For 36-year electrician Shirley Williams-Mayes, working in construction and following in the footsteps of her father, a union carpenter, was a no-brainer. “Being a young, single mother, I wanted a career that could take care of me and my son,” said Williams-Mayes. She joined the IBEW Local 134 in April 1987 after working as a […]
We are pleased to congratulate over two dozen Powering Chicago Electrical Contractors who were honored last week for their commitment to safety in construction, by the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). NECA’s Recognition of Safety Achievement program is an elite safety recognition focused on recognizing thriving companies that excel in multiple areas of their safety and […]
Join Chicago’s renewable energy experts for a panel discussion that originally took place at the 2023 Chicago Auto Show. Executive Director of Powering Chicago, Elbert Walters moderates a discussion between Bob Hattier, IBEW Local 134 business representative and executive director at Illinois IBEW Renewable Energy Fund, Brian Haug, president of Continental Energy Solutions, and Denise […]
Join Chicago’s renewable energy experts for a panel discussion on the topic of resiliency in the electric vehicle (EV) industry. The Executive Director of Powering Chicago, Elbert Walters III moderates a discussion between Bob Hattier, IBEW Local 134 business representative and executive director at Illinois IBEW Renewable Energy Fund, Nick Pupich, director of controls & […]
In 2008, Michelle Maxia founded Toy Box Connection with the primary goal of donating gently used toys to children in need. Over the years, the nonprofit organization has evolved into much more. Working to support domestic violence survivors, human trafficking survivors, veterans, and others, Toy Box connects items like toys, clothing, food and mattresses, with […]
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 […]
Brenda Payne wasn’t surprised when her son Calvin Payne, a union electrician, expressed interest in starting a signatory electrical contracting business. “He’s a fifth-generation owner. When I saw that zeal in him, I supported him because I knew where he had inherited it,” said Brenda Payne, CEO of Simply E&C and mother of four sons […]
The Chicago chapter of the Electrical Workers Minority Caucus (EWMC) took part in its National Day of Service by volunteering to install updates at two local community-based organizations, Chicago Women In Trades (CWIT) and Frieda’s Place. “The main function of the EWMC is to increase the number of minorities that are represented in the IBEW. […]
Showing their dedication to building better communities and better careers for Chicago’s youth, Powering Chicago’s members recently teamed up with Lakeside Alliance for a ‘day in the trades’ at the Obama Presidential Center project site, located on the city’s South Side. This event was the third in a series of four, aiming to introduce students […]
“Anything negative, or bad, or hard that happens… try to see the positive of it, because it’ll motivate you to fulfill your dreams.” For as long as he’s been an electrical contractor, Bahaa Khater has held to the principle that setbacks aren’t the end of the road — instead, they’re challenges to be overcome. That […]
