ECA October Membership Meeting

The Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) held its October Membership meeting on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at the IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (INTECH). The luncheon session featured a number of industry updates and was highlighted by a presentation by Mr. Don Finn, Local Union #134 IBEW Business Manager. Also, the session was open to all signatory contractors, and each attendee received a tool apron, with a pink Powering Chicago logo, in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

We thank Don for his assistance with the meeting!

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Pictured above from left to right are:

Gene Kent, INTECH Director,

Don Finn Business Manager / Financial Secretary - Local Union #134 IBEW,

Erin Keane, EIT Administrator and

Bob Fimbianti, ECA President, LInear Electric, Inc.

Meeting with City of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson

Several members of the Electrical Contractors’ Association of City of Chicago (ECA) were able to meet with City of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. The session was held on Monday, October 23, 2023 in the Mayor’s Office. Bob Fimbianti, ECA President, Linear Electric, Inc., Rick Jamerson, NECA Governor, Jamerson & Bauwens Electrical Contractors, Inc., Eric Nixon, LMCC Chair, Maron Electric Company, and Kendra Dinkins, ECA Research and Education Committee Chair, Taylor Electric Company were among those in attendance. Topics discussed included the Apprenticeship process, as well as pre-apprenticeship / Trainee opportunities for residents of Chicago and outreach for training, overall activity at INTECH, workforce diversity, environmental and financial benefits for solar work being done in the City, mentoring of subcontractors, the highlighting of unique projects completed by signatory contractors, efforts of Powering Chicago, MBE / WBE program compliance, among other areas. The ECA wishes to continue support of the new administration and future constructive dialog to better the industry. 

Pictured above from left to right are:

Rick Jamerson, NECA Governor, Jamerson & Bauwens Electrical Contractors, Inc.,

Mark Thomas, ECA Executive Vice President, Bob Fimbianti, ECA President, Linear Electric, Inc.,

City of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Kendra Dinkins, Taylor Electric Company,

Eric Nixon, Maron Electric Company and Tim Taylor, ECA Assistant Manager.

The 2023 McWilliams Electric Co. Special Olympics Construction Team Picnic

On September 16, 2023, McWilliams Electric Company hosted their annual Construction Team Picnic to benefit Special Olympics athletes. This heartwarming event was hosted by IN-Tech and raised over $20,500, with passionate volunteers, generous sponsors, and joyful athletes coming together in a spirit of compassion.

Click on the video below to see some of the highlights from the event!

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ECA/NECA Joint Safety Forum

The Electrical Contractors’ Association of City of Chicago (ECA) Safety Committee, along with the Northeastern Illinois Chapter, NECA Safety Committee, was proud to sponsor two programs, "NFPA 70B: Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance" - 2 hours, and “NFPA 70E: Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace" - 4-hour Refresher. 

The seminars were held on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at the IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (INTECH) in Alsip, Illinois. The Safety Forum had over 50 registrants. Derek Vigstol, e-Hazard, facilitated both presentations (summaries below). Adam Meza, National Safety Apparel, made a brief presentation between the sessions. We thank both presenters for their time with the Safety Forum! We thank INTECH for the use of the facility!

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Pictured from right to left from the Joint Safety Committees (and presenter) are:

Deborah Erbach, Continental Electrical Construction Company,

Jerry McGlynn, ECA Safety Committee Chair, McWilliams Electric Company, Inc.,

Terry Carr, Connelly Electric,

John Coppe, Jamerson & Bauwens Electrical Contractors, Inc.,

Pete Simkus, Connelly Electric,

Derek Vigstol, e-Hazard, and

Tony Sage, Taylor Electric Company.

2023 AHA Chicago Hard Hats with Heart

On October 12, 2023, the Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA) participated in the 2023 American Heart Association Hard Hats with Heart. It was an amazing night where construction industry leaders came together to help raise funds for AHA to spread the importance of living a healthy lifestyle and finding cures for heart disease and stroke.

American Heart Association:

The six cardiologists who founded the American Heart Association in 1924 would be amazed.

From humble beginnings, the AHA has grown into the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. A shared focus on cardiovascular health unites our more than 35 million volunteers and supporters, as well as our more than 2,900 employees. Learn more about our lifesaving history.

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer worldwide, and stroke ranks second globally. Even when those conditions don’t result in death, they cause disability and diminish quality of life. We want to see a world free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

Electric Association Membership Awards

The Electric Association Membership Awards Dinner was held on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at the Carlisle Distinct Banquets in Lombard, IL. The Electric Association Awards program recognizes leadership and excellence in the Chicagoland Electrical Industry. Congratulations to two ECA members who were selected:  Richard Jamerson, Jamerson & Bauwens Electrical Contractors, Inc. (Gold Medal Award), and Jerry McGlynn, McWilliams Electric Company, Inc. (Hall of Fame inductee).

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Pictured above from left to right are:

Rick Jamerson, Jamerson & Bauwens Electrical Contractors, Inc. and

Jerry McGlynn, McWilliams Electric Company, Inc.

Young Professionals of ECA: Oktoberfest

October 26, 2023

The Young Professionals of ECA (Electrical Contractors' Association) had a fantastic time on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at BuckleDown Brewing in Lyons, IL. 

