In 1953, five local contractors saw the need for affiliation with a national association for electrical businesses. Admiring the nationwide NECA tradition of leadership, challenge, and service, they formally banded together to found the "Upper Midwest Chapter, NECA" on August 7, 1953. In 1961, the Chapter officially became the "Minneapolis Chapter, NECA," and adjusted its jurisdiction, which had previously included North and South Dakota, to its present form, which parallels that of IBEW Locals 292 and 343.