At the heart of Powering Chicago’s workforce development is its robust apprenticeship program. Powering Chicago’s Executive Director, Elbert Walters III, recently had the opportunity to speak about this program during the 2024 Midwest Solar Expo. He joined SunCast Media for an interview at Powering Chicago’s booth to share the impact Powering Chicago is having on […]
The electrical industry came together for an evening in October to celebrate excellence at the Electric Association’s 2023 Membership Awards dinner. Two Powering Chicago members were honored for their outstanding commitment and service. Richard “Rick” Jamerson of Jamerson & Bauwens Electrical Contractors, Inc. won the Gold Medal Award, and Jerry McGlynn of McWilliams Electric Company […]
In 1986 when Tony Sage graduated from St. Rita High School on Chicago’s South Side, he wasn’t sure what path to take. Now almost 40 years later, he’s glad he followed the guidance of lifelong family friend Peggy Brankin who encouraged him to sign up for the electrical apprenticeship program. “I didn’t really understand what […]
In segment two of The Power of Better episode 3, Powering Chicago executive director and the show’s host, Elbert Walters III, sits down with the Chicago Department of Buildings (DOB) Commissioner, Matthew Beaudet to discuss new electrical code initiatives for the city. Beaudet’s family history has helped to shape his relationship with IBEW Local 134 […]
It’s the 109th year of celebrating the holidays in Chicago with the city’s official tree lighting ceremony and the 2022 event did not disappoint. This year’s Christmas tree, a 55-foot Colorado Blue Spruce, donated by the Glisovic family of Morton Grove, has more than 12,000 strands of lights or nearly 6 miles of string light, […]
Every service member has their reasons for joining the United States military. Executive Vice President of the Electrical Contractors’ Association of Chicago and Cook County (ECA) Mark Thomas, joined the Navy after college graduation for the opportunities. “I was at a point in my life when I was figuring out what to do. The Navy […]
Chicago’s “official” Christmas tree, the 108th Annual City of Chicago Christmas Tree in Millennium Park, will shine brightly near the intersection of Michigan Ave. and Washington St. from November 19 through January 9. All-virtual in 2020, this year’s Tree Lighting Ceremony presented by Powering Chicago with leadership support from the Millennium Park Foundation will be in-person on Friday, November 19 starting […]
From October 9-12, representatives from nearly 20 Powering Chicago member contractors descended on Nashville, Tenn. for the annual National Electrical Contractors’ Association Convention and Trade Show. The annual event – which was held virtually last year due to COVID-19 restrictions – allows attendees an opportunity to network with industry professionals, explore new tools and technologies […]
At the heart of Cook County’s unionized electrical industry are three key principles that drive the day-to-day operations of Powering Chicago and its members: Better Construction. Better Careers. Better Communities. These values allow the industry unique opportunities to give back to those in need within the community, to connect with Chicagoland residents to help them […]
The need for electricians and skilled labor is expected to soar with the alternative and renewable energies jobs projected to be created by the proposed federal infrastructure bill. Over the last 120 years, thousands of apprentices have graduated from the IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (IN-Tech) in Alsip, Illinois into highly skilled union journeypersons, trained with union […]
