Across Chicago and Cook County, electrical infrastructure supports everything from public safety and economic growth to sustainability and community development. Delivering that infrastructure requires technical skills, coordination, long-term planning, and a workforce prepared to meet complex, real-world conditions. Powering Chicago’s The Power of Better video series documents how that work gets done. The Power of […]
National Mentoring Month highlights a critical driver of long-term reliability and workforce stability in the electrical industry in Chicago: mentorship. Across Chicago and Cook County, mentorship strengthens contractor capability, reinforces safety and quality standards, and supports the apprenticeship pathways required to deliver complex electrical construction projects. For municipalities, facility managers, developers, and property owners, these […]
Each year, the electrical industry in Chicago comes together not only to build and maintain critical infrastructure, but to invest in the people and communities that make that work possible. The annual Terry Allen Christmas Party at the IBEW Local 134 Hall is one such moment, an event that reflects the values behind the work […]
Chicago’s economy depends on reliable power to support critical operations throughout the region. Uninterrupted electrical systems enable hospitals to deliver critical care, financial institutions to process millions of transactions, and data centers to maintain global networks online, forming the backbone of the region’s economic activity. When power systems fail, operations stall, risk increases, and growth […]
For 125 years, IBEW Local 134 has set the standard for excellence, safety, and integrity in electrical construction across Chicago and Cook County. This milestone marks 125 years of skilled electricians whose work has powered Chicago’s growth and helped build stronger communities across the region. On September 6, IBEW Local 134 hosted its 125th Anniversary […]
The IBEW Local 134 Manufacturing Fair 2025 reflected how Chicago’s electrical manufacturing sector is evolving to meet growing regional power demands. As industries across healthcare, research, and industrial operations expand their reliance on sophisticated electrical systems, the fair demonstrated how IBEW Local 134 and its manufacturing partners are strengthening the workforce required to support them. Held […]
As Chicago cements its position as a Tier 1 data center market, one factor stands out as critical to sustaining this growth: a highly skilled electrical workforce capable of building, maintaining, and operating the infrastructure that powers our digital world. In the latest Ask the Expert feature from Crain’s Chicago Business, Matthew Kelly, Senior Vice […]
From honoring heroes to powering innovation, the strength of Chicago’s electrical industry lies in its people. This edition of The Power of Better celebrates the values that unite our network of contractors and electricians: service, craftsmanship, and safety. Discover how Powering Chicago’s sponsorship of Honor Flight Chicago, Meade Electric’s legacy of excellence, and a focus […]
This month’s issue of The Power of Better Newsletter highlights how innovation, education, and partnership continue to shape Chicago’s electrical industry. This issue highlights 93 Energy’s mission-driven approach to clean energy, Powering Chicago’s presence at The Cooperator Chicagoland Expo, and new resources for evaluating and hiring electrical contractors. 93 Energy Builds What’s Next Led by […]
Each December, families gather at Gold Star Families Memorial and Park to honor the lives of Chicago police officers who made the ultimate sacrifice. The annual lighting of the Gold Star Family Christmas Tree is a powerful tradition—one that offers comfort, connection, and a reminder that these officers’ service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. […]
