Program Graduation Celebration
July 24, 2026 | | |
On Friday, July 24, 2026, the Illinois Renewable Energy Fund (REF) celebrated the completion of their Summer Solar Training Program. This special event was held at the IBEW Local 134 Union Hall at 2722 S. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, Chicago IL 60616. These 81 graduates are also Trainees that will be available for work on August 3, 2026.
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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NECA Compensation Report Survey
Deadline is Friday, July 31!
Dear NECA Members,
Strong decisions rely on strong data—and right now, we need your help to make that happen.
The Officer and Overhead Personnel Compensation Study is one of the most valuable resources NECA provides, offering critical insights into compensation trends across our industry. But its strength depends entirely on member participation. Without a robust set of responses, the data simply can’t reflect the full picture.
The survey is confidential and should take less than 30 minutes to complete. Feedback is due this Friday, July 31, 2026. You can see a past version of this survey HERE.
All NECA-member respondents will receive:
- a complimentary copy of the Officer and Overhead Personnel Compensation Study
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a customized individual Company Compensation Report
If you haven’t yet completed the survey, we encourage you to do so today. Your input directly impacts the quality and value of the results we all rely on.
Learn more by scanning the QR code below or CLICK HERE!
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Electric Association Centennial Celebration
August 13, 2026
Join the Electric Association (EA) on Thursday, August 13, 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm on the Spirit of Chicago at Navy Pier! Celebrate a century of power, progress, and partnership. The Electrical Association’s Centennial Celebration will honor 100 years of innovation and impact in Chicago’s electrical industry. This is more than just a milestone—it’s a chance to celebrate the accomplishments, relationships, and people who have shaped our industry and will continue to drive it forward for the next 100 years. Reconnect with colleagues, make new connections, and share the experience—spouses and guests are encouraged to attend! Dress attire is festive and formal.
REGISTER NOW!
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Electrical Contractors' Association Summer Social
Offshore Rooftop at Navy Pier in Chicago
August 14, 2026
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Join the Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) at the Summer Social at Navy Pier's Offshore Rooftop. See the Chicago Air & Water Show practice from the rooftop! Mark your calendars for Friday, August 14, 2026, as we have a wonderful day planned at the Navy Pier Offshore Rooftop Bar (1000 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611)!
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.
Program highlights include:
- Chicago Air & Water Show practice
- Food, Beverages, & Networking
- Tremendous Views of the City Skyline
All ECA Members are welcome to attend this complimentary event.
*Spouses and guests are welcome to attend!
**Recommended dress attire is business casual / summer attire.
ECA will cover the cost of attendee parking at Navy Pier. Upon arrival, head to the East Parking Garage and choose the self-parking option. We will have validation stickers at the registration desk that you will attach to your parking ticket. When exiting the parking garage you will submit the ticket, with the sticker attached to the middle, into the exit kiosk.
***These validation stickers are good for up to 5 hours.
***East Parking Garage is first come, first serve. If the lot becomes full, please head to the West Garage for additional parking.
We hope to see you there!
CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION.
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ECA Young Professionals 8th Annual Leadership Conference
Thursday, August 20, 2026 - Friday, August 21, 2026
Registration is open for the ECA Young Professionals 8th Annual Leadership Conference! You won't want to miss this event! The Conference is being held at the Kimpton Journeyman Hotel - Milwaukee, WI
Kimpton Journeyman Hotel 310 E Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
The tentative schedule is as follows:
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Rehlko Facility Tour
12:00 PM Departure from Kimpton Journeyman Hotel
1:00– 2:30 PM Tour
3:30 PM Return to Hotel
Join us on a faculty tour that will include an educational session that will cover a high-level view of Rehlko as a business, including their history, product offerings, the different spaces they work in, and future outlook.
3:00 PM Guaranteed Hotel Check-in Time
6:00 – 10:00 PM Reception & Dinner
Friday, August 21, 2026
8:00-9:00 AM Breakfast
9:00-10:00 AM Shane Yount – Chairman, Competitive Solutions, Inc – Process Based Leadership
10:00-11:00 AM Jessica Cardenas – ELECTRI International update and overview
11:00 AM -12:00 PM Carl Britton – Iron Thread Consulting – AI for Project Managers
12:00-12:45 PM Hotel Check-out/Lunch Break
12:45-4:00 PM Continued: Carl Britton – Iron Thread Consulting – AI for Project Managers
When registering, please indicate if you're staying at the hotel, as well as indicate if you're participating in the Rehlko Tour. Even though Registration ended on July 14, 2026...please contact Taylor Kershaw at the ECA office to check on availability. Tkershaw@ecachicago.com (618) 975-0833.
We look forward to seeing you in Milwaukee!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
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NECA Convention Registration is Open!
Mandalay Bay - Las Vegas - October 4 - 7, 2026
Celebrate 125 Years of NECA!
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The NECA Convention & Trade Show is coming to Las Vegas!
Visit www.necaconvention.org for more details and to register.
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.
Registration
Registration is open; please visit www.necaconvention.org to register for the NECA Convention/Accommodations. Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino is located at 3950 South Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV. The regular "in-person" NECA Convention registration fee is $2,300 per NECA member, and $1,460 for the member’s spouse / guest. However, those who register early (cut-off dated August 12) will receive the “early bird” price of $1,925 for members and $1,240 for the member’s spouse / guest.
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
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
After 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.
CLICK HERE 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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