NECA Project Excellence Winners Announced

Congratulations Hy-Power Electric!

NECA has announced the winners of the Project Excellence Award! Congratulations to Chicago Chapter member, Hy-Power Electric, as they won the Educational over $1 million Category.

Educational – Over $1 million 

Project: Maine West High School

Contractor: HY-POWER ELECTRIC CO.

Chicago & Cook County Chapter NECA

The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) has named 17 winning projects from across the United States as winners of the prestigious NECA 2023 Project Excellence Awards. This year saw a record-breaking number of PEA applications with well over 100 impressive project submissions. The Project Excellence Awards program also saw its first international win in 2023, expanding the global reach and awareness of NECA. The Project Excellence Awards (PEA), created by the National Electrical Contractors Association, recognize electrical contractors who have performed industry-leading, exceptional work during the previous calendar year. Commitment, professionalism, and ingenuity are cornerstones of the value NECA contractors provide their customers, and PEA platforms these qualities on a national scale. The competition considers 13 categories based on the type of project and its dollar value. Criteria in judgment include aesthetics, application, difficulty, innovation, and originality. 

Again, congratulations to Hy-Power and all of the winners selected!

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL LIST OF WINNERS.

CISCO Annual Golf Outing

CISCO's Annual Golf Outing

Monday, September 11, 2023

Bloomingdale Golf Club

181 Glen Ellyn Rd., Glen Ellyn

Bloomingdale IL



7 a.m. Registration

8 a.m. Shotgun Start

1:30 p.m. Cocktails/Lunch



Register at the CISCO Website

2023 Leadership Conference

Registration Deadline was August 14th

Please contact the ECA for Availability

The Young Professionals committee is thrilled to announce that registration is now live for our 2023 Leadership Conference!

Mark your calendars for September 14-15, 2023, as we have a jam-packed 2-day conference filled with great speakers, food & drink, and networking opportunities!

Program Highlights:

• Tour of Milwaukee Tool
• Off-Campus Activity at MobCraft Beer
• Education and Break-Out Sessions

The cost for the event is $250.00 per person. This event is open to all ECA Member Firms and their Employees.

The fee covers lodging, conference programs and events, and food and beverage.

Register Now

ECA Regular Membership Meeting - September 20, 2023

The membership will be reconvening our regular membership meetings this September 20, 2023, for a luncheon meeting.

The luncheon program will feature industry updates and a guest presentation from Kyle Krueger, Director, NECA Codes and Standards. Providing a high-level overview, exploring the inspiration, history, and development process of NECA’s library of standards, the NEIS®; highlighting the latest additions to the NEIS® library, NECA 5-2023.

This presentation will also focus on the benefits of implementing performance workmanship standards into engineering, design, and installation processes.

ECA Membership Meeting 

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

The Chicago Firehouse

Kimball & Palmer Room / Veranda

1401 S. Michigan Avenue

Chicago, IL 60605

(312) 786-1401

Complimentary Valet Parking is Available.

Registration / Networking: 12:00 pm

Lunch: 12:30 pm

Business Session: 1:15 pm

Event Concludes: 2:00 pm

Register Now

Director, NECA Codes & Standards

Kyle Krueger has worked in the Electrical Industry since 1997 as a Journeyman Wireman, Electrical Inspector, and Educator. Krueger currently serves as Director of Codes and Standards for the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). Kyle holds a Master Electrician Licenses, Commercial Electrical Inspector License, and Design Engineer of Electrical Systems, he is also certified thru NFPA as a Certified Electrical Safety Compliance Professional (CESCP).

Kyle currently represents NECA on the National Electrical Code’s® Correlating Committee and Code Making Panel-3, as well as the Correlating Committee for The National Fire Alarm Code® (NFPA 72). Krueger serves on NFPA’s Electrical Section Executive Board and as the Assistant Secretary of NECA’s Codes and Standards Committee.

Call for Support for the Helping Hand Fund

11th Annual Benefit on September 23, 2023

The IBEW Local #134 Helping Hand Fund was created in 2011 as a 501(c)3 charitable organization to help members and their families facing a crisis in their life such as health or family emergencies, disabilities, personal tragedies, and even death.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE

CLICK HERE FOR SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION

NECA Convention & Trade Show - Philadelphia

September 29, 2023 - October 2, 2023

Registration for the NECA Convention & Trade Show has begun!  Room Reservation for the Chicago Chapter Block ended on August 10, 2023. Any extra rooms went into the regular NECA block. The Four Seasons is now based on availability. Please register, as soon as you can.  However, please contact the ECA if you need assistance.

