Networking, Recognition, and Fun at NUCA’s 2019 Convention and Exhibit

NUCA’s 2019 Convention and Exhibit

Members from across the country gathered in stunning Naples, Florida, for three days of events, networking, recognition, and of course, fun! Attendees took full advantage of everything that the beautiful Naples Grande Beach Resort had to offer and made connections certain to last well into the future. View and download these and more pictures at nuca.smugmug.com for free.

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Welcome Reception

The first event of the convention was held in style on the beautiful Sunset Veranda. Attendees took the time to chat with fellow members, enjoy cool beverages, and took part in the recognition of fellow members during the Chapter Merit and Leadership Awards.

NUCA’s 2019 Convention and Exhibit NUCA’s 2019 Convention and Exhibit

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NUCA’s 2019 Convention and Exhibit NUCA’s 2019 Convention and Exhibit
NUCA’s 2019 Convention and Exhibit

NUCA’s 2019 Convention and Exhibit

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Exhibitors at NUCA’s 2019 Convention

Exhibitors, including NUCA’s National Partners, the finest vendors in the utility construction industry, shared their expertise and listened to attendees’ needs. Exhibitors displayed a wide array of innovative technologies, products, and services. This year’s Exhibit also featured our Associate of the Year Award, Top Jobs Finalists, and NUCA’s Silent Auction.

NUCA’s 2019 Convention and Exhibit NUCA’s 2019 Convention and Exhibit NUCA’s 2019 Convention and Exhibit NUCA’s 2019 Convention and Exhibit NUCA’s 2019 Convention and Exhibit NUCA’s 2019 Convention and Exhibit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Team Building: Sandcastle Extravaganza

Caterpillar’s Scott Knoblauch (top left) was on hand to kick off the Team Building Event as attendees competed to see who could construct the best sand sculptures. The group really put the “BUILD” in Build for the Future. The competition was stiff and fun was had by all, but in the end, one sculpture stood above the others and a team of champions was named.

NUCA’s 2019 Convention and Exhibit NUCA’s 2019 Convention and Exhibit NUCA’s 2019 Convention and Exhibit NUCA’s 2019 Convention and Exhibit NUCA’s 2019 Convention and Exhibit NUCA’s 2019 Convention and Exhibit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keynote Speakers

Major Dan Rooney, USAF

Our keynote speaker Major Dan Rooney discussed his career as a pilot and how his own successes and understanding could be applied to helping attendees master their own “ascent to greatness.” After a stirring presentation, Maj. Rooney stuck around to sign books and take pictures with enthusiastic Nucans.

Major Dan Rooney

Major Dan Rooney

Utility Construction Economic Forecast with Mark Bridgers

Mark Bridgers returned to NUCA’s convention to discuss the important changes in the economy and legislation since last year which could likely influence the outlook in the industry over the next few years.

Mark Bridgers

Mark Bridgers

Auction & Gala

This year’s Auction and Gala featured an incredible meal, NUCA’s Live Auction, Awards of Excellence, Transition of Leadership Ceremony, and Chapter Gift Basket Raffle. Bidding was fierce during the live auction, but the cause was great. Thank you to all who helped to fund NUCA’s programs by donating or bidding on one of the fantastic items in this years auction.

NUCA’s 2019 Convention and Exhibit

John Deere’s Andy Williams started off the Auction asking fellow members to dig deep for their organization.

NUCA’s 2019 Convention and Exhibit NUCA’s 2019 Convention and Exhibit NUCA’s 2019 Convention and Exhibit

NUCA’s 2019 Convention and Exhibit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NUCA’s 2019 Convention and Exhibit

A rare sighting: NUCA’s Current and four Past Chairs of the Board: (L to R) Jeff Rumer, Kara Habrock, Dan Buckley, Mark Fuglevand, Bruce Wendorf

Transition of Leadership

Mark Fuglevand

Outgoing Chairman Mark Fuglevand thanked fellow Nucans for their support this year, and discussed his time as Chairman and his faith in the strength of NUCA’s future.

newly elected 2019-2020 officers and Board of Directors

The newly elected 2019-2020 officers and Board of Directors are sworn in.

