meet new tom ea president - electric association of ... spring2017.web.pdf · meet new tom ea...

Meet New EA President

TOM SCHERZER

page 4

The Consulting Electrical Engineers Annual Technical Forum & Tradeshowpage 10

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spring 2017 electriCITY3

EA NEWS

A publication of the Electric Association

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To provide members of the electrical industry of Chicagoland and their employees with

formal educational opportunities, professional development, information exchange,

and member services.

— and —

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and foster the interchange of ideas, product knowledge, and programs in order to create the best external environment possible for conducting business in

the electrical industry.

Periodicals Postage paid at Madison, WI 53714 and at additional mailing offices.

Electric Association Carrie Spaeth

Executive Director

Editor Carrie Spaeth

Electric Association

Contributing Writers Amy Kasser

Carrie Spaeth

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A P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e E l e c t r i c A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . e a c h i c a g o . o r g • v o l u m e 2 1 • n o 1 • s p r i n g 2 0 1 7 ONESWITCH AWAYFROM

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For more information,visit www.unvlt.com or call 1.800.225.5278.

Proudly Representing Universal in the Chicago Market:

1220 CENTRAL AVENUE HANOVER PARK, IL 60133 | 630.307.6955 | KSALIGHTING.COM

A member of the Panasonic Group

FEATURE

The Consulting Electrical Engineers Annual Technical Forum & Tradeshow • 10

DEPARTMENTS

President’s Report • 4

Executive Director’s Report • 5

Communication Technologies Forum to Host Two Conferences and a Number

of Networking Events in 2017 • 12

Electrical Industry HR Forum • 13

Mark Your Calendars • 17

Industry News • 18

Index to Advertisers • 22

AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS

EGC—Electric Golf Club 2017 • 6

ECA—ECA/NECA Educational Programming • 14

electriCITY spring 20174

The Electric Association Welcomes a New President

At the Annual Meeting of Members last December, the Electric Association officially welcomed a new President, Mr. Thomas Scherzer. Tom Scherzer is the GM of North Ameri-

can Distribution Channel and Agency Network for Current, powered by GE, a $1 billion global business. Current, powered by GE, spans the globe as an industry leader in energy efficient products.

Scherzer joined GE in 1982 as a Sales Representative in Kansas City, part of GE Lightings’ Midwest Region. Within three years, Scherzer moved to GE Lighting’s headquarters in Cleve-land, Ohio where he held roles of increasing responsibility in Sales and Business Development. In 1997, he was named Western Region Sales Manager for the Consumer Business Unit. In 1999, Scherzer assumed the role of Region Sales Manager, North America Professional Sales. Today, Scherzer is the GM of North American Distribution and the Agency Network and leads the for-mulation of the strategies and programs for Current, powered by GE, to the Electrical Industry.

Scherzer earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing from Washburn University. He is an active member of the Chicagoland GE Volunteers chapter. Scherzer and his family reside in Chicago, IL.

Tom joined the Electric Association Board of Directors in 1999. In 2004, he Chaired the Vital Strategic Planning Committee that helped the organization survive a very difficult time in its history. Facing the loss of major funding sources in the late 1990s, Tom led the effort to intro-duce new programs that not only provided valuable membership services, but helped begin the effort to obtain financial security. Throughout the years, Tom also participated on the Annual Conference Committee, Auction Benefit Committee, as well as the Golf Committee. He was nominated and elected to serve as an Officer in 2010 and has since served as Secretary, Trea-surer and Vice President before his election as President in December, 2016.

Tom has outlined a number of goals and new programs for the association in his first year of service. First, the association will be introducing a new program to help corporate members with the challenges of recruiting and retaining new employees in today’s competitive market. The shortage of people entering the electrical industry has become a major issue for members in a growing construction market, and the Electric Association has developed this new program to aid our members in achieving their hiring objectives.

The Electric Association will also undergo an upgrade of its online presence and communica-tion tools. The mobile app created for the annual conference will become an EA membership tool that will include an industry calendar, membership directory, education program informa-tion, as well as a local “repfinder” tool to locate the representatives for manufacturers in our industry. The app is in development now and will be released this summer. The EA website will also get a refresh this year and will become a more efficient and searchable tool for members.

