The Electrical Contractors’ Association of City of Chicago (ECA) held their September Membership Meeting on Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at the Union League Club in Chicago. The dinner program featured industry updates, and a guest presentation from Matthew Beaudet, Commissioner, Chicago Department of Buildings (DOB).  The Commissioner was introduced by Rick Jamerson, ECA President, Jamerson & Bauwens Electrical Contractors, Inc.   A number of the Commissioner’s staff were on hand, which included the following: Grant Ullrich, Managing Deputy Commissioner; Carl Byrd, Deputy Commissioner; John Scott, Deputy Commissioner; and Michael Puccinelli, Director of Public Affairs. 

The Commissioner updated the attendees on the many activities at the DOB.  He emphasized that the City of Chicago, as well as the State of Illinois, were able to keep construction moving early on in the pandemic.  Currently, overall permit numbers are near pre-pandemic levels.  The DOB is working to ensure that the Chicago Energy Code addresses infrastructure needs / adjustments for proper electrification.  Infrastructure issues, as well as Renewable Energy / Decarbonization advancements are being pursued, as the City is aspiring to have 100% of buildings powered on renewable energy by 2035.  The DOB has been able to budget for two new inspectors in 2022.  Overall, more inspectors are needed. Commissioner Beaudet appreciated the level of commitment by the ECA membership to assist the DOB on various code issues, especially with the recent update of the Chicago Electric Code.  He also noted that the DOB looks forward to resuming Electrical Commission meetings.  After a brief Q & A, the Commissioner and staff were met with a round of applause.  We thank Commissioner Beaudet and his staff for their time at the meeting.

Pictured from left to right are:
Grant Ullrich, Managing Deputy Commissioner,
Carl Byrd, Deputy Commissioner,
Matthew Beaudet, Commissioner, City of Chicago Department of Buildings,
Rick Jamerson, ECA President, Jamerson & Bauwens Electrical Contractors, Inc.,
John Scott, Deputy Commissioner,
Bob Fimbianti, ECA Vice President, Linear Electric, Inc., and
Michael Puccinelli, Director of Public Affairs.

Pictured is Carrie Spaeth, ECA Assistant Manager,
as she presented the Committee updates for the
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI), LMCC and Young Professionals.

Pictured above is Gene Kent, INTECH Director,
as he presented the EJATT update.

Pictured is Matthew Beaudet, DOB Commissioner,
as he began his presentation.