LiveWire - March 2025

Industry Events

ECA February Membership Meeting

The Electrical Contractors’ Association of City of Chicago (ECA) held its February Membership Meeting on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. The breakfast session was held at Maggiano's Banquets in Oak Brook, IL. 


The program featured industry updates and a guest presentation by Jef Fagan, NECA SVP Labor Relations & Risk Management. His presentation topics included: Incentive pay, per diem vs. bonuses, proper payment requirements, among other areas. We thank Jef for his time with the presentation, as well as facilitating the extensive Q & A portion.


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Electric Golf Club Dinner Dance

February 22, 2025


The Electric Golf Club Dinner Dance was held on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at the Westin Chicago Northwest in Itasca, IL. The event was highlighted by a special Awards Ceremony for Scholarship winners from the Electric Association (EA) and affiliated scholarship programs, as well as the awarding of the JP Simons Award to Steven Witz, Four Gen Holdings, Inc. and Continental Electrical Construction Company. 


CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE. 


NECA Future Leaders Conference

February 19 - 21, 2025


The NECA Future Leaders Conference was held on February 19 – 21, 2025 at the Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center in Nashville, TN. The program was moderated by Aaron Kelley, Director of Government Affairs, Penn-Del-Jersey Chapter, NECA and introduced by Lt. General Ronald Bailey. 15 members were able to participate with the program.


CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE.

Upcoming Events

ECA Regular Membership Meeting


Wednesday, March 19, 2025

12:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Mastro's Steakhouse - Chicago, IL 


Please join us for the ECA Regular Membership Meeting.

This luncheon event is scheduled as follows:


ECA Membership Meeting

Wednesday, March 19, 2025


Mastro's Steakhouse

520 N .Dearborn Street

Chicago, IL 60654

(312) 521-5100


12:00 pm: Registration / Networking

12:30 am: Lunch  

1:15 pm:  Business Session / Guest Speaker

2:30 pm: Concludes

 

This program will feature industry updates and a guest presentation by Marlene Hopkins, Commissioner, City of Chicago Department of Buildings.


You can register on the ECA website/link below or give the office a call at: (708) 531-0022.


CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

The Women in NECA Conference is dedicated to empowering women in the electrical construction industry. Designed as a space for connection, growth, and inspiration, this conference provides unparalleled peer-to-peer networking opportunities for women navigating a traditionally male-dominated field. This event will take place on April 6-7 in Hollywood, FL at the beautiful Diplomat Beach Resort!


WAITLIST Available, as WIN Conference has met capacity.


CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

NECA Now offers a dynamic platform for leadership and personal development. Attendees can explore a diverse range of current topics including recruitment, culture, change management, mentoring and more. This event will take place on April 7-9 in Hollywood, FL at the beautiful Diplomat Beach Resort!


CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Education

2025 ECA Research and Education Committee Update


The 2025 Education Programming Schedule is confirmed for 2025. Please click the link below for a full listing with links for registration!


CLICK HERE FOR LISTING

ECA Educational / Conference Stipends for 2025

 

The Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) Executive Committee has approved a number of educational stipends for many special programs / conferences throughout 2025. All stipends / reimbursements are made after each conference with registration confirmation(s) and applicable receipts forwarded to ECA.  


CLICK HERE FOR LISTING

"Labor Cost - Convert Your Biggest Risk to Your Biggest Advantage."


Thursday, March 13, 2025

8:00 am - 4:00 pm 

Presented by Shaabini Alford, Maxim Consulting Group

IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (INTECH) - 6201 W. 115th Street, Alsip, IL.


Case studies demonstrate common myths of field productivity due to a fundamental misunderstanding of what productivity really is. Case studies provide step by step illustration for participants to simply and clearly define productivity and production. Case studies illustrate methodologies for measuring and managing jobsite productivity for sustainable, breakthrough performance gains. Following this course, participants will be able to:



  • Define and appropriately measure productivity
  • Define and understand the mechanics of production
  • Understand blind spots existing project management approaches have to productivity improvement and what to do about it
  • Gain an introductory understanding, based on case studies, of how to measure cost of lost production and how to implement effective improvement routines


REGISTER NOW.