We are pleased to welcome Tom Scherzer as Electric Association President. If you would like to reach out to Tom with any ideas you might have for the organization, he can be emailed at [email protected]. l


Executive Director’s Report | Carrie Spaeth

New to the Electrical Industry?

Are you new to the electrical industry? The Chicago electrical industry is very unique in that much of the business conducted is done so through developed relationships.

The ability to meet, mingle, and connect with current and potential customers is vital to building business relationships. For the busy executive with a desk full of reports, requests, an email file full of “urgent” notes, or a voicemail box with far too many messages, the thought of going to an outside event may seem like a luxury. For some, it feels like a waste of time. The reality is that it's often an obligation that must be met, especially in our industry.

Visit the Electric Association website (www.eachicago.org) for a listing of all upcoming Indus-try events—utilize these opportunities to develop lasting business relationships. The Divisions of the Electric Association all offer dinner meetings, educational forums, and special events to meet with others in the industry. Our Young Professionals division hosts quarterly events for the 40 and younger crowd to meet in a social environment. The Electric Association “All-Industry” events, such as the Annual Membership Awards Dinner, CTF golf outing, the Consulting Electrical Engineers trade show, and our annual conference offer excellent opportunities to network within the electrical community. Don’t miss the Consulting Electrical Engineers Technical Forum & Table Top Trade-show, May 1st at the Union League Club of Chicago, which is well attended by both vendors and engineers alike.

Networking is a popular professional development tool that can save money, advance careers, resolve workplace challenges, and produce lifelong friendships. It is also one of the best ways to meet and conduct business in our industry. If you’re new to the industry, be sure to head out to one of our industry events this year. If you are not currently on our email list, please let us know so we can include you in future communication. Contact me at [email protected] l

“Networking is a popular professional development tool that can save money, advance careers, resolve workplace challenges, and produce lifelong friendships.”


Electric Golf Club Update | Amy Kasser

Electric Golf Club 2017

I hope you were able to join us on February 11th at the 94th Annual Electric Golf Club All-Industry Dinner Dance! A splendid time was had by all. The Electric Association held our annual fund-

raising auction, benefiting the EA and the Chicagoland Electric Association Education Foundation. This auction enables the CEAEF to award a scholarship to a deserving student. The event was a tre-mendous success! We would like to thank all of those on the Auction Committee, those who donated to the auction, and those who purchased the items.

We welcomed Chad Wisniewski from Hubbell Kellems as our new President at the dinner dance. Chad is very excited about this position and has some fun ideas to mix things up! Steve Zitkovic from CED/Efengee accepted Chad’s appointment as 2017 EGC Treasurer. Welcome aboard, Steve!

Rick Jamerson of Jamerson and Bauwens was chosen as the recipient of the J. P. Simons Man of the Year Award. Rick has served as the Auction Committee Chair and as the Electric Association President, among other offerings of his time and talents! Rick and his presenter, son Chad Jamerson, spoke so expressively that evening. We thank them both and congratulate Rick.

2017 Golf Dates:Thursday, May 11: St. Andrews Golf & Country Club, West Chicago

Thursday, June 15: Cog Hill Golf & Country Club, Lemont

Thursday, July 13: Arrowhead Golf Club, Wheaton

Thursday, August 17: White Pines, Bensenville

Thursday, September 28: Cog Hill Golf & Country Club, Lemont

Tuesday, October 10: St. Andrews Golf & Country Club, West Chicago

Call me at the EA office (630-305-3050) for information on outings or becoming a member of the Electric Golf Club. Join us, we’re a fun group! l

2017 EGC Officers:

2nd Vice President – David Anderson, Agents Midwest; President – Chad Wisniewski, Hubbell Kellems; 3rd Vice President – Kris Fedoruk, Acuity Brands Lighting; and Treasurer – Steve Zitkovic, CED/Efengee; Not pictured: 1st Vice President – John Ryder, Kelso Burnett


