04/10/2026

ECA Membership Meeting Highlights - April 8, 2026

Session was held at Maggiano's Little Italy - Chicago, IL

ECA Membership meeting
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Maggiano’s Little Italy
Chicago   

The Electrical Contractors’ Association of City of Chicago (ECA) held its April Membership meeting on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at Maggiano’s Little Italy in Chicago.  The session featured industry updates and a guest presentation by Marlene Hopkins, Commissioner, City of Chicago Department of Buildings (DOB).  The ECA also welcomed new member, LiveWire Construction Inc.  Angela Drexel, LiveWire Construction Inc. was also on hand at the session to say a few introductory remarks on behalf of LiveWire.

DOB Commissioner Hopkins spoke on a number of areas that affect electrical contractors that do work in the City, as well as an overall review of Department activities.  Highlights of the Commissioner’s presentation, as well as the extensive Q & A  include the following: 

• There are additional technological improvements that are on the horizon to make doing business with the City easier.
• Mediation Meetings can help move projects forward.
• Updates on the Mechanical Code are soon to take effect.
• The ECA is at the ready to assist the DOB with any Electrical Code revisions / updates, Electric Commission activities, among other areas.

We thank the Commissioner and her staff for their time at the meeting. 

Pictured (in the back row) from left to right are:
Grant Ullrich, City of Chicago Department of Buildings (DOB),
Bob Fimbianti, NECA Governor, Linear Electric, Inc.,
Stephen Gibson, City of Chicago DOB.

Pictured (in the front row) from left to right are:
Kendra Dinkins, ECA President, Taylor Electric Company,
Commissioner Marlene Hopkins, City of Chicago DOB, and
John Scott, City of Chicago DOB.

Pictured from left to right are:
Kendra Dinkins, ECA President, Taylor Electric Company, and
Angela Drexel, LiveWire Construction Inc.

Pictured is Bob Fimbianti, NECA Governor, Linear Electric, Inc.,
as he gave the EJATT update & Governor's Report.

Pictured above is Elbert Walters, III, Powering Chicago Executive Director,
as he gave the LMCC Chicago update.

Pictured above is Commissioner Marlene Hopkins, City of Chicago DOB,
as she began her presentation.