Registration

Please visit www.necaconvention.org to register for the NECA Convention/Accommodations. The Convention Center is located at the Philadelphia Convention Center, 1101 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19107.

Those who register early (on or before August 10, 2023) will receive the “early” price of $1,725 for members and $1,100 for the member’s spouse / guest. Those who register beginning on August 2, 2023 will receive the "regular" NECA Convention registration fee of $1,975 per NECA member, and $1,300 for the member’s spouse / guest.

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. 

Hotel Reservations

The Hotel for the Chicago & Cook County Chapter is the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center located at 1 N 19th Street, Philadelphia, PA. The room type and rate that is available is the Standard Room (1 King Bed or Two Double Beds) at $505.00 Single / Double.

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 Executive Committee also approved an additional stipend of $1,000.00 per applicable attendee’s room block utilization for the NECA Convention & Trade Show to offset the room night cost increase with the Four Seasons Philadelphia Hotel.  

CLICK HERE FOR CONVENTION BROCHURE WITH FULL SCHEDULE

CLICK HERE FOR CHAPTER EVENTS INFORMATION / CONVENTION REGISTRATION

"Diversifying Your Electrical Contracting Business"

Tuesday, October 17, 2023 --

Hyatt Lodge Conference Center

2715 Jorie Blvd.

Oak Brook, IL

8:00 am - 10:00 am 

The Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) Research and Education Committee seminar called, "Diversifying Your Electrical Contracting Business" is being conducted by Josh Bone, ELECTRI Director.  The program will be held on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 from 8:00 am - 10:00 am. at the Hyatt Lodge Conference Center, Oak Brook, IL 60523, (630) 568-1234. Breakfast is to be made available at 7:45 am.

THE FEE FOR THIS PROGRAM IS $100.00 PER ECA MEMBER.

Program Description:

In a rapidly industry, electrical contracting businesses must adapt and diversify to stay competitive and thrive. Join us for an insightful discussion that shares strategies and practical tips for diversifying your electrical contracting business. The presentation will explore the importance of diversification in mitigating risks and maximizing growth opportunities. Josh will delve into various avenues for diversification, including expanding service offerings, entering new markets, and adopting emerging technologies. He will share examples of successful diversification initiatives and discuss how they have positively impacted NECA contractors across the country.

If you're interested in attending the "Diversifying Your Electrical Contracting Business" seminar, please click on the link below to register or go on-line at the ECA website at: www.ecachicago.com (Event Calendar portion).

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Please contact the ECA with any questions at (708) 531-0022. We look forward to your participation with the program!  Thank you for your continued support of Association activities.

Josh Bone,

ELECTRI Director

For more than two decades Josh Bone has been implementing, training, and presenting construction technology solutions to AEC&O (Architecture, Engineering, Construction, Owners) professionals. Having worked with some of the top technology leaders in the industry, Josh specializes in identifying best practices and methodologies for integrating construction technology into everyday workflows. Today, Josh works with ELECTRI International the non-profit foundation for the electrical construction industry as the Executive Director where he is helping to ensure electrical contractors and industry partners across North American and around the world have access to the best research, educational programming, student engagement, and international outreach. Josh has had the opportunity to share his knowledge with audiences and publications across North America as a frequent professional speaker and guest editorial contributor.

Electric Association Membership Awardees Announced

Please join us to celebrate the Electric Association Award Recipients...

Congratulations to Two ECA members that have been selected!** 

Gold Medal Award Winner

Richard Jamerson, Jamerson & Bauwens Electrical Contractors, Inc**

Hall of Fame Inductions

Kris Fedoruk, Current Lighting

Jerry McGlynn, McWilliams Electric Company, Inc.**

Joe Romano, Syska Hennessy

Brian Rooney, Callas Kingsley Electrical Sales

Electric Association Awards Dinner

Thursday, October 19, 2023

The Carlisle Banquets

435 E. Butterfield Road, Lombard, IL 60148

Cocktails: 5:30pm, Dinner 6:30pm

Awards Ceremony to follow

Dress is Business Attire.

The Electric Association Awards program recognizes leadership and excellence in the Chicagoland Electrical Industry. 