C hairman Rick Jamerson, Jamerson & Bauwens Electrical Contractors

Mike Mulcrone – Mulcrone & AssociatesJean Bradfield – J. P. Simons & CompanySusie Cassidy – Wrangler TechPatrick Conrardy – The Conrardy Company

Bob Fife – Houston Wire and CableBlue Kinander-Kelly – Electri-Flex CompanyJen Schleicher – Burndy

Acuity BrandsAdvance Electrical SupplyAlan WireAll Current ElectricalAllied TubeAnamet Electrical, Inc.AnixterAppletonAustin EnclosuresA-Z Wire & CableBasic Wire & CableBlock ElectricBurndyC&C PowerCanino Electric Co.Casey Electric SalesCole WireConneXion

Conrardy CompanyContech MSI Co.Continental ElectricDuralineEaton EESCOElectric Golf ClubElectri-FlexElfcoElite ComponentsEmergensee LightingEvergreen SupplyGE LightingGibson Electric/Dan Fitzgib-bonsGraybar ElectricHarger LightningHorton Group

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94th Annual Electric Golf Club All-Industry Dinner Dance!

2017 AUCTION DONATORSHouston Wire & CableIdeal IndustriesINTRENJ.P. Simons & CompanyJamerson & BauwensKiddeKraloyLake Michigan SalesLedvanceLevitonLevitonLighting SolutionsLinear Electric, Inc.Low Voltage SolutionsMiller, Cooper, & Co., Ltd.Milwaukee ToolMoran Electrical ContractingMP Husky

Mulcrone & AssociatesNational Pipe & PlasticsOldcastleOrion Energy SystemsParamont EOPatriot AluminumPentairRobroy PlastibondSchneider ElectricShamrockSteiner ElectricSTI Specified TechnologiesSusie Cassidy/Wrangler TechTaylor Electric CompanyWESCOWestern TubeWheatland Tube & EGCWML Electrical

Drew Ondik – SteinerKevin O’Shea – Shamrock ElectricJon Novotny – Graybar ElectricBernie Rosenblum – A-Z IndustriesMark Rudolph – Allied Tube/Atkore InternationalAl Rzeczkowski – All Current

David Witz – Continental Electric Construction Co.Dan Bertagna – Brook ElectricalKatie Canino – Canino Electric Co.

Thank you to this year’s auction committee!

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The Consulting Electrical Engineers (CEE) Annual Tech-nical Forum & Table Top Tradeshow is Monday, May

1st at the Union League Club of Chicago. This event brings together electrical engineers, specifiers, designers, and deci-sion makers representing Chicagoland’s top firms for an evening of education, professional networking, new product knowledge, and great camaraderie.

The event kicks off with a keynote Technical Presentation, presented by Mr. Rajiv Phougat. Mr. Phougat is the Techni-cal Strategy Leader at IBM Watson, focused on designing Cognitive and Artificial Intelligence Solutions for global clients. He is also the founding Chairman of Technical Sales Leadership Council (An IBM Academy of Technology Affili-ate), and a Board Member of The Open Group IT Architect Certification Authority and IBM Thought Leader Architect Certification Board.

Mr. Phougat has been widely recognized for cre-ative, visionary leadership. In 2012, he received “Best of IBM” award, which is given to only 500 people from all over world (out of IBM’s approximately 450,000 employees), and has received several Ser-vice Excellence awards and

Technical Excellence awards. Mr. Phougat has also served

on several government initiatives, industry advisory boards, and charitable/community organizations. He holds an MBA from Kelley School of Business (Indiana University), Master of Information Technology degree and Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science.

Rajiv Phougat’s presentation is titled “IBM Internet of Things (IoT): Re-Imagining What is Possible”

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the growing range of connected devices that send data across the internet. The IoT is now a reality due to the con-vergence of several technologies, including wireless communications, micro-electrical systems, cloud storage and of course, the internet. A "thing" is any object with embedded electronics that can transfer data over a network without human interaction. Examples are wearable devices, environmental sen-sors, machinery in factories, devices in homes and buildings, or components in a vehicle. Data from connected devices are the next natural resource to be mined for economic value.

