• Posted: March 31, 2026
• better careers, better communities, better construction, Chicago construction industry, Construction Technology, Elbert Walters III, Electrical contractor in Chicago, Electrical Contractors' Association of Chicago (ECA), electrical safety, IBEW Local 134, IBEW Local 134 electricians, IBEW-NECA Technical Institute, Industrial Midwest, Kendra Dinkins, NECA, Peggy Hrindak, Phoenix Business Solutions LLC, powering chicago, qualified electrical contractor, Taylor Electric Company, women's history month

This month’s edition of The Power of Better newsletter highlights the people, partnerships, and initiatives strengthening electrical construction across Chicago and Cook County.

In recognition of Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting industry leaders making an impact across the electrical construction industry, including Peggy Hrindak of Phoenix Business Solutions and Kendra Dinkins of Taylor Electric Company, who recently made history as the first Black and first female president of the Electrical Contractors’ Association of Chicago and Cook County (ECA).

We’re also sharing highlights from several industry events Powering Chicago sponsored this month and introducing a new safety fact sheet designed to help businesses and project leaders evaluate electrical contractors.

Keep reading for an inside look at what’s happening across the Powering Chicago network.

Women’s History Month: Peggy Hrindak’s Leadership in Electrical Construction

For Women’s History Month, Powering Chicago is proud to highlight Peggy Hrindak, President and CEO of Phoenix Business Solutions, and her leadership in Chicago’s electrical construction industry.

Peggy has spent more than two decades building her company and contributing to the growth of the electrical construction industry across Chicago and Cook County. Her career began with hands-on field work before she launched Phoenix Business Solutions in 2000 and built a company grounded in integrity, accountability, and strong leadership.

In our latest blog, Peggy shares insights from her career, the challenges she has navigated as a business owner, and her perspective on the evolving role of women in the electrical construction industry.

Read the full story.

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Making History: Kendra Dinkins Becomes First Black Female President of the Electrical Contractors’ Association of Chicago and Cook County (ECA)

As we recognize Women’s History Month, Kendra Dinkins, president and CEO of Taylor Electric Company, is making history in Chicago’s electrical construction industry. She was recently elected president of the Electrical Contractors’ Association of the City of Chicago and Cook County (ECA), becoming the first Black and first female president in the organization’s history. After transitioning from a career in education to help lead her family’s four-generation electrical contracting business, Dinkins has spent more than a decade serving the ECA and helping strengthen opportunities across the industry.

Reflecting on the opportunities available, Dinkins shared, “There is absolutely a place here, and they belong here.” She also encourages young people exploring careers in the trades, adding, “The sky’s the limit.”

Read the full blog to learn more about Dinkins’ journey and her vision for the future of Chicago’s electrical construction industry.

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Industry Event Recap

March provided several opportunities for the electrical construction industry to connect, collaborate, and share insights across Chicagoland. Powering Chicago was proud to sponsor and attend the following events, each of which brought together professionals committed to strengthening the industry.

The IN-TECH Tool Show & Open House at the IBEW-NECA Technical Institute in Alsip brought together contractors, vendors, apprentices, and industry professionals for two days to highlight the advanced training environment that prepares skilled electricians and reinforces the industry’s commitment to safety, innovation, and workforce development.

Connect Industrial Midwest

Connect Industrial Midwest convened leaders across industrial real estate, construction, development, and infrastructure at Joe’s Live in Rosemont to discuss trends shaping the region’s rapidly expanding industrial market. Conversations focused on investment, logistics growth, facility development, and the evolving demands placed on modern industrial buildings. The event provided valuable opportunities for professionals across the built environment to connect and exchange insights about the future of the Midwest’s industrial sector.

EA Paddy’s Day Luncheon

The Electric Association’s (EA) annual Paddy’s Day Luncheon brought together contractors, industry partners, and leaders from across the electrical construction industry at the Chicago Hilton and Towers. This long-standing tradition continues to serve as a moment to reconnect, reflect on the progress of the industry, and strengthen the relationships that drive collaboration across Chicagoland’s electrical community.

The luncheon also highlights the people shaping the future of the industry. At this year’s event, Mark Thomas, ECA Executive Vice President, was honored as the 2026 Francis P. Cummins Award recipient, recognizing his leadership and contributions to the electrical contracting community.

Powering Chicago’s Executive Director, Elbert Walters III, was named the 2027 Big Shillelagh. Presented annually since 1954, the Big Shillelagh recognizes an industry leader who has made a lasting impact and serves as the honorary host of the following year’s luncheon. Elbert’s leadership continues to advance the industry through a focus on safety, workforce development, and innovation, helping strengthen the future of electrical construction across the region.

Construction Expo & Safety Conference

Powering Chicago was also proud to serve as a Platinum Sponsor of the 2026 Construction Expo & Safety Conference at the Drury Lane Conference Center in Oakbrook Terrace. Hosted by The Association of Subcontractors & Affiliates Chicago (ASA), and the Chicagoland Construction Safety Council, the two-day event brought together commercial construction professionals for safety education, industry engagement, and business-to-business networking. The conference featured multiple safety-focused education sessions and an expo floor with more than 150 exhibitors representing subcontractors, general contractors, equipment and material vendors, and professional service providers. Strong participation across the region reflected the industry’s shared commitment to improving safety performance and strengthening collaboration throughout the construction community.

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New Fact Sheet: Electrical Contractor Safety

Electrical safety should be a key factor when hiring an electrical contractor. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, 7,400 non-residential electrical-malfunction fires occurred in the United States in 2023, resulting in hundreds of injuries and an estimated $354.4 million in property damage.

Our latest fact sheet, “Electrical Contractor Safety: What You Need to Know Before Hiring,” outlines the safety benchmarks to consider when selecting an electrical contractor, including Experience Modification Rating (EMR), apprenticeship participation, and ongoing safety training. It also highlights the advanced safety instruction completed by electricians through the IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (IN-Tech).

Download the fact sheet to learn what to look for in a safe electrical contractor and how strong safety practices help protect your project. Our “Electrical Contractor Safety: What You Need to Know Before Hiring” fact sheet is available for download.

Use Powering Chicago’s Find a Contractor Tool

Looking for a qualified electrical contractor for your next project? Powering Chicago’s Find a Contractor Tool connects businesses, facility leaders, and developers with more than 600 signatory electrical contractors across Chicago and Cook County. The searchable directory allows users to filter by specialty, including commercial construction, energy solutions, data centers, EV charging infrastructure, and more, making it easier to find a contractor with the right expertise for your project.

Explore the tool and find a contractor for your next project:
https://poweringchicago.com/find-an-electrical-contractor/