Greetings!
Welcome to the August 2009 edition of the Electrical Contractors' Association newsletter LiveWire.
Even through the Summer months, the Association's volunteer members are active on behalf of the industry. Please review this month's newsletter regarding legislative efforts, Joint Conference Board activity, IIT IPRO and Student Chapter efforts and educational programming, among other activities. As a reminder, registration remains open for the NECA Convention.
Please give us some feedback about the ECA LiveWire Newsletter. We'd appreciate your comments.
Best regards,
ECA Chicago
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| Congressman Mark Kirk Meeting
The Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) Legislative Committee is active throughout the year. The Committee works to keep the critical business issues that are of concern to the electrical construction industry in the forefront with legislators on a local, statewide and national levels. Recently, our representatives were able to meet with Congressman Mark Kirk. Congressman Kirk led discussions regarding several issues, including the economy and energy areas - specifically, the pending Cap and Trade legislation.
He discussed the Cap and Trade legislation in regard to the impact of the American Clean Energy and Security (ACES) Act of 2009. The ACES Act is a bill to create clean energy jobs, achieve energy independence, reduce global warming pollution and transition to a clean energy economy. Congressman Kirk was the only Republican who voted in favor of the ACES Act. He cited numerous examples of the positive impacts that this Act could have including the following: energy independence and National Security regarding de-linking the U.S. energy needs from dangerous foreign leaders; job creation in Illinois regarding manufacturing "clean technology" to aid our businesses; nuclear energy advantages, clean coal energy support, ethanol production and agricultural advantages, as well as economic advantages over imminent federal and state regulations.
As of this writing, only the House has approved the proposed bill. The proposed Act's status in the Senate and its impact if passed remains to be seen; however, the ECA Legislative Committee was available to offer industry concerns at the table. We thank the Committee and those at-large members for their continued efforts throughout the year.
Pictured above from bottom left and going clockwise around the table are:
David Hardt, NECA District IV Vice President, Hardt Electric, Inc.; Michael Deger, Block Electric Company, Inc.;
James McGlynn, Sr., ECA Legislative Committee Chairman, McWilliams Electric Company, Inc.;
Mark Nemshick, ECA Executive Vice President; Richard Ruh, NEIL Chpt., NECA, Fire Pros, Inc.;
Steve Diamond, NECA Governor, Malko Electric Company and Congressman Mark Kirk |
| ELECTRI Publication Available
The Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) Research and Education Committee is pleased to inform you of the latest reports from the ELECTRI International - The Foundation for Electrical Construction, Inc. "A Human Resource Management Primer for Company Leaders" (Index No. F2707a) and its companion publication, "A Human Resource Management Primer for Supervisors" (Index No. F2707b) have been developed to provide leaders and supervisors of electrical construction firms with several strategies or best practices that can be adopted to enhance a company's human resource management policies and to provide a brief discussion of the regulatory environment within which the company's human resources program must function.
Copies of any ELECTRI International publication may be ordered by calling the NECA Order Desk at: (301) 215-4504. The cost of any additional report is $20 each. More information on ELECTRI International publications can be found at: www.electri.org.
However, each report is also to be made available as a FREE PDF download on the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) on-line store at: www.necanet.org/necastore.
You may contact the ECA office at: (708) 531-0022 for a copy of each document, as well. Still another opportunity to receive the report(s) is by attending the September 9, 2009 ECA Membership Meeting - based on quantities available, a copy of each will be made available to one accredited representative per member firm that is interested in obtaining the publication(s).
We hope that you will find the booklets useful and informative. If we can be of further assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact us at: (708) 531-0022.
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| USGBC Promo Code
The Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) Executive Committee has extended the opportunity for another year for ECA members (Chicago and Cook County Chapter, NECA only) to join the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) - Chicago Chapter as an Associate member at no cost for up to two company representatives. The renewal process has been changed due to the National USGBC altering their membership procedures. Membership in any USGBC Chapter goes through their National office. To accommodate our group, the USGBC - Chicago Chapter has created a special PROMO CODE for ECA members interested in pursuing either a new membership or renewal.