This presentation will provide examples of how the IoT is already creating value for businesses. How well do you know your total cost of building opera-tions? Everything that happens in your buildings is producing data. How can you capture and make sense of it to improve operations? The IoT can provide a complete workplace management solu-tion that combines data from sensors and equip-ment with powerful analytics to optimize everything from core facilities maintenance to lease account-ing, capital project management, space manage-ment, energy management, and more. Technology is changing how buildings are used, but it can also help you adapt your facilities management strategy to rapid change.

The Consulting Electrical Engineers Annual Technical Forum & Tradeshow

Announces “The Internet of Things” as Topic of 2017 Keynote Address

"Everything that happens in your buildings is producing data. How can you capture and make sense of it to improve operations?"

Mr. Rajiv Phougat


Following the technical forum, attendees can make their way down to the second floor for the trade show and cocktail party featuring over 50 exhibitors.

Attendees will notice a few changes to this year’s event! The Trade Show will now feature two areas for engineers to walk through. The main tradeshow will again be held in the ballroom on the second floor, and then an entirely new space will be dedicated to “New Products.” Attendees can view the latest technology on the market in the Heritage Room locat-ed adjacent to the main ballroom.

Additionally, the door prize give-away will have a new struc-ture. This year, vendors will give away their prizes right at their table. There will be scheduled drawings throughout the evening, so the more exhibits engineers visit, the better chance they have to win! Prizes will be given out at the main tradeshow exhibits as well as in the new product showcase.

Participation for engineers (including architects, speci-fiers, designers, and project managers) is free, and awards 2 professional development hours for participation. You can learn more about this event and register online at www.eachicago.org.

OVER 50 EXHIBITORS!

Exhibit Space is Limited -

Register Soon!This exclusive EA member event provides Manu-facturers, Representatives, Service Providers and others with a unique opportunity to network and showcase your products to hundreds of engineers in one setting. Exhibitors must be Electric Association corporate members in good standing to participate. The tradeshow portion of this event is held from 5:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Union League Club's ballroom on the 2nd floor of the facility. Exhibi-tors receive a 6-foot skirted table for their display materials.

The exhibitor informational packet including reg-istration materials can be downloaded from the EA homepage at www.eachicago.org. Space is limited, and this event sells out each year, so early registra-tion is recommended. l


Communication Technologies Forum to Host Two Conferences and a Number of Networking Events in 2017

SPRING CONFERENCE

The Communication Technologies Forum has planned two conferences this year providing

great local opportunities for professionals in the electrical and communication fields to obtain BICSI continuing education credits towards their profes-sional licensing renewal. The spring conference will be held on April 18th at the Lindner Center in Lombard, Illinois from 7am to Noon. Participation at this event will award four (4) BICSI CEC's to attend-ees, and will feature the following presentations:

• Practicalities of Deploying Wireless LANs in Healthcare

• 7 Basics of Successful HDBaseT Deployment Over Category Cable

• NBASE-T: 2.5/5g BASE-T in the Enterprise

• Chris Sharrer, Regional Director – BICSI, “Millennial RCDD’s”

FALL CONFERENCEThe Fall Conference is planned for November 15, and will be held in the same half day format, at the Union League Club of Chicago. A call for speakers will be opened to the Industry in September. These are great events for not only educational advance-ment, but also professional networking with custom-ers and peers. Each conference offers manufacturers and vendors the opportunity to set up product dis-plays. You can learn more about the fall conference and register online at www.eachicago.org.

The Communication Technologies Forum, division of the Electric Association, was created to bring together all disciplines within the voice and data communications fields in a venue where they can network, be informed, and have quality education. To learn more about the CTF, visit us online at: www.eachicago.org/divisions/ctf

NETWORKING EVENTSThe CTF has also planned two All Industry Networking events this summer:

Wednesday, June 21st Lake Michigan Privately Charted Fireworks Cruise

Tuesday, September 19th All Industry Golf Outing, Arrowhead Golf Club, Wheaton

More information on the upcoming events can be found online at www.eachicago.org



Electric Association Members are invited to join us at our first ever

“Electrical Industry HR Forum” Tuesday, April 25, 2017 – 8:30a.m.

