Powering Chicago
Powering Chicago is a labor-management cooperative between IBEW Local 134 (12,000+ electricians) and ECA Chicago (1,000+ contractors), founded in 1900. It operates the IN-Tech training academy and Find a Contractor referral network serving commercial, industrial, healthcare, and government electrical construction projects across the Chicago metro.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1900
- HeadquartersWestchester, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Powering Chicago does
Powering Chicago is a labor-management cooperative (LMCC) founded in 1900 that operates as the joint venture between IBEW Local 134, representing more than 12,000 construction, communication, and residential electricians in the Chicago region, and the Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA) of Chicago and Cook County, representing more than 1,000 professional electrical contractors. Headquartered at Five Westbrook Corporate Center in Westchester, IL with a union hall on Chicago's South Side, the organization functions as a referral and workforce development platform: customers seeking union electrical work access the network through the Find a Contractor online directory, while apprentices and journeymen are trained at the IBEW/NECA Technical Institute (IN-Tech), a 120,000-square-foot, 29-acre training campus in Alsip, IL featuring a Renewable Energy Training Field with solar, wind, and battery storage components. Revenue is generated through ECA membership dues, IBEW union dues, and apprenticeship program funding; Powering Chicago itself maintains only 1-10 direct employees as the cooperative structure delegates execution to its member contractors.
The organization's core service portfolio spans commercial, industrial, healthcare, government, and educational electrical construction, with explicit recent expansion into EV charging infrastructure and solar energy system deployment. Notable project work includes O'Hare Terminal 3 renovation, CTA electric bus charging stations, Rush University Hospital Cancer Center, the 74-story 1000M luxury high-rise, Chicago Public Schools solar installations, and T5 Data Centers power infrastructure. Workforce development is anchored by a five-year apprenticeship program combining 1,200 hours of classroom training with on-the-job experience, supplemented by the Electrical Industry Scholarship Program ($5,000/year for up to four years) and the IBEW-NECA Tuition Reimbursement Program with Illinois Institute of Technology (up to $6,000/year). The organization holds NFPA 70B compliance training programs, mandatory since January 2023, and operates a Joint Safety Committee enforcing OSHA compliance across member contractors.
Powering Chicago's go-to-market combines B2B contractor referral via the Find a Contractor database, premier event sponsorships (Chicago Auto Show, Midwest Solar Expo, Cooperator Expo, NECA conventions), content marketing through 'The Power of Better' YouTube series (10,000+ subscribers) and LinkedIn newsletter, and workforce pipeline partnerships with Northwestern University, 100 Black Men of Chicago, and EWMC. The organization has earned consecutive NECA Safety Recognition Awards (2021, 2023, 2024, 2025), three Stevie Awards for marketing in 2022, U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Ambassador designation in 2022, and the 2024 IACT Clean Fuels Champion award. Notable leadership includes Elbert Walters III (Executive Director), Don Finn (Business Manager and Financial Secretary, IBEW Local 134), and Eric Nixon (Governor, ECA Chicago), with Kendra Dinkins recently elected as the first Black female ECA President.
