Grab your warm clothes and a cup of hot cocoa for the 110th Annual City of Chicago Christmas Tree lighting in Millennium Park on Friday, November 17. Visitors can find the 45-foot Colorado Blue Spruce tree at the intersection of Michigan Ave. and Washington St. where it will be on display from November 17 through […]
By Jerry McGlynn, CESCP, CHST, STSC Vice President of Field Operations & Safety at McWilliams Electric The holidays are here, and homes across the United States are lighting up with outdoor festive decorations. As you deck out the exterior of your home, keep electrical safety in mind. Data shows that electrical issues, specifically distribution and […]
As a young woman growing up in suburban Chicago in the 1970s, Susan Allen didn’t have a clear vision for what she wanted to do after high school. She ended up enlisting in the U.S. Army, a decision that completely changed the trajectory of her life and career. Joining the Army After basic training at […]
The Power of Better episode 7 offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at a special project underway in Homewood, Illinois – the construction of Homewood Brewing Company, a new restaurant and brewery honoring the beloved rapper Juice WRLD, who tragically passed away four years ago at only 21 years old. “Even after he became famous, he […]
Music has a unique ability to bring people together and create lasting memories. That’s why IBEW Local 134 member and part-time DJ Andre Hodges (also known as DJ Dre) started “Black and Brown Get Down,” an annual free music festival in Elgin, Illinois. “A lot of people hear music all the time growing up. There’s […]
In an often fast-paced world, there are those special moments when community, compassion, and camaraderie come together to create positive change, and this is exactly what the annual McWilliams Electric Company Special Olympics Construction Team Picnic embodies – an event that combines the power of unity with a celebration of athleticism. On Saturday, September 16, […]
The renewable energy transition is underway in Illinois, bringing new opportunities like the IBEW Local 134 apprenticeship to diverse populations throughout Cook County. This summer, the Illinois IBEW Renewable Energy Fund (REF) continued its successful Summer Solar Program, training 81 students from Chicago’s historically underserved communities in the solar installers craft apprenticeship program. Graduates gained […]
To ensure the success of your solar project, begin by finding an experienced electrical contractor with expertise in design, engineering, procurement, installation, and maintenance. When selecting a solar contractor, it is critical to verify their credentials and confirm that they hold their distributed generation installer certification. Additionally, working with a single service provider can minimize […]
This Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re excited to highlight two inspirational leaders whose work is powering Chicago and empowering their communities. Manuel Campillo’s story of perseverance Manuel “Manny” Campillo is the founder and owner of Fairfield Electric, a certified minority-owned electrical contracting company. Despite facing challenges early in his career, Manny’s perseverance led him to find […]
When it comes to installing Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE), choosing the right electrical contractor is crucial for a seamless and reliable charging experience. To make a well-informed decision, carefully evaluate the expertise, experience, and certifications of the installer, taking into account customer reviews to assess their reputation. Prioritizing contractors with hands-on education in green […]