If you have not already done so,

CLICK HERE TO RSVP by October 11, 2023

If you need to register for this event or cancel for any reason, please do so by October 11. Space is not guaranteed and no refunds will be given after October 11.

Complete tables purchased by a company will have their Company's name displayed on the table. Tables 10, 11, and 12 Seats can be accommodated. Seats of less than 10 will be open seating.

The Electric Association Membership Awards Dinner will be held on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at the Carlisle Distinct Banquets in Lombard, IL. 

If you have any questions, please contact Ali Novinger at anovinger@eachicago.org.

CTF Golf Outing

Communication Technologies Forum

Division of the Electric Association

ALL INDUSTRY GOLF OUTING

Cog Hill Golf and Country Club in Lemont

Wednesday, October 4, 2023

Register your foursome today!

Full Registration Includes: Greens Fees, Cart, Use of Driving Range, Dinner on the Patio, Golf Contests, Prizes, and Great Industry Camaraderie!

11:00 am Registration Opens

1:00 pm Shotgun Start, Scramble Format

Dinner immediately following golf.

Registration $185 per person.

Please complete the registration form and then follow the link to submit payment.

Sponsorships Available

CORPORATE HOLE SPONSORSHIPS ($325)

This sponsorship includes signage at registration, on a hole at the course, and the dinner party. Special recognition at dinner & in ElectriCITY magazine, and on our social media platforms.

BEVERAGE, LUNCH, OR DINNER SPONSORSHIPS ($750)

This sponsorship includes signage at registration and dinner. Your company logo will be printed on each golfer’s beverage, lunch, or dinner ticket. Special recognition at dinner & in ElectriCITY magazine, and on our social media platforms.

Please contact Ali Novinger at anovinger@eachicago.org to confirm your sponsorship as soon as possible to guarantee inclusion on event signage.

The Power of Better Episode 6 is now Live!

In the latest episode of The Power of Better, District 230 partners with Powering Chicago signatory electrical contractor Low Voltage Solutions located in Lockport, Illinois. Viewers will gain insights from professionals who played a pivotal role in upgrading AV systems across District 230, offering an exclusive inside look into the high school's updated equipment. 

Experts featured in the episode include:

• Eric Stover, Audio Visual Division Manager at Low Voltage Solutions 
• Steve Thomas, President and Owner of Volt AV
• Marce Gonzalez, I.T. Service Operations Manager at Consolidated High School District 230

Subscribe to Powering Chicago's YouTube channel to keep up with the upcoming episodes of "The Power of Better!"

ECA 2023 Membership Meetings - Educational & Special Events Programming

Please click on the link for a listing of upcoming programs sponsored by the Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) Research & Education Committee, as well as National NECA events, Chapter programs. Registration links provided in pdf.

2023 Programming

Various Event Stipends

The Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) Executive Committee recently approved a number of educational stipends for various events throughout 2023. Please click on the link for the current listing. The registrations will be reimbursed to the applicable companies after the applicable Conference.

2023 Stipend Listings

Member Education & Webinar Recordings

2023 NECA Now Presentation Slides

Illinois Economic Outlook Presentation Slides

Facilitating Knowledge Transfer: Material Handouts 

IMSCA Update

HB2878 Amendatory Veto

As you know, IMSCA’s legislative initiative seeking retainage reduction on public construction projects was included in HB 2878; which was approved by the Illinois General Assembly and forwarded to Governor Pritzker for his approval. In addition to including IMSCA’s retainage reduction language, HB 2878 also included significant changes to the Illinois Procurement Code, Public Construction Bond Act and extends the authority to use public private partnerships (P3s) in Illinois from the Illinois Department of Transportation and Tollway to also include counties, municipalities and any other unit of local government.

On Friday, August 11^th, pursuant to Article IV, Section 9(e) of the Illinois Constitution, Governor Pritzker returned HB 2878 to the House (chamber of origin) with a specific recommendation for change.  In short, the Governor issued an amendatory veto of HB 2878. The Governor’s recommended change on HB 2878 has nothing to do with IMSCA’s retainage reduction provisions. Rather, Governor Pritzker cited concerns with the included P3 provisions. The Governor’s amendatory veto message states the expanded P3 provisions “creates a pathway for private industry to enter P3 agreements locally that skirts transparency and anti-corruption requirements established in state statute, including ethics, BEP, campaign finance, and procurement laws. The potential in this bill for opacity and corruption is too great. In addition, the bill as written puts the state at greater risk of project failure because it decreases competition and reduces the opportunity for public input into project planning and implementation currently required for other P3 developments under state law.” Governor Pritzker’s full amendatory veto message is attached for your review.