Powering Chicago firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Powering Chicago
- Legal name
- Powering Chicago
- Website
- https://poweringchicago.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1900
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Powering Chicago is a labor-management cooperative between IBEW Local 134 (12,000+ electricians) and ECA Chicago (1,000+ contractors), founded in 1900. It operates the IN-Tech training academy and Find a Contractor referral network serving commercial, industrial, healthcare, and government electrical construction projects across the Chicago metro.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Powering Chicago industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Electrical Construction Services
- NAICS
- Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors (23821), Power and Communication Line and Related Structures Construction (237130)
- SIC
- Electrical Work (1731), Services-Engineering Services (8711)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Electrician Training (Residential & Commercial) (EDAOABAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Grid Interconnection & Collector Substation EPC (Utility-Scale Renewables) (EUAEABAK), EV/Industrial Charging Power Electronics (Chargers, rectifiers, power stages) (IMAGADAF)
Keywords
Where Powering Chicago is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Westchester
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices4 records
Markets served
Powering Chicago business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- ECA Membership Services: ECA Chicago provides membership services to electrical contractors including business insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), legal services, industry affiliations, member promotion, education and information services, and safety training programs
- IBEW Local 134 Union Dues: IBEW Local 134 represents more than 12,000 electricians and collects union dues from members, providing workers' rights, benefits and job conditions representation
- Apprenticeship Program: Five-year paid apprenticeship program funded exclusively by Powering Chicago members. Apprentices receive wages during training while contributing to the skilled labor pipeline
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | ECA Chicago Membership |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Apprenticeship Program |
| Other | Annual | Electrical Industry Scholarship Program (EISP) |
| Other | Annual | IBEW-NECA Tuition Reimbursement Program |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels13 records
Powering Chicago product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Powering Chicago is a labor-management partnership (LMCC) connecting IBEW Local 134's 12,000+ union electricians with ECA Chicago's 1,000+ signatory electrical contractors. The organization facilitates commercial, industrial, and residential electrical construction projects across the Chicago metro area via its "Find a Contractor" online directory, while operating a five-year apprenticeship program at the 120,000-square-foot IBEW/NECA Technical Institute (IN-Tech) training facility with a dedicated Renewable Energy Training Field. Service offerings focus on EV charging infrastructure installation, solar energy system deployment, and traditional electrical construction work for commercial, industrial, healthcare, education, and government clients.
Product overview
Powering Chicago is a labor-management partnership (LMCC) between IBEW Local 134 and the Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA) of Chicago that provides electrical construction services rather than a traditional software product. The organization operates the Ours To Protect Member Portal as its primary digital platform for member communication, along with workforce development programs through the IBEW/NECA Technical Institute (IN-Tech). Service offerings include EV charging infrastructure installation, solar energy system deployment, and electrical construction for commercial, industrial, and residential projects. Educational products include the Electrical Industry Scholarship Program (EISP) and IBEW-NECA Tuition Reimbursement Program. The organization also produces The Power of Better content series for industry outreach.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Ours To Protect Member Portal
- IBEW/NECA Technical Institute (IN-Tech) Apprenticeship Program
Quantifiable outcome
- 65% labor union approval rate, highest since 2003 (Gallup)
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Powering Chicago
Customer profileNamed customers16 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Powering Chicago technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Powering Chicago partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
19 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and moderate.
- IBEW Local 134coreIBEW Local 134 represents 12,000+ construction, communication, and residential electricians in Chicago. Powering Chicago is a labor-management partnership bringing together IBEW Local 134 and ECA Chicago for consistent better construction, careers, and communities.
- Electrical Contractors' Association of Chicago (ECA Chicago)coreECA Chicago represents 1,000+ professional contractors providing information and services to strengthen position in electrical industry. Joint partnership with IBEW Local 134 forms Powering Chicago organization.
- IBEW/NECA Technical Institute (IN-Tech)coreState-of-the-art 120,000 sq ft training facility on 29 acres in Alsip, IL. Funded by Powering Chicago members. Features Renewable Energy Training Field with solar, wind, battery storage components. Five-year apprenticeship program with 1,200 hours classroom training.
- Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT)coreIBEW-NECA Tuition Reimbursement Program for IN-TECH graduates transferring to IIT's Industrial Technology and Management (INTM) program. Covers up to $6,000/year for undergraduate students pursuing Industrial Facilities Construction Technology specialization.
- Northwestern UniversityminorAnnual STEM competition partnership at IN-Tech facility. Attracts 200+ high school students from Chicago area schools to compete in science, technology, engineering, and math challenges.
- ComEd (Commonwealth Edison)moderatePartnership with Powering Chicago and Illinois IBEW Renewable Energy Fund to train next generation of energy workers. Focus on renewable energy and grid modernization training.
- Illinois IBEW Renewable Energy Fund (REF)coreFund advances safe, productive, sustainable growth of renewable energy. Sponsors Summer Solar Program for workforce training. Supports Green Drives Conference. Partners with ComEd on renewable energy training.
