Powering Chicago, the labor-management partnership between the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 134 and the Electrical Contractors’ Association of Chicago and Cook County (ECA), is set to present the 110th Chicago Tree Lighting Ceremony at Millennium Park tonight, November 17.
Executive Director Elbert Walters III expressed the organization’s commitment to “better construction, better careers, and better communities,” emphasizing the dedication to spreading holiday cheer by presenting the 2023 Christmas Tree for the City of Chicago.
The 45-foot Colorado Blue Spruce, adorned with 60,000 LED light bulbs and over five and a half miles of light strands, showcases the dedication to excellence in every installation.
Eco Lighting Services and Technology (ELS-T), an Oak Forest-based licensed contractor and Women Business Enterprise (WBE) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), was selected to install the lights. ELS-T, specializing in eco-friendly solutions, opted for LED lights, consuming 70% less energy than traditional incandescent lights.
This decision aligns with Powering Chicago’s focus on environmental responsibility, equivalent to reducing 5.2 metric tons of CO2 emissions or 12,209 miles driven by an average gas-powered vehicle.
Mindy Nowakowski, President of Eco Lighting Services and Technology, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the tradition. She thanked IBEW electricians for their experience, reliability, and safety in completing the project. “We are immensely grateful for the opportunity to take part in this beloved tradition and work hand-in-hand with Powering Chicago to bring joy to Chicagoland this season. Lighting up the city’s magnificent tree was a welcomed challenge, and we extend our thanks to the IBEW electricians who brought unmatched experience, reliability and safety to the project.”
The Tree Lighting Ceremony, presented by Powering Chicago with support from the Millennium Park Foundation and the Pritzker Foundation, will commence at 6 p.m., with a pre-show starting at 5 p.m. The lighting ceremony took place at approximately 6:25 p.m.
The 110th Annual City of Chicago Christmas Tree will illuminate Millennium Park until January 7, near the intersection of Michigan Ave. and Washington St.
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