July 2009

Utility Construction EXPO Returns to Orlando in 2010

Vancouver, BC, the Site of NUCA’s 2009 Fall Board Meeting

NUCA Government Relations Department Hosts Summer Interns

NUCA Foundation Announces 2009 Scholarship Winners

GUCA Elects New Officers, Awards Scholarships

2009 NUCA Safety Directors Forum Heads to Las Vegas This December

New Members

Utility Construction EXPO Returns to Orlando in 2010

The collaborative spirit embodied in the “we” of NUCA’s “We Dig America” logo will be honored at next year’s Utility Construction EXPO ‘10 — All Together Now, which will be held January 10-13 at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel in Orlando, Fla. Mindful of the current economic realities, NUCA will be presenting a hybrid format that combines the “Executive Experience” launched at EXPO ‘08 in Hawaii and a traditional trade show. New this year, a fully-integrated EXPO ‘10 Web site will allow attendees to register for EXPO, reserve a room at the Dolphin and pick up discounted tickets for Disney theme parks all in one place.

In keeping with the “All Together Now” theme, there will be general sessions with motivational/instructional presentations designed to meet the needs and interests of all participants and three themed parties (Havana Nights, Cheeseburgers in Paradise and The Disney Experience) that will provide opportunities for both networking and fun. In addition to the traditional golf tournament (on the last day of EXPO this year), there will be a golf clinic for non-players who want to learn and a golf reception. Last but not least, the trade show will offer participants an exciting, close-up look at the latest equipment, products and services designed for the industry. Located in the Exhibit Hall, the Silent Auction will run for the three days that the hall is open. Whether you’re a contractor, equipment manufacturer or an interested industry observer, you’ll find something at EXPO ‘10 to make your investment more than worthwhile.

And, then there’s location, location, location. In 2010, there’ll be no need to wait for spring to start having fun in the sun. Situated in the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort, the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel is the gateway to Central Florida’s renowned theme parks and attractions — places like Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and Magic Kingdom Park.

When you can’t fit another thing into your day, you can retreat to the hotel’s luxurious facilities, which include redesigned guest rooms, the new Mandara Spa, 17 spectacular restaurants and lounges, five pools, a white sand beach, two health clubs, tennis and nearby golf. Guests also have access to many special Disney benefits, including complimentary transportation to all Walt Disney World theme parks, attractions and exclusive Extra Magic Hours in the theme parks.
Unlike any other industry trade show, EXPO proceeds are funneled back into NUCA’s legislative advocacy initiatives, safety programs and other services that improve and promote the business operations of utility contractors. Continue to check the NUCA Web site at www.nuca.com for updates on this and other association events.

Vancouver, BC, the Site of NUCA’s 2009 Fall Board Meeting

NUCA’s Fall Board & Committee Meetings — an annual gathering of NUCA leaders and members for the purpose of conducting association business — is typically held on the home territory of the NUCA President. NUCA’s 2009 president Lyle Schellenberg lives in Salem, Ore., but grew up in British Columbia, so he opted for an across-the-border meeting. Looking at the aerial view of Vancouver, one can see why.

The Fall Board Meeting is a wonderful opportunity to combine business and pleasure. Vancouver offers a wealth of attractions to explore once the day’s meetings have adjourned — Gastown historic area, Granville Island, Stanley Park, Robson Street, Vancouver Aquarium, Science World BC, Capilano Suspension Bridge, Grouse Mountain, Whistler Mountain (site of the 2010 Winter Olympics) and more. If sightseeing isn’t your thing, you can hit the golf course, slopes or casino. And then there’s the host hotel. The Fairmont Waterfront is situated on a spectacular harbor and surrounded by coastal mountains and lush city parks. State-of-the-art conference facilities, health club, outdoor heated pool, herb garden, complimentary bikes and fine cuisine are only a few of the amenities.

The 2009 Fall Board and Committee Meetings is scheduled for Wed., Sept. 23 through Friday, Sept. 25. For more information and to register, visit the NUCA Web site at www.nuca.com. And, don’t forget to secure a passport if you don’t already have one! Travelers to and from Canada are required to have a passport or other accepted document to enter/re-enter the United States.