If you are interested in participating, please contact the ECA at: (708) 531-0022. If you have any specific questions regarding Associate membership benefits, you may contact Karin Barden, USGBC - Chicago Chapter Membership Director at: (312) 245-8300, ext. 2.
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| ECA Student Committee Update
As you are aware, the Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) Executive Committee has recently formalized the activities of the ECA Student Communication Subcommittee (which handled IIT IPRO activities and the NECA IIT Student Chapter formation) as a Standing Committee within the organization. NECA IIT Fall 2009 IPRO The Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) Executive Committee has approved another IIT Interprofessional Program (IPRO) for the upcoming Fall 2009 Semester. The IPRO is called, "IPRO 338: Improving Efficiency Through Advanced Technology for Electrical Contractors." The purpose of this IPRO is to study the process and procedures of electrical contractors in completing building and major reconstruction projects and to identify ways to improve the project efficiency in areas such as communications, job completion, equipment, organization, scheduling, LEED certification, and overall project management by recommending improved uses of technology, software such as: Building Information Modeling (BIM) utilization and other strategies of project management. The IPRO begins in a few weeks and the students need some initial assistance to build a good foundation for developing the IPRO. Please click on the link below and respond to the questionnaire. NECA IIT Fall 2009 IPRO Questionnaire
NECA IIT Student Chapter The ECA Student Committee is requesting your assistance in the progression of the Student Chapter. Please click on the link below and respond to the questionnaire. NECA IIT Student Chapter Questionnaire | |
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NECA Convention
Registration for the NECA Convention to be held September 12 - 15 is still open, however; the discounted rates are no longer available. Please visit www.necaconvention.org to register for the NECA Convention/Accommodations on-line.
Convention Expense Allowance
The Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) Executive Committee has recently approved a Convention Expense Allowance. The Convention Expense Allowance of $575.00 will be available for up to three representatives of ECA member firms who each pay for a full Convention Registration. The allowance check will be disbursed following the Convention.
The Trade Show will be held at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center; however, several events will be off-site. The Opening Reception is being held on Saturday, September 12th at the Sheraton Hotel Ballroom. The Opening General Session is scheduled for Sunday, September 13th and will feature Howard Behar, Vice President of Sales and Operations for Starbucks. The Closing General Session is scheduled for Tuesday, September 15th and will have Eric Weihenmayer, world-class blind adventurer, as the presenter. The Closing Celebration is arranged for the evening of Tuesday, September 15th and will have a custom performance by Cirque Dreams at McCaw Hall.
NECA is offering numerous educational opportunities that are being held pre-convention as well as during the Convention. Lighting Workshops, NJATC Training Tracks, Codes and Standards Tracks, LEED information in regard to responsibilities of the electrical contractor among other areas are available pre-convention; Management Seminars and Technical Workshops are held during the Convention.
The Chicago and Cook County Chapter will be using the Fairmont Olympic Hotel as its Convention hotel - detailed information regarding the hotel can be found at: http://www.fairmont.com/seattle or by calling the hotel direct at: (206) 621-1700. The room types based on availability in the room block are: Fairmont Deluxe King Bed Rooms and Fairmont Executive Suites.
Also, the Chicago and Cook County Chapter function is scheduled for Sunday, September 13th at a location to be decided.
Finally, after ECA members have sent NECA their registration information/payment(s) or have done so on-line, we ask that they please send a copy of their completed registration form (or copy of on-line transaction) to the Association office. This will allow us to have a record of the registration information, should any member need any assistance after registering. |
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Safety Directors' Forum
The next Safety Directors' Forum is to be scheduled for September 23, 2009 at the Chicagoland Construction Safety Council. A representative from ComEd, as well as from OSHA are to participate with this event. Registration information will be forwarded, soon.
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Educational Programming Update
As a reminder, the Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) Research and Education Committee is pleased to announce that the ECA Executive Committee has approved to subsidize upcoming NECA MEI Programs.
September 11: (Date changed from last LiveWire publication)- "Improve Profits by Reducing Labor Risks" - Hotel Sofitel Chicago O'Hare, Rosemont, Illinois.
- 50% discount for ECA members
September 14 through November 23: Electrical Project Supervision Level I
- six sessions - Holiday Inn Oak Brook Hotel, Oak Brook Terrace, Illinois.
