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 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.
On Friday, July 24, 2026, the Illinois Renewable Energy Fund (REF) celebrated the completion of their Summer Solar Training Program. This special event was held at the IBEW Local 134 Union Hall at 2722 S. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, Chicago IL 60616. These 81 graduates are also Trainees that will be available for work on August 3, 2026.
The NECA Future Leaders Conference was held on June 15 – 17, 2026 at the Omni William Penn Hotel in Pittsburgh, PA. The Chicago Chapter attendees were able to participate with a Pre-Fab Tour at Lighthouse Electric, presentations from Economist for NECA and ELECTRICAL Contractor Magazine, numerous presenters / expert speakers. The Western Pennsylvania HAPTER, NECA, also sponsored a special reception at Acrisure Stadium (the official home of Pittsburgh Steelers games, University of Pittsburgh Panthers Football games, WPIAL Championships, and legendary concerts).
Spirit of Chicago at Navy Pier
Electric Association Centennial Celebration August 13, 2026 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm Spirit of Chicago at Navy Pier
view event details >Offshore Rooftop at Navy Pier in Chicago
Electrical Contractors' Association Summer Social August 14, 2026 SAVE THE DATE! Offshore Rooftop at Navy Pier
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