NUCA Government Relations Department Hosts Summer Interns

NUCA Government Relations Coordinator Ben Gann is working closely with summer interns PJ Tabit and Colleen Wetherill.

Thanks to the Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars, NUCA’s Government Relations Department has been enjoying the company and services of two summer interns. A college senior double-majoring in Political Science and Philosophy at the University of Scranton in Scranton, Penn., PJ Tabit is, in his own words, “bridging the disconnect between theoretical and practical learning” by spending June and July as a NUCA Government Relations intern. In addition to writing this month’s “Inside Washington,” PJ has been attending congressional hearings, scheduling meetings with freshmen legislators for the purpose of introducing NUCA, updating the Government Relations pages on the NUCA Web site and attending classes and lectures at the Washington Center. His future plans include pursuing a master’s degree in Economics.

Colleen Riette Wetherill, also a college senior, attends New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, where she is double-majoring in Government and Law and Society. NUCA Government Relations staff is keeping her busy attending congressional hearings, updating the Clean Water Council’s Water News Update blog, entering data collected at the spring Washington Summit into Vocus and, like PJ, attending classes and lectures at the Washington Center. She is also scheduled to write next month’s “Inside Washington.” Having come to the nation’s capital with the idea of checking out a possible career as a lobbyist, Colleen is now thinking that law school might be in her future.

“We brought PJ and Colleen in because they are bright and have a strong interest in the legislative process,” said Ben Gann, NUCA Government Relations Coordinator. “Congress is very busy this summer tackling water infrastructure, health care, climate change and highway authorization, so they received a great deal of exposure to legislative issues that could have long-term implications for the nation. As for their contribution, they have been a real asset to the Government Relations Department.”

NUCA Foundation Announces 2009 Scholarship Winners

The NUCA Foundation for Education and Research is pleased to announce the winners of its 2009 college scholarships. The D.A. Foster Memorial Scholarship ($2,000 per year for four years) went to Megan Unger of St. Marys, Ga. The daughter of Thomas Unger, who works for NUCA contractor member Florida Roads Contracting Inc., Megan plans to study Biology and Psychology at the University of Georgia with the eventual goal of becoming a neurosurgeon at a research-based medical institute.

The NUCA $4,000 scholarship ($1,000 per year for four years) was awarded to Sarah Cannon of Longwood, Fla. The daughter of Michael Cannon, Vice President of Operations for Reynolds Inliner LLC, Sarah will enter Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., where she will major in Biomedical Engineering, with the eventual goal of becoming a biomedical engineer involved in medical research.

Maria Hansel of Kaukauna, Wisc., was the recipient of the William & Shirley Burgett Scholarship (one-time award of $2,000). The daughter of Corey Hansel, who works in the Power Division of NUCA contractor member Michels Corp., Maria will major in Mathematics at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisc., with the career goal of becoming an actuary or secondary mathematics teacher.

The NUCA $1,000 scholarship ($500 per year for a two-year program) went to Charlie Jonah Coley of Albemarle, N.C. The son of Charlie D. Coley, who works for NUCA contractor member BRS Inc., Jonah will enter the two-year Field Crops Technology program at North Carolina State University, with the career goal of owning and operating his own farm.

The NUCA Foundation congratulates these fine students for their considerable achievements.

GUCA Elects New Officers, Awards Scholarships

2008-2009 GUCA President Ricky Harp passes the gavel to 2009- 2010 President Judy Turpin.

At its Annual Conference on Amelia Island, Fla., in June, the Georgia Utility Contractors Association (GUCA) Inc. elected Judy Turpin as the 2009-2010 GUCA President. President of Turpin Inc. in Forest Park, Turpin joined GUCA in 2000, the same year she started her horizontal jack and bore contracting business, and has since made it a priority to be deeply involved in the association, serving on the GUCA Board of Directors for seven years (five of them as an officer) and on the Legislative, Conference, Golf, Membership and Policy Planning and Personnel Committees. Not surprisingly, she was named GUCA’s 2008-2009 Committee Chairman of the Year. The other newly elected GUCA officers are: First Vice President Mitch Stephens, John D. Stephens Inc.; Second Vice President Charlie Murren, C.A. Murren & Sons Co. Inc.; Treasurer Regina Shelnutt, Robert M. Anderson Inc.; and Secretary Angela Lance, Peed Bros. Inc.

