The Electrical Contractors’ Association of City of Chicago (ECA) is a construction trade association that provides business and labor relations services to nearly 600 electrical contractors in Cook County, Illinois. ECA is also known as the Chicago and Cook County Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). The Association works with its industry partner, Local Union #134 IBEW, to negotiate and administer labor agreements, coordinate apprentice and journeyman level training, as well as promote the industry on behalf of these employers. Since 1903, ECA has provided educational opportunities and business services to not only to assist the electrical contractor by improving the business climate and bringing increased profitability, but to enrich future generations. ECA and IBEW Local 134 work hand in hand to provide a highly skilled, efficient and safe workforce for the City of Chicago and Cook County, Illinois.
The ECA Student Committee recently met and discussed future networking activities with the students at IIT, as well as potential outreach to other institutions. Dr. Dan Tomal, IIT Facilitator, is looking for speakers for this semester to assist with the 2026 Electrical Contracting Innovation Challenge (ECIC) competition.
Through Powering Chicago's partnership with Real Estate Journals,Gary Shamasko, Jamerson & Bauwens Electrical Contractors, Inc. was able to participate in the 24th Annual RE Journal Chicago Forecast. The program was held on January 15th at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare Chicago (9300 Bryn Mawr, Rosemont, IL).
Congratulations to ECA member, Brian Karlow, Gurtz Electric Co., as he is highlighted in December 15, 2025’s Crain's Chicago Business "Quick Take" article / video, "How Power Reliability Drives Chicago’s Economy.”
Drury Lane Conference Center 100 Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace, IL (630) 530-8300
Electric Association Annual Conference Thursday, January 22, 2026 Drury Lane Conference Center 100 Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace, IL (630) 530-8300
view event details >Drury Lane Conference Center 100 Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace, IL (630) 530-8300
ECA Membership Meeting Thursday, January 22, 2026 Drury Lane Conference Center - Crystal Room 100 Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace, IL (630) 530-8300
view event details >