Lindner Conference Center 610 E. Butterfield Road, Lombard, IL

Due to the demands of our growing construction field and the shortage of workers entering the electrical

industry, the Electric Association has increased its efforts to help members recruit and retain employees in today’s competitive job market. The purpose of this event is to help our members get the resources they

need to make sure they have the staffing they require for increased construction projected in 2017.

Who should attend? Managers, Supervisors, Human Resource Department personnel,

or anyone that is responsible for hiring for your company!

Event Details: 8:30am – Check in and Breakfast

9:00am – 9:30am: 10 Minute Informational presentations from three local universities with engineering, construction management, and business schools to help you with your recruiting needs.

9:30 – 10:30am – Featured Speaker:

Ms. Kathy Cole President, DKCole Executive Search

Construction Industry Employment Specialist Topic: “Recruiting and Retaining Employees in Today’s Competitive Job Market”

10:30 – 11:00am: Networking with local universities to help you with your hiring needs

Registration Fee: $25 per person, EA Corporate Members

$60 per person, Non Members

Advance Registration Requested at www.eachicago.org Electric Association, 17W733 Butterfield Road, Suite B, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181

Phone 630-305-3050 / Fax 630-305-3056 Email: [email protected]

www.eachicago.org

Electric Association Serving Chicagoland Since 1926


scheduled for April 26-27, 2017 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Washington, D.C.

Women In NECA (WIN) Leadership SummitThe WIN Leadership Summit will highlight the work and achievements of some remarkable women in our industry and national leaders. The event builds on the success of previous summits and will celebrate and explore the ways women contribute to the growth of the electrical construction industry. The program will be held April 19-21, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wis-consin.

NECA Future Leaders Conference The NECA Future Leaders Conference will be held May 17-19, 2017 in San Francisco, Califor-nia.

NECA Safety Professionals ConferenceSpecifically created for safety professionals working in today's electrical contracting indus-try, the 2017 NECA Safety Professionals Confer-ence is an opportunity to gain knowledge of the latest issues affecting the safety of our workers and how to keep them safe on the job. The con-ference is arranged for May 22-24, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The above information is a sampling of the year-round activities of the Association. It is through the participation of our member volun-teers that has kept the Association on the fore-front of the industry. We hope that all signatory contractors within the Cook County area will make the commitment to the industry and join our Association. Please contact the ECA office at: (708) 531-0022 or by fax at: (708) 531-0071 or visit our website at: www.ecachicago.com for membership information, as well as information regarding Chapter and NECA programming. l

The Electrical Contractors’ Association of City of Chicago (ECA) is a construction

trade association that provides business and labor relations services to nearly 600 electrical contractors in Cook County, Illinois. The Asso-ciation works with its industry partner, Local Union #134, IBEW to negotiate and administer labor agreements, coordinate apprentice and journeyman level training, as well as promotion of the industry on behalf of these employers. The ECA is also known as the Chicago and Cook County Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). Currently, 69 signatory firms are members of the Electrical Contractors’ Association of City of Chicago (ECA) / Chicago and Cook County Chapter, NECA.

The ECA Research and Education Committee reviews, recommends and develops numerous educational programs throughout the year. The ECA Executive Committee offers scholarships to the membership in regard to these programs and workshops, as well as NECA conferences, including the following:

ECA Basic Electrical Estimating Workshop The ECA Estimating Workshop is scheduled for May 15-18, 2017 at the Drake Oak Brook Hotel. This four-day workshop includes an online por-tion, as well. Those experienced in estimating, as well as the novice are encouraged to partici-pate with this program.

