The Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) held its November Membership Meeting on November 11, 2009 at Maggiano's Banquets, Oak Brook, Illinois.  The program was well attended as over 90 participants gathered to hear guest speaker, Mr. Timothy Foley, Business Manager, Local Union #134, IBEW.  Mr. Foley gave a brief background of his work experience in the industry.  He announced that the IBEW is continuing its organizing effort.  He commended the efforts of the LMCC/Chicago.  He emphasized that the industry as a whole needs to be innovative to maximize market share.  Mr. Foley noted that recent Market Study information is being compiled for future reference.  He reminded the attendees that even though the Capital Bill recently passed, there are still difficulties in finding the proper funding mechanism for the "Illinois Jobs Now" effort.  A number of issues were discussed in the question and answer session which included the following:   market share data, future meetings with the ECA and Local Union #134, IBEW, non-union intervention, the importance of consistent labor-management communication, increasing number of courses available for journeymen upgrade, Health Care reform issues, portability concerns, among others issues.  At the conclusion of the question and answer session, Mr. Foley was met with a round of applause.  We wish to thank Mr. Foley for his time and effort with the meeting.
 

 

The Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) Fall 2009 Interprofessional Program (IPRO) class has nearly completed their coursework regarding strategies / project management methods that electrical contractors can utilize to run their projects more efficiently.  Business Information Modeling (BIM) method(s) was highlighted throughout this semester-long program.  As of this writing, the students are preparing for the IPRO competition in early December 2009.  They will be competing against 30 or more IPROs - each with a unique topic / problem to solve. 
 
The students were again able to visit an active jobsite.  The ECA Student Committee wishes to thank Mr. Ken Bauwens, Jamerson & Bauwens Electrical Contractors, Inc. for coordinating a jobsite tour and BIM demonstration on Thursday, November 12, 2009 at the Children's Memorial Hospital (CMH) site in downtown Chicago.
 
Ken and his staff:  Glenn Carlisle, Vice President/Project Executive, Joe Lasare, Project Manager, Mike Eaker, Project Superintendent and Chad Jamerson, Field Engineer / CAD gave the students much to consider in regard to a project utilizing "BIM."  They were able to provide detail concerning the students many questions concerning BIM utilization.  The students received a safety orientation before entering the site and were able to view the physical areas that were previously viewed / described with the BIM program.
 
The topics discussed regarding the BIM utilization of the $1 billion CMH project and other construction-related topics included the following:  the CMH site is over 1 million square feet and occupancy is expected in 2012; the project uses 3-D modeling throughout; it was designed from the onset in a 3-D state; 3-D modeling can better adapt / locate any conflicts with design and/or clashes with other trades or space utilization difficulties; all the trades agree to follow the modeling.
 
The ECA Student Committee again wishes to thank Jamerson & Bauwens Electrical Contractors, Inc. for their assistance.  The students truly benefited from the BIM discussion and the tour.  
 

 

As you are aware, the NECA Management Education Institute (MEI) Workshop entitled "Facilities Energy Audit Education Phase One - Screening Survey Workshop" will be held Thursday, December 10, 2009 at the Sofitel Chicago O'Hare, 5550 North River Road, Rosemont, IL (847/678-4488).  The program will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with lunch being served at noon.
 
This seminar is led by David Wylie, a principal in the firm of ASW Engineering.  The Phase One workshop will offer skills that enable contractor staff to identify energy-efficient project opportunities in commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities.   The cost to attend this full day program is $400.00 per person and includes all program materials and lunch.  Registration information was sent to all ECA members.
 
We are also pleased to inform you that ECA members who attend the "Facilities Energy Audit Education Program Screening Survey Workshop" will be reimbursed $200.00.  This represents a 50% savings over the price charged to other participants.  This offer is valid for up to three people per company.  The reimbursement will be provided by ECA upon completion of the program.
 
Please plan now to attend this very informative full-day seminar.  Also, please do not hesitate to call the Association office at 708/531-0022 if you need any assistance in registration and/or additional information.
 

 

As you are aware, the NECA Midwest Regional District 4 & 7 Conference will be held March 21 - 24, 2010 at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, California.  We look forward to seeing you there.  Registration was already sent to ECA members.  As a reminder, if you are an ECA member and you would like to attend the conference, you can either utilize the "paper process" as well as the on-line registration process at:  www.necanet.org  for this event.  If you utilize the previously sent Registration Form, please make a copy to be retained for your records.  Please send the original to the:  Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA), Five Westbrook Corporate Center, Suite 940, Westchester, Illinois 60154 on or before February 10th, as the form needs to be recorded then forwarded to the Midwest Regional Office NECA on or before February 12, 2010.