IMSCA’s Government Affairs Specialists (Neil and Daniel Flynn) prepared the following overview of the amendatory veto process:

When the Illinois General Assembly convenes for the Fall Veto Session (October 24-26 and November 7-9), the House will consider HB 2878 first. The House will have three options:

1. Vote to override the Governor’s suggested change and to enact the bill the way it was originally passed. Note: a 3/5 majority (71 votes) is required for this action;
2. Vote to accept the Governor’s specific recommendation for change. Note: a simply majority (60 votes) is required for this;
3. Do nothing – or take no action; in which case, HB 2878 is dead.
4. 
   

If the House votes to override or to accept the Governor’s specific change, then the bill and motion must be considered by the Senate within 15 days of the House’s action. Thereafter, the same procedure will happen in the Senate. If both the House and Senate vote to override, then HB 2878 will become law as HB 2878 was approved in May 2023. If the House and Senate both vote to accept the Governor’s specific recommendation for change, then HB 2878 is again presented to the Governor to certify that the Governor’s specific recommendation was accepted by the General Assembly. Upon the Governor’s certification of said action, then HB 2878 will become law as amended by the Governor’s specific recommendation for change.

IMSCA members will be updated accordingly as more information and plans for our next steps become available. Please stay tuned for alerts from IMSCA on this issue as the Fall Veto Session gets underway. 

IMSCA would like to take this opportunity to say “thank you” to everyone who has supported their efforts on this issue. Many of you participated in their Calls to Action, including communicating their position to legislators and writing letters of support to Governor Pritzker encouraging him to approve HB 2878. IMSCA learned from the Governor’s staff that a tremendous amount of letters were received from our membership in support of HB 2878. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Jessica Newbold Hoselton, Executive Director, Illinois Mechanical & Specialty Contractors Association (IMSCA) at (217) 523-436 or jnewbold@boldnewstrat.com.

IMSCA Update

Illinois Job Works Program Act

The Illinois Works Jobs Program Act (P.A. 101-31) is administered by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). The program is the result of legislation that was approved in conjunction with the Rebuild Illinois capital program in 2019. The program involves 3 initiatives that include:

• the Illinois Works Apprenticeship Initiative;
• the Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Program and;
• the Bid Credit Program (estimated implementation October 2023)

Please CLICK HERE for the full IMSCA Update.

IMSCA Raffle

THANKS to the generosity of our IMSCA members for prize donations, NINE RAFFLE WINNERS will be drawn this year! Tickets are $50 each. Each ticket purchased buys you a chance to win the prize of your choice. Your choices include:

• FOUR tickets to cheer on the Chicago Bears vs. Carolina Panthers at Soldier Field (November 9, 7:15 p.m.). This prize also includes parking passes (Value: $1,100.00). Donated by Tom Morton, LLD Electric Company.
• FOUR tickets to cheer on the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center in 200 Club Level seats (Date TBA). Donated by Jim McGlynn, McWilliams Electric Company.
• $1,500 Travel Package that includes a $500 Southwest Airlines, $500 Delta Airlines and $500 Hotels.com gift cards. Donated by Bloomington-Normal PHCC/IL PHCC.
• $500 Amazon gift card. Donated by Electrical Contractors Association of Chicago.
• $500 Best Buy gift card. Donated by PCA of Greater Chicago.
• $500 Cabela’s gift card. Donated by Underground Contractors Association of Illinois.
• $500 GoPlay Golf gift card good at 5,000+ golf courses nationwide or for use on golf merchandise, golf lessons or golf vacations. Donated by Bloomington-Normal PHCC/IL PHCC.
• $500 Home Depot gift card. Donated by SMACNA Greater Chicago.
• $500 Morton’s Steakhouse gift card. Donated by Bloomington-Normal PHCC/IL PHCC.
• 
  

This is a great fundraiser package containing something for everyone.  The winning tickets will be drawn at IMSCA’s Board and Membership meeting on September 15, 2023. The winners do not need to be present to win.  Please click the link below for the Raffle Form!

Click Here for IMSCA Raffle Form

SAVE THE DATES

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