Sean Burch was one of three recipients of a GUCA Foundation Industry Scholarship.

In other association news, the GUCA Scholarship Foundation, which was created to help advance the college opportunities of the children of employees of GUCA contractor and associate members, has given out three $2,000 industry scholarships to students in construction and/or building construction programs: Derek Buffardi (Godwin Pumps), who is majoring in civil/environmental engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology; Sean Burch (Douglas Electrical and Plumbing Company Inc.), who is majoring in engineering at South Georgia College; and Zachary Morris (Lenox Utility Contractors LLC), who is majoring in civil engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology.

Additionally, three $1,000 scholarships were awarded to high school seniors entering college in the fall: Gregory Jackson (Newton County Water and Sewerage Authority), who plans to major in chemistry at Valdosta State University; Ashlan Troutman (D & J Pipeline Co.), who plans to attend North Georgia College and State University to obtain her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree; and John Vail (Greystone Grading), who will attend Georgia Southern University, where he plans to major in pre-sports medicine and athletic training in pursuit of a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology.

For more information about GUCA, please visit www.guca.com.

2009 NUCA Safety Directors Forum Heads to Las Vegas This December

Since 1994, the National Utility Contractors Association’s Safety Directors Forum (SDF) has been bringing together utility construction safety and risk management professionals from around the country to learn from expert presenters and each other about how to create and maintain accident-free workplaces and jobsites. This year’s forum is scheduled for December 2-3 at the New York-New York Hotel in Las Vegas.

As always the program will include safety presentations related to the needs of utility contractors followed by another great Open Forum. The tentative list of presentations for 2009 includes: Bridging the Spanish Language and Culture Gap; Beyond Tab Data; Heavy Equipment Operator Orientation; and Dealing with Hazardous Materials and Waste. Open Forum attendees will have an opportunity to discuss their own company challenges and share successful safety solutions. Some of the topics for discussion that have already been suggested include: Job Safety Analysis; Site Specific Safety Plans; Driver Qualification and Fleet Safety; OSHA Multiemployer Policy; OSHA Voluntary Protection Program; and OSHA Reform.

Industry safety directors and risk managers come back to SDF year after year to stay ahead of the hazards lurking in every workplace and on every jobsite. As one regular put it, “Anytime you can learn from professionals ready and willing to lend their expertise and offer advice in matters related to safety and safety management, it’s time well spent.” We could offer numerous testimonials like this one, but there is only one way to truly appreciate the value of this unique experience, and that’s to be a part of it. So, mark your calendar and stay tuned for additional details.

New Members

Sitewerks Inc.
John Sanders
4045 43rd Ave.
Vero Beach, FL 32960
Work: (772) 564-8281
Fax: (772) 562-2773
Email: john@sitewerksinc.com
Web: www.sitewerksinc.com

Faris Machinery
Bob Goering
2269 Commercial Blvd.
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Work: (719) 526-1016
Fax: (719) 527-1019
Email: bob.goering@farismachinery.com
Web: www.farismachinery.com

GNU-Co Inc.
Carolyn Gaynor
2032 Independence
Commerce Dr. Ste. C
Matthews, NC 28105
Work: (704) 708-9400
Fax: (704) 708-9406
Email: carolyn@gnu-co.com
Web: www.gnu-co.com

Maudlin International Trucks Inc.
Jaime Parham
1881 Pickettville Rd.
Jacksonville, FL 32220
Work: (904) 783-9822
Fax: (904) 783-9830
Email: jparham@maudlinintl.com
Web: www.maudlin.internationaltrucks.com

Pioneer Materials
Yonn Barrick
140 Southern Blvd.
Wyoming, DE 19934
Work: (302) 698-5501
Fax: (302) 697-0481
Email: ybarrick@oldcastlematerials.com

Trench Shoring Co.
Roger Brady
4610 Vandenberg
North Las Vegas, NV 89081 Work: (702) 651-0920
Email: rogerb@trenchshoring.com
Web: www.trenchshoring.com

Vac-Tron Equipment LLC
Misty Buckner
27137 Hwy. 33
Okahumpka FL 34762-3205
Work: (352) 728-2222
Fax: (352) 728-2850
Email: misty@vactron.com
Web: www.vactron.com