ECAO becomes full chapter member of NECA
The Electrical Contractors Association of Ontario (ECAO) has signed on to become a full international chapter member of the American National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA).
The organizations announced the news on January 11. The move makes ECAO the first international chapter to become a full chapter member of the US organization in its 120-plus year history.
"We are absolutely thrilled to be adding the Electrical Contractors Association of Ontario as the latest International Chapter of NECA, which offers the single largest influx of new members that NECA has ever seen," said NECA CEO David Long. "I want to thank ECAO Executive Director Graeme Aitken, his exceptional staff, the ECAO board of directors, and the entire membership for believing in NECA and seeing the value that our membership provides, even outside the borders of the United States. This is going to be a long-lasting, fruitful partnership that will benefit both our current members, and the hundreds of new members joining our ranks this month. "
For ECAO and its more-than 500 members, it means those organizations can connect with the education, networking, advocacy, labour relations, risk management, and business development resources offered by NECA.
"This new alliance with NECA is an amazing opportunity for ECAO electrical contractor members,” said ECAO executive director, Graeme Aitken. “NECA's vast educational and training offerings along with their strong industry research capabilities will be an asset for our members. Unionized electrical contractors in both the U.S. and Ontario share many of the same industry challenges and we believe that working together with NECA will strengthen ECAO members in meeting these challenges. I would like to extend a sincere thank you to David Long and his team of professionals in welcoming us as their newest Chapter. I look forward to a long and productive relationship for years to come."
Based in Toronto, ECAO was founded in 1948 to serve and represent the interests of the electrical contracting industry. ECAO members are also members of their area ECAs, with 11 current ECAs across the region.
NECA’s member base is made up of over 70,000 electrical contracting firms employing over 650,000 electrical workers. Its members are electrical contractors that work in all aspects of electrical construction. While most qualify as small businesses, large, multi-area electrical contracting firms are also members of the association.