 

REGISTRATION FEE INCENTIVE
The Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago has approved the reimbursement payment of NECA Midwest Regional Conference Registration Fees for all registered Chapter member attendees. This was done in an effort to increase participation with this annual event.  We hope that you will be able to utilize this incentive for your attendance.  Again, the current registration fee of $500 per member registrant and $400 per spouse/adult guest (up to $900.00 per couple) will be reimbursed on your behalf by the Association.  Reimbursements will be made after the conference. 
 
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION / HOTEL RESERVATIONS
The registration fee is $500.00 per NECA member and $400.00 per spouse or guest 18 years of age and over.  Registration for children 17 years of age and under is $100.00 per child.  Children must be registered if they are participating in any meeting and/or social function(s).  The registration fee, as well as the golf fee can be remitted by check or credit card; however, the room reservation can only be confirmed by a credit card.  If using a check, please make it payable to "NECA" in regard to Conference Registration and Golf Fee.  The registration fee will be refunded if the Midwest Regional Office NECA has been notified of a cancellation 14 days in advance of arrival.
 
Room reservation requests will be processed upon receipt of the Registration Form at the Regional Office.  The NECA Rooming Block consists of:  Resort rooms with 1 King or 2 Full beds are $279.00 per night; Resort View rooms with 1 King or 2 Full beds are $329.00 per night - these rooms look over the pools and water; One Bedroom Luxury Suites with a King bed and a separate living and dining area are $550.00 per night. 
 
Rates are subject to state and local taxes, currently 9%, plus an additional  California Tourism Fee of $.30 per room, per night.  Taxes & fees are subject to change.
 
Rooms in the NECA block will be released after February 15, 2010 for all remaining rooms that have not been reserved by registration and secured by room deposits.  The hotel will determine whether or not it can accept reservations on a space available basis at the group rate after this time.  Guests may check into the resort after 4:00 pm and check out no later than 11:00 am.  The JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort will accept a valid credit card for payment of individual guest accounts due at the time of check-out.
 
ROOM DEPOSIT/CONFIRMATIONS/CANCELLATIONS
Room reservations will be confirmed if guaranteed to Master Card, Visa or American Express.  One night's deposit will be charged to the card by the resort at the time of reservation.  The resort will send a confirmation number of each reservation by e-mail, if provided.  The Regional Office will send confirmation of registration to the attendee via e-mail, if provided. 
 
Please be aware of the following important cancellation information: 
All cancellations and changes to reservations must come through the NECA Regional Office.  All cancellations must be received at least 14 days prior to your scheduled arrival in order for refunding of any deposits.
 
REGISTRATION PACKETS
The registration packets will be available for pick up at the NECA Registration Desk from 1:00 - 4:00 pm on Sunday, March 21, 2010.
 
CHAPTER FUNCTION
The Association's cocktail reception and buffet dinner is scheduled for Monday, March 22, 2010.  Details on this event will follow soon.
 
GOLF OUTING
A golf outing has been arranged for 12:30 pm on Tuesday, March 23rd.  The rate is $155.00 per player (on Registration Form). 
 
MEETINGS
The Opening General Membership Meeting will be held on Monday, March 22nd from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm.  Seminar sessions will be held Tuesday, March 23rd from 8:00 am to 11:00 am. 
 
A joint Vice President's Reception for the District 4 and 7 Council members will be held on Saturday, March 20th from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.  A tentative District 4 Council meeting has been scheduled for Sunday, March 21st beginning at 7:30 am with a continental breakfast.
 
ADDITIONAL SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
The Conference will open with a cocktail reception Sunday, March 21st from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.  A Spouse's Brunch has been scheduled for Monday, March 22nd at 9:30 am.  On Wednesday, March 24th, there will be an Awards Breakfast, along with a guest speaker, starting at 9:00 am.  The Conference will close with a Farewell Reception from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.  As a reminder, only children who have registered and have paid the registration fee may attend the social events.
 
Details of golf and recreation, spa services, dining and entertainment, area attractions, resort dress code and additional hotel amenities can be reached at the resort's website at:  www.desertspringsresort.com.   
 
REMEMBER:

Please send your completed Registration/Reservation Form to:  Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago, Suite 940, Westchester, Illinois 60154, so it can then be forwarded to the Regional Office. 

 

Deadline for Registration forms to be sent to ECA is February 10, 2010.

 

Hotel deposit must be charged to a credit card. 

 

If you have any questions, please contact the ECA office at:  (708) 531-0022.