Steeped in a longstanding tradition of management precision and high levels of industrial performance, Illinois Chapter member contractors enjoy direct access to an arsenal of specialized information and services enhancing their positions in the markets in which they operate.

Labor Relations

The Chapter maintains regular contact with eight local unions in Alton, Bloomington, Champaign, Collinsville, Danville, Decatur, Springfield and West Frankfort. The result has been positive dialogue with our counterparts in the IBEW, leading to an orderly airing of issues as they arise. While it is the nature of Labor-Management relations to experience occasional differences in philosophy, the Illinois Chapter continues to redefine the communication essential to this process.

Contract Negotiations

Given the experience of the Chapter leadership and staff in dealing with eight locals and some thirty labor agreements in commercial, residential, motorshop and telecommunications markets, there is a strong dynamic for progressive improvement and input by members to shape these agreements as effective tools for the capture of new work in the future.

Legislative Activities

The Illinois Chapter is involved in legislative issues that confront our industry at federal, state and local levels. In cooperation with Sheet Metal and Mechanical Contractors associations, NECA forms part of the Construction Alliance triad. This group is a strong force on Capitol Hill in Washington, fighting for fairness on everything from tax issues to utility deregulation. The national NECA office has a fully staffed Governmental Affairs department that produces clear position papers on all prevalent issues. At the state level, the Illinois Chapter enjoys membership in the Illinois Construction Industry Committee (ICIC) and the Illinois Mechanical and Specialty Contractors Association (IMSCA). These groups are vigilant in covering state legislative issues that effect electrical contracting. The Chapter also weighs in, when requested by the membership, on local issues at the county and municipal levels.

Education

The Illinois Chapter strives to maintain the same level of excellence in the availability of programs to educate its members as its members do to train the finest journeymen and apprentices in the industry. In conjunction with national NECA's Management Education Institute (MEI) and on its own at regular Chapter events, special guest speakers and training programs are available throughout the year. For example, leading National Electrical Code Guru Mike Holt presents code update classes to our members every three years at different locations around our Chapter area. The Chapter also maintains a database and outreach to locate the nearest and most immediate opportunities available, should we not be able to provide the training you ask for at the time you need it. This is the cornerstone of the Chapter's training strategy.

Events

The Illinois Chapter prides itself on the planning and execution of its Winter and Summer meetings, complete with enjoyable locations, quality hotels, and interesting programs and activities. The Winter meetings alternate in location between Chicago and St. Louis, usually the second week in December. The Summer meetings take place in various locations around the Midwest, usually at resorts and retreats with attractive vistas and fun things to see and do. Special care is taken to insure that the Summer meeting is a gathering of families that include family activities with particular appeal for children. Finally, the national NECA organization is always ready to present a magnificent Convention and Trade Show in a different major city each year. The presentations are consistently memorable and create opportunities for members to meet their counterparts from other parts of the country, swap stories and form valuable business contacts.

Technical Services

We are an industry on the cutting edge of technology. Information on every aspect of the electrical contracting industry is available on line, on video and published in a vast array of publications that you can order through the Chapter or directly through the national organization. We also have access to regional field staff and any of our sister chapters can make available wage rates or labor and contract situations with your chapter office as a clearinghouse. All you have to do is call. We also maintain this website that provides you with an additional business or networking opportunity. We encourage you to visit often and contact us with your comments.

What Next?

The way to get here is carefully explained in our membership packet. If you don't have one already, go back to the opening page of this website and click on our e-mail. If you do have one, get started today! We'd like to see you at one of our division meetings soon!

Exxon/Mobile

ExxonMobil has a special rebate for NECA members! Now NECA members can benefit from rebates on fuel purchases at 14,000 Exxon and Mobil fueling locations. In addition to rebates, ExxonMobil's customized reports allow NECA members to monitor, control and manage fleet purchases. Special security features include Driver/Vehicle ID's and purchasing restrictions.

Shell

The Shell Fleet PLUS and Texaco Elite System offers 3% discounts on gasoline purchases, same price, cash or credit, and pay-at-pump convenience at more than 10,000 convenient Shell locations and over 13,500 Texaco locations nationwide. There are no set-up fees for NECA members to join this program, which offers card security that virtually eliminates unauthorized card use and timesaving reports designed to meet client-specific control and reporting needs.

Cars for Work

NECA members can now have access to the savings and special programs that have previously been available only to large companies. Carsforwork is backed by 35 years of experience as a division of Donlen Corporation - one of the nation's oldest and largest fleet leasing and management companies. Members will get discounts from such nationally recognized brands as Jiffy Lube, NTB, AAMCO and much more.

CNA Insurance

NECA members can receive discounts on insurance through special programs and agreements with CNA.

Sprint PCS

Under the new deal with NECA, discounts on wireless communications plans begin at 5% with the first five phones purchased by NECA member companies. The volume discount grows rapidly as more phones are added to the mix, and all participants benefit from deeper discounts as they become available. Both corporate and individual employee accounts apply toward the NVP discount as long as they are tied to the NECA "umbrella" account.