NECA Legislative ConferenceThis annual meeting is the premier legislative conference for electrical contractors to hear about the top issues affecting the industry and meet leaders who are working to provide real solutions. NECA will ensure leading members of Congress from both sides of the political aisle will be on hand to brief participants on the latest happenings on Capitol Hill. The event is

Eric Nixon, President, ECA Chicago

ECA /NECA Educational Programming

ECA Electrical Contractors Association of City of Chicago


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Mark Your Calendars2017 Electric Association Board Meeting Dates & Special Events

13 Young Professionals Tour of IBEW Renewable Energy Center

18 Communication Technologies Forum Spring Conference

25 Electric Association HR Forum “Recruiting & Retaining Employees in Today’s Competitive Job Market”

April

may

october

june

november

december

1 CEE Technical Forum & Tradeshow, Union League Club, Chicago

19 Annual Membership Awards Dinner, The Carlisle, Lombard

21 Communication Technologies Forum Summer Social, Lake Michigan Fireworks Cruise

16 CTF Fall Conference, Union League Club of Chicago

14 Electric Association Annual Meeting

september12 Fall Semester Classes begin

19 Electric Association – Communication Technologies Forum All Industry Golf Outing, Arrowhead Golf Club, Wheaton



Industry News

KSA Welcomes New Team Members

KSA continues to welcome new talent to their dynamic team in 2017! We continue to re-invest in our employees

providing a culture that offers opportunities for mentorship, growth and new challenges.

Please give a warm welcome to our new team members that joined our agency recently.

Katie Possley joins our Inside Specification Sales Team. No stranger to this industry, Katie has a great deal of light-ing sales experience from her time collaborating with the architectural and design community for over 12 years. When working on a project with a client her creative and solution-based approach has made her an instant contributor to our team and a hit with customers. Able to assemble and com-plete difficult designs she has been a wonderful addition to our growing department.

Greg Tomaras joins our Controls Division as our Senior Controls Project Manager. For the past year and a half, he was the Team Lead for controls at a Manufacturers Rep Agency. Prior to that he worked at a controls manufacturer. He started as a Field Service Engineer starting up systems locally and in adjoining states and then worked his way up to project management overseeing design and quotations. Per-haps the most intriguing fact about Greg was in his younger years he was a Nuke Electrician on a Submarine for the Navy for 6 years- how cool is that!!

Mark Walter is our newest controls designer. He is new to the industry with experience at a company that partners with local utilities facilitating their energy efficiency rebate pro-grams. There he was an energy efficiency engineer involved in reviewing rebates and applications that local companies including KSA would send in. His experience with their advanced lighting and energy management systems has provided him a lot of exposure and insight already into our industry! Prior to that he worked for a metal fabrication com-pany, on their fabrication team as an inside sales person. His

involvement reading plans and spec for parts a customer would need fabricated gave him great experience on the manufacturing and project management side!

Our Energy Solutions Sales Team gained another member as we welcomed Doug Bagrowski. Prior to coming to KSA Doug was in sales at a manufacturer calling on Distributors and large end users across the Chicagoland area, Rockford and Northwest Indiana. Some of his largest customers he worked with included steel and equipment manufacturers, high education facilities and laboratories in the area. Add all that up and Doug is working off 26+ years’ experience in the industry and brings a wealth of knowledge to our team!

Our Electrical Group gained another inside sales team mem-ber as we welcomed Ludy Oliquino! Ludy comes to us with roughly 30 years in the industry working on the commodity rep side. Most recently she wore many hats as inside sales/customer care/lighting group for a local agency. Ludy’s long background in the industry combined with her cheerful demeanor has made her a hit with our customers already!

KSA welcomed Scott Shellberg as our fifth inside specifica-tion sales team member. Scott joins our agency with over 29 years’ experience on the distributor side. Starting from a warehouse associate filling orders and making greenfield whips he worked his way up. Over the years he went from being at the ground level of commercial lighting depart-ments working various roles and most recently was Director of Lighting Design and Applications. He is no stranger to this industry and we consider him a valuable asset to have here at KSA!

