Continued Growth in 2012

As we embark into 2012, NUCA’s focus will be the continued implementation of the five-year strategic plan that started in 2011. In my Chairman’s Message last February, I unveiled the four goals of our strategic plan, and NUCA staff and leadership have been working diligently on them ever since. While focus is on year two of the five-year strategic plan, NUCA can be proud of what has been accomplished so far.

1. Grow the NUCA Membership to 2,500 by 2015 — While NUCA has a long way to go to reach this goal, we are seeing improved momentum in this area. In 2011, NUCA implemented TEAM NUCA, a lifetime contest among NUCA members for new member recruitment and retention. This program is instrumental in recognizing the importance of membership while acknowledging the NUCA superstars who excel in this area. NUCA’s chapter development program has been very busy in 2011. NUCA is very close to establishing two new chapters in the Maryland/Washington, D.C., and North Texas areas. Also, NUCA of Colorado was the first chapter to conduct a successful membership drive that brought in new members over the course of two days, which will hopefully be duplicated by other chapters.

2. Improve the NUCA Brand — The percentage of NUCA chapters that have changed their names to “NUCA of” and have adopted the new NUCA logo has increased to more than 60 percent. This statistic was well below 50 percent prior to embarking on this goal. The new NUCA logo has greatly improved brand recognition for our association and received plenty of positive feedback. The addition of NUCA chapters will help grow the brand in 2012.

3. Improve Member Services — Despite the fiscal challenges of a down economy, NUCA has focused on providing value to its members. In 2011, NUCA unveiled its partnership with FMI to provide its wage survey program. NUCA members also received the opportunity to participate in a discount shipping program with FedEx. The 2012 Convention in Ft. Worth is packed full of business and industry training, including the increasingly popular Profit Pipeline that allows contractors to share best management practices. NUCA also unveiled a new Crane and Rigging training DVD and updated the Leadership for Crew Leaders training program. NUCA will continue to improve the value it provides its members in 2012 as other programs are currently being explored.

4. Improve the Financial Health of NUCA — While the utility contracting industry is feeling the effects of this recession as badly as any industry, NUCA is intent on stabilizing its financial condition and charting a path of continued improvement in this area. The most significant change was the implementation of the National Partner Sponsorship program. This sponsorship program provides year-long value to our associate member sponsors rather than focusing on a one-time trade show exhibit. We have received great feedback and expect this program to grow in 2012. In 2011, for the first time, NUCA purchased and now owns its office space. NUCA staff moved out of its previous office near the capital and purchased a professional and more economical space that has room for growth and the opportunity to build equity.

NUCA can be proud of its accomplishments in 2011, but now is no time to rest. NUCA staff and leadership are committed to the long-term success of our strategic plan. I have no doubt that 2012 will be another year of accomplishment and growth.

Best wishes for a prosperous new year,

     Ryan Schmitt
     NUCA Chairman of the Board