The Experience Factor

Whether you’re a long-time follower or a first-time reader of Utility Contractor, you should know that there’s a treasure chest of information at your finger tips as you thumb through the pages. Every month, the UC editors tap into the minds of the industry’s leading manufacturers and contractors to bring you insightful and useful articles — check out page 12 for truck idling tips from the Fleet Relations Director for the National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) and page 22 for tracked undercarriage knowledge from top tracker Jared Steier, Product Manager for Solideal USA.

Regardless of the topic, all of the articles have one very important thing in common — the info culled from the pros comes from hard-earned experience. Experience in this industry is invaluable. Sure, training is important and can prepare you for the job, but nothing beats first-hand experience. And no association knows the importance of experience better than the National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA). That’s why every two years NUCA hosts EXPO: The Executive Experience.

Next year’s Executive Experience, Jan. 18-21, isn’t your typical trade show. Its accent is on giving contractors access to uplifting motivation speakers and industry insiders. Check out this year’s roster of speakers: Keynote speaker Charlie Cook, Political Analyst for the National Journal Group and Editor and Publisher of The Cook Political Report, will focus on the national political arena, while Mark Zupan, star of the film “Murderball” and co-author of the book Gimp, will inspire attendees with the story of his challenge of being paralyzed after a car accident in high school.

But that’s not all! Contractor members will have plenty of time to rub shoulders with NUCA’s wonderful associate members, who supply contractors with industry-leading equipment to get the job done. Just look at the list of top associate Executive Experience sponsors who are dedicated to the industry and its contractors — John Deere, CNA Insurance, Caterpillar and UC’s own Benjamin Media Inc. (as the media sponsor), just to name a few.

Make no mistake — the Executive Experience is more than meetings and speakers. If everything is “location, location, location,” you couldn’t ask for a better one than the El Conquistador Resort in Las Croabas, Puerto Rico. Yes, you read that right — Puerto Rico. You can catch some beautiful rays while making strong industry connections. The “Executive” Experience Indeed!

As for fun, the Executive Experience has it in spades. Tuesday is the popular NUCA Golf Tournament followed by the spectacular Welcome to Puerto Rico Party. After Wednesday morning’s speakers, you have a free afternoon before happy hour with the EXPO exhibitors. On Thursday, help usher in the new Board of Directors before heading out for one of the three optional activities — a rainforest walking tour, a catamaran snorkeling expedition or a kayaking excursion. Return to the resort that night for a Sounds of the Caribbean dinner party. Friday, wrap up with the morning breakfast session on asset protection, profit roundtable discussions and the presentation of the Ditchdigger of the Year award.

There’s something for everyone at EXPO: The Executive Experience. If you’re anything like me, you’re already scouring the Internet looking for where to register. Look no further than NUCA’s Web site at www.nuca.com. Non-members are welcome to join in the informational fun, but if you aren’t a member already, now is a great time to join NUCA and make your voice heard.

See you on Puerto Rico’s sandy beaches,

     Dan East
     NUCA Chairman of the Board