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NUCA Chapters Close the Year with Awards Presentations
NUCA Chapters Close the Year with Awards Presentations
As 2011 came to a close, NUCA chapters across the United States honored individuals who provided outstanding service to the utility contracting industry over the past year. The selected recipients featured here represent the many dedicated men and women who led this industry throughout the year.
Pennsylvania Utility Contractors Association
John R. “Bob” McChesney and his son Robert “B.J.” McChesney exemplify the dedication of multiple generations within one family to the work of utility contracting. Bob had deferred receipt of his 2010 Lifetime Achievement Award until the 2011 NUCA PA convention in order to be with family and friends for the occasion. Sadly, Bob passed away suddenly on Dec. 27, 2010. Nevertheless, his loved ones were at the convention to witness the presentation that awarded Bob’s 44 years of faithful service to NUCA PA. From his first meeting in May 1966, Bob felt that utility contractors had a greater voice in the industry if they were united as a group. Serving as NUCA PA’s President in 1974, he always said that some of his best friends were made through that organization.
At the same ceremony, Bob’s son B.J. was named Associate of the Year. Working with his family at McChesney Brothers Excavating, B.J. learned the dirt and pipe industry at a young age. He is currently the Western Pennsylvania Outside Sales Manager for Ferguson Waterworks. Sharing his father’s concern about issues that impact the industry, B.J. has been actively recruiting new members and rallying attendance for events and seminars.
NUCA PA also awarded Contractor of the Year to Robert H. Kalbach, III. Robb is President of Utility Services Group, a service provider for utility contractors. An active member of NUCA PA, he arranged for several speakers at the Legislative Walk to discuss the failing underground infrastructure.
NUCA PA also presented safety awards at its annual meeting. The NUCA Pennsylvania Safety Award recognizes a company’s excellent safety record, and the emphasis it places on safe working conditions and procedures. Allegheny Contracting of Ridgway, Pa., was honored in the small category (up to 50,000 man hours). The award in the medium category (50,000 – 150,000 man hours) went to Doli Costruction, Chalfont, Pa., and in the large category (more than 150,000 man hours) to Pioneer Construction, Honesdale, Pa.
NUCA of Oregon and Southwest Washington
On the other side of the country, NUCA of Oregon and Southwest Washington presented four awards at its holiday auction. Its Contractor of the Year award was given to John Kalkhoven of Titan Utilities LLC. Devoting countless hours to this chapter, he also participates in many committees for the City of Portland.
Dawn Morse of D.P. Nicoli Inc. was awarded 2011 Associate of the Year again this year for her tireless advocacy on behalf of the Association. Serving on many committees, she is also the Chair of the Associate Committee.
The Committee Person of the Year award was given to Hank Lane of Coffman Excavation for his extensive work as Secretary-Treasurer of the Association, chair of two committees and membership on yet another. He created the safety portal for the Association’s website.
Cynthia Hilton of Biggs Insurance Services and Jeff Broyles of Beecher Insurance Agency were recognized for their innovative thinking and hard work to create the chapter’s Dividend Insurance Program. This extraordinary program provides a state-approved insurance benefit exclusive to chapter members. It allows for up to 24.9 percent of the annual premium to be returned. Thirty-four member firms shared in the first calculation for 2010, which produced a total dividend of $191,458, representing 8.8 percent of the earned premium.
SUCA
In Tampa, Fla., Ken Wachman of MWI Pump Rental, presented year-end awards to some of SUCA’s hardest working members. Congratulations to all the 2011 award winners: Chairman’s Award: Tom Butler, RIPA & Associates; Contractor of the Year: David Runyan, Florida Gas & Electric Corp.; Associate of the Year: James Adams, Ferguson Waterworks Inc.; and Special Recognition (for work with the Excavation Task Force): Wayne Jensen, Stahl & Associates Insurance.
And a Good Time Was Had by All…
Many NUCA chapters ended the year with successful holiday parties and banquets. Best wishes from NUCA and Utility Contractor for a safe, prosperous and happy 2012. Here’s a peek into NUCA of Las Vegas’ Annual Holiday Dinner and Auction.
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