October 8: Managing Construction Delay Claims - Location TBA
- 50% discount for ECA members
November 19: Conflict Resolution - Location TBA
- 50% discount for ECA members. |
| Joint Conference Board (JCB) Update
The Joint Conference Board (JCB) held its Annual Meeting on Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at the Erie Street Café, Chicago, Illinois. The Joint Conference Board consists of representatives from the Construction Employers' Association (CEA) and have the JCB Clause in their collective bargaining agreements and the Chicago and Cook County Building and Construction Trades Council. The JCB hears jurisdictional disputes among the various trades; however, many of the disputes are worked out prior to going through all the stages from meditation to arbitration. The JCB continues to remain vital to maintaining the jurisdictional balance among the union trades.
Representatives from management and labor were on hand to review the prior year's arbitrations and/or mediations, as well as nominate and elect the JCB Officers for 2009 - 2010. The Officers are: James Sweeney, Operating Engineers Local 150, Chairman; James Cassidy, Cassidy Brothers, Inc., Vice Chairman; and Daniel Day, CEA, Secretary; Ex-Officio Members are Thomas Villanova and Frank O'Lone of the Chicago and Cook County Building and Construction Trades Council.
The meeting agenda featured reports from the 2008 - 2009 JCB Chairman, James Cassidy, the incoming Chairman, James Sweeney, the JCB Secretary, Dan Day and Ex-Officio member, Thomas Villanova. Highlights of their reports include the following: Twenty-nine cases went to the Step Two level of mediation and nine arbitrations were heard by the JCB from May 2008 - May 2009; Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) remain a priority with the Cook County Building and Construction Trades Council.
The Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) wishes to thank its member representatives who serve as liaisons with the CEA Committee: Michael Deger, Block Electric Company, Inc.; Frank Gurtz, Gurtz Electric Company; Joseph McGlynn, McWilliams Electric Company, Inc.; and Richard Jamerson, Jamerson & Bauwens Electrical Contractors, Inc. for their support throughout the year.
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May 2009 Industry Statistics |
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2008 |
2009 |
Number of Contractors
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912 |
854 |
| Journeymen & Apprentices Employed |
11,157 |
9,443 |
| Monthly Hours Worked |
1,506,996 |
1,116,527 |
| Cumulative Hours Worked for Period |
7,077,147 |
5,519,633 | | |
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UPCOMING EVENTS
September 9, 2009
Regular Membership Meeting
Courtright's Restaurant
Willow Springs, IL
September 11, 2009
(Adjusted date)
Improve Profits by Reducing Labor Risks
Hotel Sofitel Chicago O'Hare
Rosemont, IL
September 12 - 15, 2009
NECA Convention
Seattle, Washington
September 14, 2009
through
November 23, 2009
Electrical Project
Supervision Level I
Holiday Inn
Oak Brook Hotel
Oak Brook, IL
October 7, 2009
(Adjusted date)
Regular Membership Meeting
Gibsons Steakhouse
Rosemont, IL
October 8, 2009
Managing Construction Delay Claims
Location TBA
November 11, 2009
Regular Membership Meeting
Maggiano's Banquets
Oak Brook, IL
November 19, 2009
Conflict Resolution
Location TBA
December 4, 2009
ECA Presidential Ball & Holiday Party
Butterfield CC
Oak Brook, IL |
We Need Your Comments
The Association urges all members to utilize the many resources that are available on-line at the ECA website. We hope that the information provided will help you better run your business, by helping you become aware of what's new in the marketplace not only in the Chicago area, but nationwide.
Available in the On-Line Resources section of the ECA Website is the Equipment & Material Member Exchange. Visit the "Member's Only" section and unlock all the features provided to ECA members.
The Events area of the site is constantly being updated. Please view the calendar for upcoming educational programming, as this dynamic is ever-changing. We hope that you will take advantage of the on-line surveys, polls, etc. Your participation will assist in the development of future programs offered by the Association.
Please let us know how we're doing and send your comments via e-mail. Visit the "Contact Us" portion of the website.
We look forward to your visit to: www.ecachicago.com.
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