LiveWire - November 2024

Industry Events

October Membership Meeting

The Electrical Contractors’ Association of City of Chicago (ECA) held its October Membership Meeting luncheon on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at the IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (INTECH). The guest speaker was Mr. Don Finn, Local Union #134 IBEW Business Manager, who gave an industry update/state of Local 134 address. The session featured many industry updates.

We thank Don for his time at the meeting, as well as INTECH for accommodating the program!

EA Membership Awards

The Electrical Contractors’ Association of City of Chicago (ECA) congratulates two members: Kevin O’Shea, Shamrock Electric Company, Inc., who received the Electrical Association’s Gold Medal Award and Katie Canino, Canino Electric Company, who was designated an Electric Association “Hall of Fame” Award inductee. Both awards acknowledge the hard work and dedication each has given above and beyond to this industry.

Apprentice Graduation Ceremony

The Apprentice Graduation Ceremony was held on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at the IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (INTECH) in Alsip, Illinois. The evening event was facilitated by Gene Kent, INTECH Director, with a special Invocation made by former INTECH Director, the Reverend John Donahue, Ph.D., J.D. Other industry speakers/representatives during the ceremony were Tim Fitzgibbons, Local 134 President, and Bob Fimbianti, ECA President, Linear Electric, Inc. Don Finn, Local 134 Business Manager, congratulated the apprentices / new journey level electricians via a special congratulatory video.

Last week, the Young Professionals of ECA had an unforgettable experience at Halas Hall for their 2024 fall event. Attendees had the unique opportunity to test their athletic ability through multiple running, catching, and kicking drills, making for a fun and competitive evening. The atmosphere was filled with great energy, and everyone enjoyed spending quality time with one another.

Managing Work in Progress

The ECA Research and Education Committee was proud to sponsor the seminar Managing Work in Progress (formerly "Cracking the WIP—Driving Predictable Cost Predictions"). The morning program was held on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at the IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (INTECH) in Alsip, IL. David Morton of Maxim Consulting Group facilitated the session.

Focus Four Hazards in Electrical Construction

A Joint Safety Forum was hosted by the Safety Committee's of the Electrical Contractors’ Association of City of Chicago (ECA) and the Northeastern Illinois Chapter of NECA , as well as by PowerForward DuPage. The morning Forum was held on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at the IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (INTECH) in Alsip, IL.

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Upcoming Events

NECA Premier Partners Program

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

8:00 am - 5:00 am

Hyatt Lodge Hotel (2815 Jorie Blvd., Oak Brook, IL 60523)

The Electrical Contractors’ Association of City of Chicago (ECA) Research and Education Committee is pleased to present a unique complimentary program. The "NECA Premier Partners Program" will feature five (5) seminars and a special networking session. The sessions are to be facilitated by area / national representatives of five (5) NECA Premier Partners.

Program content:

8:00 am - 9:15 am

Federated Insurance:

"Insurance Claims & Coverages You have insurance, but are you covered?

9:30 am - 10:45 am

Graybar:

“Helping Contractors Win More EVSE Projects and Making Them More Profitable”

11:00 am - 12:15 pm

Day & Night Solar:

“Latest in the Solar Industry”

12:15 pm - 1:00 pm

Lunch

1:00 pm - 2:15 pm

Milwaukee Tool:

“Embracing Technology in the Ever-Changing Electrical Industry”

2:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Reception / Networking

When registering, please indicate which session(s) / activity(ies) you will be attending. We hope that you will stay for the Networking Session at the conclusion of the final seminar! Find out how NECA's Premier Partners can benefit your firm!

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Education

"Foundational Components for Equity / LGBTQ+ Inclusion / Allyship in the Workplace."

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

10:00 am - 11:30 am

Maggiano's Banquets (240 Oakbrook Ctr. Oak Brook, IL 60523)

Presentation facilitated by Center on Halsted

Aster Gilbert, Manager of Training and Public Education

Participants will learn how to build a more inclusive workplace and the connections to company policies and hiring practices - suggestions for HR forms/checklist of best practices; this training can be customized to work with your organization’s DEI goals and policies. Writing company policies, hiring practices, HR forms, etc., with the LGBTQ+ 101 & Allyship portion of the presentation being used as an introduction / educational piece to those topics.

This program is complimentary for ECA members!

Culture of Collaboration Workshop

Transforming Our Industry Together: Introducing the DEI Program for ECA of Chicago

We're embarking on an 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