With this year starting out on such a high note, we have positioned our agency to continue its forward momentum. Our additions re-inforce our commitment to staffing our agency with employees that are reliable, knowledgeable and share our customers’ passion for positive project experi-ences. l


Customize A Course For Your CompanyLooking for education not currently offered by the EA’s Education Foundation, OR, want to hold one of the Foundation Courses at your office for a group of staff members? Customize a course for your company. Con-tact the Education Foundation and provide a description of the course you are looking for. This course can be held for 6 – 20 students, and shall be amended to fit your company’s schedule. Daytime, evenings, and week-end seminars can be developed. In addition to the regularly scheduled electrical & computer courses offered by your CEAEF, here are a few examples of topics that are available:

Contact us today for more information! | Chicagoland Electric Association Education Foundationp: 630-305-3050 | e: [email protected] | Visit us online: www.eachicago.org/education

Inside / Outside Sales trainingCustomer Service / Communication Skills

Computer Software Training (ie: Microsoft Office)English as a Second Language

Team DevelopmentExecutive Leadership DevelopmentSupervisory / Management Skills

FinanceCoaching, Mentoring

Change Management

Time Management

Strategic Planning

Behavioral Interviewing

Human Resource Topics

Negotiating

Planning / Project Management

Conflict Resolution

Philips Lighting Chicago is proud to announce two

changes in our Chicago Area Representation. Both

are effective January 1, 2017.

1. Agents Midwest who currently represent Phil-

ips Advance Ballasts will also represent Philips

for Traditional Lamps, LED Lamps and LED Electron-

ics. We’ve had a long and successful relationship with

Agents Midwest and are very excited about expanding

their offering to the entire lamp, ballast and LED port-

folio.

2. Chicago Lightworks is an entirely new agency in

the Chicago Area. The majority of the associates

who will be at Chicago Lightworks are Philips people

who currently serve your lighting and control needs.

They will continue to service the design community as

well as the electrical construction and distribution com-

munities. The same folks with a few new faces, some

additional lines to enhance the quality Philips portfolio

and great responsiveness.

Principals:

Julie Blankenheim, Managing Partner

Michael Nykaza, Managing Partner

Jim Westerfield, Specification Sales

Shelly Nowalski, Contractor Sales

Erin Murphy, Contractor Sales l

Philips Lighting Chicago Agency Change


PG Enlighten Announces Promotions

PG enlighten is excited to announce the promo-tion of Brian Dahlquist to Principal of the Cen-

tral IL territory.

Brian’s primary focus for the past 15 years with PG enlighten has been Central IL distributor, contractor, and specifier markets. In his new role as Principal, Brian will continue to work with his existing customers and oversee his team extending the same high level of ser-vice that is essential to his territories success.

With his promotion comes the expansion of the Central IL sales team. The newest member of the team, Shane Little will concentrate on lighting sales and specifica-tion, while Kevin McCartan transitions into the Central IL controls, energy and municipality specialist. Project manager, Maryann McCartan completes the makeup of the core members of TeamPG-Cental IL.

Shane brings 15 years’ experience in the electrical indus-try from contractor salesman to manufacturer’s repre-sentative. His lighting and territory knowledge along

Share business happenings with your fellow EA members. Submit your industry news to Carrie at [email protected]

Callas Kingsley NewsCallas Kingsley is pleased to announce the addition of Picoma Industries and Federal Pacific Electric to its line card.

Picoma offers a complete line of electrical conduit fittings including steel elbows, couplings and nipples.

Federal Pacific offers a complete line of single and three phase dry type transformers as well as buck boost, encapsu-lated industrial control and drive isolation transformers

Both products will be stocked in the Callas Kingsley warehouse in Wood Dale.

In addition Callas Kingsley would like to welcome Harry Van Cleve to its inside sales team. Harry comes to Callas Kingsley with 20 years experience in the rep industry specializing in lighting and gear markets. l

with years of developing industry partnerships will be a value to the team.

Kevin has more than 30 years’ experience in the electri-cal industry with a BS in Electrical Engineering from UIC. His industry qualifications include distribution, automation and data communications. Most recently his lighting specification sales knowledge brings him to his new position as the controls, energy and municipality specialist in the territory.

Maryann lives and works in the Central IL territory pro-viding complete customer service - project management, quotations, and post sales. She is easily accessible for all customers all the time and compliments our Central IL sales teams sales efforts with her dedication to the ter-ritory

PG enlighten would like to take a moment to congratu-late Brian on his promotion and we are excited to pro-vide continuing support to our customers with these great changes. l

WHAT'S NEW?


