Chicago, Ill. (March 22, 2022) – The Chicago Red Stars today announced a new partnership with Powering Chicago.
"The uniqueness of this partnership is what makes it so special. I don’t know of any other NWSL club partnering with a local union. The members of Powering Chicago have been key players in building the wonderful city of Chicago over the years, so we are thrilled to have this connection with them”, said Vicky Lynch, Chief Business Officer of the Red Stars.
Powering Chicago connects the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 134 and the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) of the City of Chicago. IBEW Local 134 improves rights, benefits and job conditions for over 17,000 construction, communication, and residential electricians in the Chicago area.
“Powering Chicago is thrilled to partner with the Chicago Red Stars for the upcoming 2022 campaign,” said Elbert Walters III, Executive Director, Powering Chicago. “Chicago has a deep, rich sports history and the Red Stars are continuing in that tradition. We look forward to cheering the team onto victory during the upcoming season.
Powering Chicago has been establishing high standards for accessible support for workers in the electrical industry since 1900. Members of Powering Chicago have built and wired Chicago’s first telephone and subway systems. Also, members helped build established Chicago landmarks such as Sears Tower, Wrigley Field, O’Hare International Airport and the Art Institute of Chicago.
About the Chicago Red Stars
Established in 2007, the Red Stars were a founding member of the former Women’s Professional Soccer and would later become one of the original eight teams to form the National Women’s Soccer League in 2013. The Red Stars have made the playoffs in seven consecutive years from 2015-2021, while also competing in three championship matches in as many years including the 2019 and 2021 NWSL Championship and the 2020 Challenge Cup championship.
About Powering Chicago
Bringing together the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 134 electricians and the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) of Chicago and Cook County, Powering Chicago is an electrical industry labor-management partnership (LMCC) that invests in consistently better construction, better careers and better communities within the metro Chicago region. Employing the latest technology, our members are elevating industry performance through their commitment to safety, level of experience and reliability, while also investing in the future of skilled labor through an innovative, five-year apprenticeship program.