08/07/2026

Smart Tech Lab and Lighting, Automation, and Cybersecurity Lab Open House

Event was held on August 7, 2026 at Illinois Tech.

August 7, 2026
Smart Tech Lab and Lighting, Automation, and Cybersecurity Lab Expansion
Open House Event
Illinois Tech

The Electrical Contractors’ Association of City of Chicago (ECA) has been working with Illinois Tech, formerly, Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), since 2007 when the NECA -Illinois Tech (IIT) Student Chapter was formed.  Since 2016,  the Illinois Tech Smart Tech Lab has been the home for the NECA-Illinois Tech (IIT) Student Chapter sessions. 

The Smart Tech Lab has been expanded:  the Lighting, Automation, and Cybersecurity Lab along with several adjacent display and storage rooms opened with an Open House event on August 6, 2026.  Many companies have contributed money, tools, displays, and equipment.

The Open House event recognized the efforts of Gurtz Electric Co. for funding key components of the new lab.  Frank Gurtz, Gurtz Elecric Co. received a special recognition award.

The Smart Tech Lab started in 2016 by Professors Dan Tomal and Jeremy Hajek.  It was originally funded by several electrical contractors and associates of the Electrical Contractors’ Association of the City of Chicago (ECA).  It was primarily for the NECA-Illinois Tech Student Chapter to host events and has since advanced to include many IPRO classes and courses.

Technical and Engineering courses are to be held in both spaces.  The many vendor displays are in the lab(s) for students’ viewing and learning.  Dr. Tomal plans to continue to enhance and grow the Smart Tech lab with additional vendor resources, displays, equipment and advanced technology learning.

The ECA congratulates Frank Gurtz, Gurtz Electric Co., and thanks all who were able to participate with the Open House, as well as the many vendor contributors. The ECA looks forward to continue working with Illinois Tech concerning the NECA-Illinois Tech (IIT) Student Chapter sessions. 

Pictured from left to right are:  Jeremy Hajek, Illinois Tech, Frank Gurtz, Gurtz Electric Co., Dr. Daniel Tomal, Illinois Tech, Mallory Gurtz, Matt Kamber, Tim Moylan, Gurtz Electric Co.,
and Josh Bone, ELECTRI International Director.

Pictured is Dr. Daniel Tomal, Illinois Tech, as he started the program.

Pictured is Frank Gurtz, Gurtz Electric Co., as he accepted the special award.

Pictured is Frank Gurtz, Gurtz Electric Co.

Pictured below are several photos of the Tour:

Pictured from left to right are:
Frank Gurtz, Mallory Gurtz, Gurtz Electric Co., and
Josh Bone, ELECTRI International Director