The Illinois Tech School of Applied Technology dedi-cated their new Smart Tech Lab on October 13. The

Smart Tech Lab at Illinois Tech is one of the first of its kind offering students interested in embedded systems, wireless technologies, and green energy sustainability a state-of-the art facility. The lab is used by the depart-ments of Information Technology and Management (ITM), Industrial Technology and Management (INTM), and the Illinois Tech NECA Student Chapter. Robert Carlson, dean of the School of Applied Technology, hosted the lab opening event, along with Industry Asso-ciate Professor and Smart Lab Director, Jeremy Hajek, and Dan Tomal, Ph.D., INTM adjunct faculty and Illinois Tech NECA student chapter facilitator.

Attendees at the event included many of the donors from industry and within Illinois Tech who contributed significant financial and material resources, as well as time, equipment, and expertise to make this lab a real-ity. This list includes: Clune Construction Company; Graybar; Gurtz Electric; IDEAL Industries, Inc.; Kelso-Burnett Co.; Lutron Electronics Company, Inc.; ComEd; EAL Green; Grainger; Electrical Contractors Association of City of Chicago; IBEW Local 134, and members of the IIT-NECA Student Chapter and Illinois Tech’s depart-ments of Facilities, Planning, Design, and Construction; and the Office of Technology Services.

In addition to the five large LCD digital wall monitors, LED ceiling fixtures, and the Crestron instructional digi-

tal media, the Smart Tech Lab features a display of the technologically advanced Audacy building automation system—a similar system that controls lighting at Wrig-ley Stadium. The Lutron Graphic Eye wireless lighting system controls the three lighting zones in the laborato-ry with built in occupancy and vacancy sensors. “These systems are truly a great example of a technological and energy efficient building automation,” said Carlson.

“The students in the ITM Embedded Systems Program have already developed an array of projects using sin-gle-purpose, small computers to give digital and ana-log sensors intelligence to control specific tasks and functions,” explains Hajek. Some examples of projects include: a mesh networked and solar powered environ-mental sensor platform, smart concrete cure system, a Google glass display for viewing environments data, an automated movement of Quadcopters, a home automa-tion prototype application, and an electrical vault moni-toring system.

The NECA Student Chapter students will use the lab for activities related to their participation in NECA’s Annual Green Energy Challenge, and INTM students will have access to the technology for their coursework in embedded systems, energy efficiency, and sustain-ability. It will also serve as a university facility for host-ing industry meetings and events.

Learn more about Illinois Tech’s Smart Tech Lab at http://appliedtech.iit.edu/smartlab. l

Illinois Tech Dedicates New Smart Tech Lab


THE Electric Association has a Social

Media presence and is available

as a resource to anyone who Likes or Joins. Our

various groups and handles are as follows:

• Facebook: Electric Association, Inc.

• LinkedIn: Electric Association of Chicago

(Group)

The Electric Association is providing ways for

you to expand your online presence. We’ve

tried to keep our various online presences dedi-

cated to conversations about ideas, issues and

interesting electric association-related subjects.

Posts that sell products or services are deleted

from the Facebook page and LinkedIn group. l

Be part of this award winning publication.

ADVERTISE TODAY!For advertising information contact:

Beth Vander Grinten,

608.692.2384 | [email protected]

Index to AdvertisersAnamet Electrical, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Archibald & Meek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

EA Education Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

FC Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

IDEAL Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

KSA Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .IFC

Philips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .IBC

Remke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Snake Tray. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Wheatland Tube . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BC

23

Shield_White_2013

Version 1.1 – 25 October 2013A new level of collaboration in ChicagoPhilips Lighting and Chicago Lightworks

Learn more at: chicagolightworks.com

Chicago Lightworks has been chosen to sell the complete line of Philips Lighting luminaires in the Chicago market. With a commitment to offer unrivaled service and creative solutions for virtually any application, Chicago Lightworks is the agency to call for all of your upcoming lighting projects.

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A Publ icat ion of the Electr ic Associat ion • www.eachicago.org

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