"Bridging Safety Standards: How the New NFPA 70B Standard Enhances Compliance with NFPA 70E"


Tuesday, March 18, 2025

8:00 am – 12:00 pm

Presented by Kyle Krueger, NECA Codes & Standards Director

IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (INTECH) - 6201 W. 115th Street, Alsip, IL. 


This training session highlights the vital connection between the newly elevated NFPA 70B: Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance and NFPA 70E: Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, focusing on how these two standards work in tandem to foster safer work environments. Electrical equipment maintenance is often a significant contributor to electrical hazards and incidents. The updated NFPA 70B provides a comprehensive framework to help employers and employees understand the pivotal role proper equipment maintenance plays in achieving compliance with NFPA 70E. Attendees will gain insights on how to assess maintenance conditions and implementing effective maintenance programs, as outlined in NFPA 70B, can substantially mitigate electrical hazards such as arc flash and electric shock. By combining expert guidance, practical applications, and actionable strategies, this seminar will demonstrate how proactive maintenance, integrated with robust safety protocols, enhances workplace safety, equipment reliability, and overall operational efficiency for your customers.


REGISTER NOW

69th Annual Paddy's Day Luncheon

Friday, March 14, 2025



Chicago Hilton and Towers

THE INTERNATIONAL BALLROOM

720 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago IL


Don't Miss:

Big Shillelagh 2025 David Witz

Shannon Rovers

Door Prize Drawing

Francis P. Cummins Award Presentation

2026 Big Shillelagh Announcement


The Paddy's Day Lunch is THE opportunity to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with hundreds of colleagues in the electrical industry of Chicago.



CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION.


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

SAVE THE DATES!

ECA 53rd Annual Spring Conference

The Grand Geneva Resort & Spa

Wednesday, June 4, 2025 - Thursday, June 5, 2025


Click Here for Registration Information!

Safety Update

CSC Update



For a listing of coursework available through the Construction Safety Council (CSC) for the month of January 2025, please visit www.buildsafe.org.

Register Here

Get ready for the annual Construction Expo & Safety Conference on March 3-4, 2025 at the Drury Lane Conference Center in Oakbrook Terrace. 


This two-day event features 24 safety training sessions, a business-to-business tradeshow on March 4, a Keynote Speaker, and unparalleled opportunities to connect with fellow industry professionals. 

Applications Open + New Criteria for 2025

 

Join NECA’s elite Recognition of Safety Achievement Program and showcase your excellence in safety and health. Apply by March 7, 2025.


CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.


NECA Safety Professionals Conference


The NECA Safety Professionals Conference (NSPC) is the premier event for safety leaders in the electrical industry!

 

Join NECA on May 19-21 at the IOWA Events Center in Des Moines, IA, for three dynamic days filled with powerful keynotes, expert-led breakout sessions, and cutting-edge safety solutions tailored for electrical professionals.


CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION.


Industry Statistics

Stay on top of monthly data for our industry: number of contractors active, quantity of people employed, and total hours worked.


PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW STATISTICS

ECA Calendar

March


March 13, 2025

"Labor Cost- Convert Your Biggest Risk to Your Biggest Advantage"

INTECH - Alsip, IL

8:00 am - 12:00 pm



March 18, 2025

Bridging Safety Standards: How the New NFPA 70B Standard Enhances Compliance with NFPA 70E

INTECH - Alsip, IL

8:00 am - 12:00 pm


March


March 19, 2025

ECA Regular Membership Meeting

Mastro's Steakhouse - Chicago, IL

12:00 pm - 2:30 pm


April


April 16, 2025

ECA Regular Membership Meeting

Truluck's Steakhouse- Rosemont, IL

12:00 pm - 2:30 pm



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