- National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)coreNational trade association for electrical contractors. ECA Chicago is the Chicago chapter of NECA. Powering Chicago participates in NECA conventions, trade shows, and safety award programs.
- Rebuilding Together Metro ChicagomoderateAnnual National Rebuilding Day partnership. Over 20 Powering Chicago signatory contractors and 400 IBEW Local 134 electricians restore homes in underserved communities. Restored 38+ homes in 2024.
- Chicago Blackhawks FoundationminorPartnership to support small businesses through electrical equipment and safety upgrades. Assisted Muse Coffee Studio and La Malinche Coffee & Tea House via Simply E&C contractor.
- Chicago Red StarsminorOfficial partner of professional women's soccer team. Part of community engagement and brand visibility initiatives.
- Chicago Auto Show / Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA)moderatePremier sponsor of Chicago Auto Show for multiple years. Hosts indoor EV test track 'Chicago Drives Electric' with expert Q&A on EV charging infrastructure.
- Construction Industry Service Corporation (CISCO)moderateAnnual Union Construction Trades Fair partnership. Powering Chicago supports CISCO's efforts to connect attendees with career opportunities in union trades.
- Illinois Alliance for Clean Transportation (IACT)moderatePowering Chicago recognized as 2024 IACT Clean Fuels Champion. Co-hosts Green Drives Conference and Expo at IN-Tech facility. Promotes EV infrastructure and clean transportation.
- 100 Black Men of ChicagominorPartnership to empower young African Americans to join electrical industry. Event hosted at IN-Tech for 30 mentees showcasing career opportunities.
- Electrical Workers Minority Caucus (EWMC) Chicago ChaptermoderateEWMC Chicago Chapter celebrates 20 years of inclusion. Works to create opportunities for minorities and women in the electrical industry. EWMC Day of Service for community benefit.
- Sisters of IBEW Local 134minorOrganization providing support network for women across all job classifications within IBEW Local 134. Promotes women in electrical trades and workplace diversity.
- Crain's Chicago BusinessmoderateCollaborative webcasts and content partnership on NFPA 70B compliance, electrical safety, and industry trends. Positions Powering Chicago as industry thought leader.
- Lakeside AllianceminorPartnership for Obama Presidential Center project. Hosted 'day in the trades' event for high school students at the project site.
Scale indicators12 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Powering Chicago competitors and assessment
Company assessmentMarket position
Competitive moat5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Powering Chicago social profiles
Digital presencePowering Chicago financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Powering Chicago leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
Powering Chicago funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Powering Chicago M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Powering Chicago
What does Powering Chicago do?
Powering Chicago is a labor-management partnership (LMCC) connecting IBEW Local 134's 12,000+ union electricians with ECA Chicago's 1,000+ signatory electrical contractors. The organization facilitates commercial, industrial, and residential electrical construction projects across the Chicago metro area via its "Find a Contractor" online directory, while operating a five-year apprenticeship program at the 120,000-square-foot IBEW/NECA Technical Institute (IN-Tech) training facility with a dedicated Renewable Energy Training Field. Service offerings focus on EV charging infrastructure installation, solar energy system deployment, and traditional electrical construction work for commercial, industrial, healthcare, education, and government clients.
Is Powering Chicago a public or private company?
Powering Chicago is a private company. It is classified as management employee owned and is currently operating.
When was Powering Chicago founded?
Powering Chicago was founded in 1900. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Powering Chicago based?
Powering Chicago is headquartered in Westchester, United States, in the North America region.
How does Powering Chicago make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. ECA Membership Services are the primary driver. The others are IBEW Local 134 Union Dues and apprenticeship Program.
Does Powering Chicago have an API?
No public API is recorded for Powering Chicago.
What industry is Powering Chicago in?
Powering Chicago's product category is Electrical Construction Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAOABAA, Electrician Training (Residential & Commercial), with a secondary code of EUAEABAK, Grid Interconnection & Collector Substation EPC (Utility-Scale Renewables). Its NAICS code is 23821 and its SIC code is 1731.