• Posted: April 15, 2026
• better careers, better communities, better construction, Chicago electrical industry leadership, Community Building, Contractors Chicago networking event, Elbert Walters III, Electrical Association (EA), Electrical construction in the Chicago community, Electrical contractors Chicago event, Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago, Francis P. Cummins Award, Mark P. Gibson, Mark Thomas, Paddy's Day Luncheon

 

Electrical contractors in Chicago come together each year to recognize the leadership and collaboration shaping the region’s electrical construction industry. The Paddy’s Day Luncheon, hosted by the Electrical Association (EA), remains a longstanding St Patrick’s Day tradition, bringing together leaders, partners, and decision-makers across the electrical construction community.

Now in its 70th year, the annual luncheon, held at the Chicago Hilton and Towers, provides an opportunity to reconnect and reflect on the progress shaping the industry. The strong turnout reflects the continued growth of Chicago’s electrical construction community.

This year’s luncheon recognized Mark L. Thomas, executive vice president of the Electrical Contractors’ Association of City of Chicago, Inc. (ECA), as the 2026 Francis P. Cummins Award recipient. His leadership continues to shape the industry’s direction, setting expectations for performance, safety, and long-term success across electrical construction in Chicago.

The award was accepted on his behalf by Elbert Walters III, executive director of Powering Chicago, who shared the following remarks from Mark:

“A heartfelt thank you to all of you. But I do want to thank and recognize the ECA staff. And also, I’d like to thank Powering Chicago. Without them, none of this happens. The other person that I need to thank is my beautiful and wonderful wife, Kelly. Thank you to the Paddy’s Day Committee and all of you here tonight.”

The 2026 Big Shillelagh Mark P. Gibson also recognized Elbert Walters III as the 2027 Big Shillelagh. Presented annually since 1954, this honor recognizes an industry leader whose impact extends across the electrical construction community and who serves as the honorary host of the following year’s luncheon.

“Well, I want to thank you all for this honor,” said Walters. “This is why our industry is the one to look up to, and we set the bar. We are a beacon for every other industry across the nation.”

That perspective reflects the priorities shaping today’s electrical construction environment. Through a continued focus on workforce development, safety, and innovation, his leadership strengthens the capabilities of electrical contractors in Chicago and supports consistent, high-quality project delivery.

Events like the Paddy’s Day Luncheon reinforce why working with Powering Chicago member contractors is the right choice for projects across Chicago and Cook County. Across the region, these contractors and the skilled IBEW Local 134 electricians they employ are trained to deliver consistent, high-quality work with a focus on safety, performance, and accountability.

That commitment carries through every phase of a project. From workforce training and ongoing education to established safety practices and reliable execution, Powering Chicago member contractors provide the consistency needed to reduce risk and keep projects on schedule.

For property owners, facility managers, and business leaders, the strength of the electrical construction industry directly impacts operational performance, project timelines, and long-term asset reliability. Events like the Paddy’s Day Luncheon highlight the people and partnerships behind that work.