Doors opened at 5:30 p.m., kicking off the event as members tried various beers, seltzers, and ciders. In addition to BuckleDown's 15 beers on tap, attendees had the opportunity to network with industry peers as they enjoyed a traditional Oktoberfest meal before the brewing process began.

Thank you to the BuckleDown Staff and all who attended! 

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ECA Regular Membership Meeting - November 8, 2023

Nick Espinosa, Security Fanatics

Please join us for the ECA Regular Membership Meeting. The luncheon program will feature industry updates and a guest presentation from Nick Espinosa of Security Fanatics.

This luncheon event is scheduled as follows:

ECA Membership Meeting

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Maggiano's Banquets

240 Oakbrook Ctr.

Oak Brook, IL 60523

(630) 368-0300

Registration / Networking: 12:00 pm

Lunch: 12:30 pm

Business Session: 1:15 pm

Event Concludes: 2:00 pm

The Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) November Membership Meeting is to be held on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at Maggiano's Banquets in Oak Brook, IL. The ECA is proud to announce that the guest speaker is Nick Espinosa, Chief Security Fanatic, Security Fanatics. His presentation is called "The 5 Laws of Cyber Security!" We hope you'll join us for this opportunity to meet and network with your peers in the industry! You can register on the ECA website link or call the office at: (708) 531-0022.

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Nick Espinosa

Security Fanatics

President's Party & Holiday Celebration

ECA Chicago is pleased to announce the 2023 Presidents Party & Holiday Celebration will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at the Union League Club of Chicago.

Saturday, December 2, 2023

6:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Union League Club of Chicago (ULC)

65 W. Jackson

Chicago, IL

(312) 427-7800

Reception / Dinner / Entertainment and more:

• Cocktail Hour – Desiree Irwin, Soloist
• Dinner – Thomas Linsk Trio
• Photographer on-hand throughout
• Other surprises

*Dress Code: Formal / Cocktail Attire



**Complimentary Valet Parking is Available

Hotel Accommodations:

Hotel Block Available at the Union League Club at a discounted rate for ECA members:

Based on availability, there are Standard Guestrooms at $199.00 per room plus a 20% per night surcharge.

Reservations must be made by calling the ULC at:  (312) 427-7800 or (800) 443-0578 by November 11, 2023.

REGISTER NOW

NECA’s Executive Management Institute (EMI) is an intensive, three-and-a-half-day learning experience designed to enhance the leadership skills of current and up-and-coming executives and managers. Designed for senior executives in the electrical contracting industry, this program provides state-of-the-art management concepts and analytical tools that build on existing knowledge of electrical contracting businesses and the industry to increase the value and effectiveness of electrical contracting firms.

Download the brochure and registration form

For your application to be considered, you must submit the following:

• A completed application form
• A curriculum vitae (CV) or resume highlighting your relevant experience
• A letter of recommendation from a senior leader in your company. If you are the most senior executive in your firm, a notation of this is sufficient.
• Payment must be provided within one week of acceptance. Payment must be made via credit card. A link to make a secure payment will be provided following acceptance.

The Registration Fee of $3950 includes three and a half days of instruction, all course materials, and those meals and receptions/dinners indicated in the Schedule of Events. The Registration Fee does not include lodging, airfare, or other miscellaneous expenses. Participants are responsible for making their own travel arrangements and for securing ground transportation upon arrival. Upon review, accepted applicants will be notified and provided the information to make their hotel arrangements within NECA’s room block.

Register Now

Midwest Regional Conference

March 11 - 14, 2024

Mark your calendars for next year’s Regional Conference in the Bahamas! Midwest Region NECA is planning an exciting event and hope to see everyone there for great education, networking, and fun activities.

Passports are required, so make sure yours is up to date!

Please Note:

Midwest Region NECA invites Council Members and their spouses to attend the Vice President's reception on March 10, a day before the conference begins. Council members, please take this into consideration when making travel plans. 

At the end of the registration process, you can link directly to the hotel’s website to reserve your hotel room at the Atlantis Resort.  

Room rates are as follows:

• The Royal Tower Run of House - $399 (Single & Double Rate)
• The Royal Tower Run of House - $449 (Triple Rate)
• The Royal Tower Run of House - $499 (Quad Rate)

The last day to book housing is February 9, 2024.

Register Now

"Succession Planning For Contractors" 

Thursday, November 16, 2023

Marriott Delta Hotel

7800 South Kingery Highway

Willowbrook, IL

8:00 am - 2:00 pm 

The Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) in conjunction with other area Construction Trade organizations, including: Plumbing Contractors Association, Mechanical Contractors Association, Northeastern Illinois Chapter, NECA, Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association, Northern Illinois Sprinkler Advisory Board, Eastern Illinois Chapter, NECA are proud to help sponsor the upcoming Seminar / Panel Discussion called, "Succession Planning For Contractors: Following the Leader."

Two ECA members are also on a special Contractor's Panel for the session:

Corrie Krula, Hard Rock Concrete Cutters, Inc. and

Vince DiFiore, Candor Electric, Inc.

THE PROGRAM IS COMPLIMENTARY FOR ECA MEMBERS.

Registration for Succession Planning

(Indicate Name & Company)

CSC Update



For a listing of coursework available through the Construction Safety Council (CSC) for the month of August 2023, please visit www.buildsafe.org.

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