The Power of Better: September 2025 Newsletter
- Posted: October 16, 2025
- Electrical construction in Chicago, Electrical contractors in Cook County, Find a Contractor Tool, Hispanic Heritage Month electricians, IBEW Local 134 electricians, NECA 2025 Convention Chicago, Powering Chicago Apprenticeship Program, Torres Electrical Contractors LLC
The Power of Better newsletter brings you the latest updates from Powering Chicago’s network of contractors and electricians, highlighting the projects, resources, and events driving progress across Chicagoland.
In this edition, we highlight the 2025 Apprenticeship Program, which prepares the next generation of skilled electricians, and recognize Hispanic Heritage Month with a spotlight on Torres Electrical Contractors, LLC. You’ll also find a new fact sheet to guide you in finding the right contractor, insights from the 2025 NECA Convention, and quick access to our Find a Contractor Tool and Resource Center to support your next project.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month With Torres Electrical Contractors LLC
This Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re spotlighting Torres Electrical Contractors, a family-owned business built on resilience, respect, and hard work. Founded in 2017 by Nick Torres Sr., the company has grown into a full team tackling some of Chicago’s most complex projects, including those for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Illinois State Toll Highway Authority (ISTHA), Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Chicago O’Hare International Airport, and Chicago Midway International Airport.
Torres Electrical stands out for its family-first culture and commitment to community. Today, Nick’s sons, Nick Jr. and Alex, help expand capabilities while carrying forward their father’s legacy of loyalty, opportunity, and craftsmanship.
“What sets us apart is not our size, but our people,” said Nick Torres Sr., Manager Member at Torres Electrical Contractors. “Our employees are union-trained professionals skilled through IBEW and infrastructure locals who bring world-class education, training, and craftsmanship to every project.”
Read the full story of Torres Electrical’s journey and legacy here.
NECA 2025 Convention
The 2025 NECA Convention gathered industry leaders from across the country to showcase the latest technologies, safety practices, and workforce strategies shaping the electrical construction industry. Powering Chicago was there to connect with peers, explore innovations, and reinforce the value our member contractors and IBEW Local 134 electricians bring to Chicagoland projects. See the event highlights and learn more about the 2025 NECA Convention here.
Building the Next Generation of Electricians
While students are settling into the new school year, Powering Chicago is celebrating another kind of classroom. Powering Chicago’s Registered Apprenticeship Program, led by IBEW Local 134 and NECA Chicago, combines paid classroom instruction with thousands of hours of hands-on training to prepare the next generation of highly skilled electricians.
Apprentices are building strong foundations for careers in electrical construction, renewable energy, and mission-critical facilities. By investing in both education and real-world experience, we are ensuring our workforce is ready to meet the demands of tomorrow’s projects.
Read our blog to see how our apprenticeship program is shaping the future of the industry and how you can get involved.
Find the Right Electrical Contractor with Our Contractor Tool
Choosing the right contractor doesn’t need to be complicated. Powering Chicago’s Find a Contractor Tool makes it simple to connect with our vetted network of qualified electrical contractors who prioritize safety, quality, and reliability.
With built-in filters, you can:
- Search by project type or specialization.
- Identify contractors with the right certifications (ACDBE, DBE, MBE, SDVBE, WBE, and VBE).
- Ensure your project complies with local permitting and inspection requirements.
