09/10/2026

ECA Membership Meeting Highlights - September 9, 2026

Session was held at Maggiano's Banquets in Oak Brook, IL

ECA Membership Meeting
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Maggiano's Banquets
Oak Brook, IL

The Electrical Contractors’ Association of City of Chicago’s (ECA’s) September Membership meeting was held on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at Maggiano’s Banquets in Oak Brook, IL.   This was a breakfast session that featured a number of industry updates and Committee reports.  The program featured Chris Nybo, ECA State Lobbyist, Chris Nybo LLC as the guest speaker.  The ECA also welcomed its newest member firm, 93 Energy!  The overall program was highlighted by a special award presentation.

Kendra Dinkins, ECA President, Taylor Electric Company acknowledged that the Electrical Contractors’ Association, as well as the Chicagoland Union Electrical Construction Industry has truly benefitted from the efforts of Jim McGlynn, McWilliams Electric Company, Inc., over the decades to advance this industry through countless hours acting as member and Chairman of two major Association Committees:  Legislative and ECAPAC.  Mr. McGlynn has been a driving force in keeping the ECA aware of the legislative issues that affect this industry and also keeping the legislators both locally and nationally aware of the ECA and what the subcontractor’s needs are to best run their businesses in Illinois. To honor Mr. McGlynn and his selfless efforts, the ECA initiated the “James J. McGlynn, Sr. Legislative Leadership Award.”  Illinois State Senator, Linda Holmes was presented this inaugural award for her work with ECA and IMSCA on retainage reform, as well as throughout the years, remaining accessible to ECA and IMSCA, participating in their legislative programs, meeting with contractors and giving serious consideration to their concerns.  The award inscription reads, “JAMES J. MCGLYNN, SR. LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP AWARD 2026 -- The Electrical Contractors’ Association of City of Chicago (ECA) is proud to acknowledge the Honorable Illinois State Senator Linda Holmes for her legislative leadership that has truly advanced the union electrical construction industry in Illinois.”  The Senator thanked the Association for the recognition and urged all to continue to be active in legislative activities for the benefit of the industry.  She was met with a round of applause.

President Dinkins introduced Chris Nybo, ECA State Lobbyist, Chris Nybo LLC.  Mr. Nybo gave a 2026 Legislative Session review.  He covered topics including the current Illinois Budget, affordability issue, prevailing wage issue, Labor Omnibus Bill, data center incentives, the Power Act, future Bears stadium, the upcoming Veto Session for the Illinois General Assembly.  He urged all to participate with the ECAPAC.  After a lengthy Q & A session, he was also met with a round of applause.

Again, the Association thanks Jim McGlynn for all that he does for the industry.  The ECA also thanks Senator Holmes for her continued positive efforts in the legislature and Chris Nybo for the informative presentation.  We hope that you will attend next month’s luncheon program at INTECH as Mr. Don Finn, Local #134 IBEW Business Manager will be the guest speaker.

Pictured from left to right are:
Kendra Dinkins, ECA President, Taylor Electric Company,
Illinois State Senator Linda Holmes, and
Jerry McGlynn, McWilliams Electric Company, Inc.

Pictured is Kendra Dinkins, ECA President, Taylor Electric Company starting the meeting.

Pictured is Thomas Pedergnana, ECA Vice President, Malko Communication Services, LLC,
as he presented the ECA Research and Education Committee updates.

Pictured is Jack Smith, ECA Student Committee Chair, Kelso-Burnett Co.,
as he gave the ECA Student Committee report.

Pictured above is Neil Parish, ECA Executive Vice President,
as he gave the ECA Young Professionals Committee report and a legislative update.

Pictured above is Sue Schaus, Powering Chicago,
as she gave the LMCC Chicago update.

Pictured above is Illinois State Senator Linda Holmes as she thanked the membership.

Pictured above is Chris Nybo, ECA State Lobbyist, Chris Nybo LLC, 
as he began his presentation.