03/06/2026
ECA Student Committee / ECIC Update -
March 5, 2026 - Student Chapter session
ECA Student Committee Update
ECIC / Student Chapter session
Thursday, May 5, 2026
As you are aware, the NECA - Illinois Tech (IIT) Student Chapter is participating in the 2026 Electrical Contracting Innovation Challenge (ECIC) sponsored by NECA and ELECTRI International. The ECIC provides university students and faculty advisors with an engaging, real-world annual competition that fosters meaningful interaction between students, local NECA chapters, and NECA member companies.
The ECA Student Committee and the students would like to thank James Brancato, Maron Electric Company and Jon Lumley, Aldridge Electric, Inc. for their special presentations on Thursday, March 5, 2026 during the Student Chapter session. Mr. Brancato spoke on Estimating and Mr. Lumley, a former IIT student who participated in a previous ECIC activity, discussed the overall project through the lens of “Lessons Learned in the ELECTRI Challenge,” among other areas.
Mr. Brancato emphasized the importance of working together with all those involved in the project. Focusing only on one aspect of the project, somewhat in a vacuum, is not productive. Details could be missed and a unified “solid” proposal would not be accomplished. He encouraged the student teams to collaborate consistently throughout the project.
Mr. Lumley described his previous experience with the ECIC. He suggested that the students get the most out of the NECA resources that are available. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions! One of the goals is to strengthen Student Chapter relationships with local NECA contractors, suppliers, and industry partners, so engagement is all part of it.” He also encouraged consistent updating throughout the project, apply milestones. “Organize the deliverables in your scoring matrix. Track the progress for each and have milestones established. Assign ownership for each bucket.”
As a reminder, each team must:
- Design the electrical system from schematic to construction documents for a design-build project scenario: Customer Y’s new 10-story University Medical Innovation Center.
- Use BIM tools to model and coordinate the system and resolve clashes with other trades.
- Plan project delivery using project management best practices.
- Price and schedule the project using a detailed estimate and schedule.
- Prepare a change order in response to a mid-project scope modification.
- Develop prefabrication and technology integration plans that improve efficiency and safety.
- Leverage AI tools for design, estimating, or scheduling—documenting when and how AI was used.
Again, the Electrical Contractors’ Association of City of Chicago (ECA) / the Chicago & Cook County Chapter, NECA wishes to thank James and Jon for their assistance, as well as the ECA Student Committee for their oversight concerning the NECA-Illinois Tech (IIT) Student Chapter. The Committee is instrumental in coordinating potential speakers, topics, among other areas that will help the students with the Challenge.
Pictured from left to right are:
James Brancato, Maron Electric Company.
Dr. Daniel Tomal, IIT Facilitator, and
Jon Lumley, Aldridge Electric, Inc.
Pictured are the presenters during the Q & A portion of their presentations.