General Info

About Electric Association Electric Association is proud of its long and illustrious history in Chicago's electrical industry. Electric Association was organized on September 18, 1925. It's founder and first President, Mr. John F. Gilchrist ( Vice-President, Commonwealth Edison Company ), organized a meeting of industry leaders from Electric Club of Chicago to arrange the necessary details in connection with the calling of a larger meeting for the purpose of considering the desirability of forming an electrical association in the Chicago area. On January 18, 1926, a charter was received from the Secretary of State, authorizing the organization of Electric Association under the provisions of the Illinois Statute providing for Corporations under the not for profit act. To encourage the practice of good business standards in the industry, and to raise the standards of electrical practice by so informing the public that they will appreciate and demand the best in materials, workmanship, engineering, and applications. To keep closely in touch with all public matters pertaining to electrical problems, that all business organization, municipal, state and federal authorities may know that this Association is a responsible body and capable of handling intelligently subjects pertaining to electrical matters. Through much change in our electrical industry over the years, many of these goals remain true for Electric Association today. To provide members of the electrical industry of Chicagoland and their employees with formal educational opportunities, professional development, information exchange, and business services. To serve as the interface between various organizations serving the same industry, 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. In order to bring together all segments of the industry, Electric Association has developed strong relationships with affiliated organizations such as: ComEd, Electrical Contractors' Association of Chicago, NECA-Northeastern IL Chapter, Middle States Contractors Association, NAED ( National Association of Electrical Distributors ), NEMRA ( National Electrical Manufacturer's Representatives Association ), The Illuminating Engineering Society Chicago Chapter, and the St. Paddy's Day Luncheon Society. Electric Association also manages three industry-affiliated organizations: The Chicago Electrical Estimators Association, The Electric Golf Club of Chicago, and The Little Wheels Club of Chicago. State of the art education through professionally developed and delivered classes by the Chicagoland Electric Association Education Foundation. The Chicagoland Electric Association Education Foundation ( CEAEF ) was established and recognized as a not-for-profit foundation in 1999. The CEAEF hosts two education semesters per year, with a full curriculum of electrical & professional development courses. CEAEF courses have an advantage over other sources of education in that these classes are presented by long-time members of our industry. Students have the opportunity to meet with others from the same industry, and learn more about the unique aspects of the Chicago electrical community as a whole. The CEAEF awards three academic scholarships per year: an Electric Association scholarship, a CEE scholarship, and a CTF scholarship. This growing program has awarded over $20, 000 in academic scholarships since its inception. Industry wide meetings, outings, and events offer the opportunity to network with colleagues, customers and friends. Electric Association hosts a variety of meetings per year giving members the chance to meet with colleagues. Many monthly and quarterly meetings are held through the EA Divisions: Consulting Electrical Engineers Division, Communication Technologies Forum, and the Women's Division. These divisions provide members of the electrical community with