NUCA’s 2019 Convention and Exhibit

Outgoing Chairman Mark Fuglevand introduces incoming Chairman Dan Buckley.

NUCA’s 2019 Convention and Exhibit

Mark presents Dan with the ceremonial silver shovel.

NUCA’s 2019 Convention and Exhibit

Dan surprises Mark with a gift of his own, a dashing plaid sportscoat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NUCA’s 2019 Convention and Exhibit

Newly appointed Chairman Dan Buckley looks ahead, laying out his vision
of the future of NUCA.

Newly Charted Chapters: North Dakota and Middle Tennessee

Two new chapters were chartered during NUCA’s 2019 Convention. Join us in welcoming NUCA of North Dakota and NUCA of Middle Tennessee.

Newly Charted Chapters: North Dakota and Middle Tennessee

Chapter Merit Awards

Chapter Merit Awards were presented to NUCA chapters for their dedication to NUCA, their members, and the industry.

NUCA Chapter Merit Awards

Awards

Kara Habrock accepts the 2019 Ditchdigger of the Year award

Kara Habrock accepts the 2019 Ditchdigger of the Year award from Ryan Kinning.

United Rentals’ Richard Overman and Michael Barr

(From left) United Rentals’ Richard Overman and Michael Barr accept the NUCA Associate of the Year award Gary Lawson of Ditch Witch, the 2017 winner.

The 2018 William H. Feather Safety Award Winners.

The 2018 William H. Feather Safety Award Winners.

The 2018 William H. Feather Safety Awards Overall Winner

The 2018 William H. Feather Safety Awards Overall Winner, DeKalb Pipeline Company.

Leadership Awards

NUCA Leadership Awards were presented to outgoing committee chairs.

NUCA’s 2019 Convention and Exhibit

Mark Fuglevand, Executive Committee

NUCA’s 2019 Convention and Exhibit

Kara Habrock, Nominating Committee

NUCA’s 2019 Convention and Exhibit

Ryan Kinning, Awards Committee

NUCA’s 2019 Convention and Exhibit

Kim Bryant (L) & Thomas Butler, Convention Committee co-chairs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not pictured: Warren Graves, Safety Committee; Kevin Cripps, Budget & Finance; Bill Driskill & Greg Hornbuckle, Convention Committee co-vice chairs.

Top Jobs

NUCA’s fourth annual Top Jobs Awards were presented during the convention. The awards recognize outstanding projects that went above and beyond and were often faced with unique challenges that were overcome to present the highest quality results. This year contractors entered in one or more of six categories.

NUCA Top Jobs

The prestigious Top Job trophies.

NUCA’s 2019 Convention and Exhibit

The 2018 Overall Top Jobs winner Burgess Civil, LLC for their project Mirada.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Top Jobs Category Winners: Sanitary Sewer Collection/Storm Drains: Corman Kokosing Construction, Inc. for Main Pumping Station Diversions, Division I; Water Distrubution: Johnson-Davis, Inc. for Margate Aerial Crossings; Water Or Sewage Treatment Plant: Petticoat Schmitt Civil Contractors, Inc. for West Nassau Regional Water Treatment Plant, Phase 1B WTP; Electric Power Osmose Utilities Services Inc. for Waiau-Koolau 138k V Structure 15 Foundation Installation Project (Not Pictured); Trenchless Technologies: BT Construction for 33rd Street Outfall Phase 2 (not pictured).

NUCA’s 2019 Convention and Exhibit NUCA’s 2019 Convention and Exhibit NUCA’s 2019 Convention and Exhibit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Executive Roundtables

A NUCA Convention wouldn’t be complete without the always valuable Executive Roundtables. This year the session was extended to three hours and contractors focused on three topics to drive the lively discussion: Filling the Workforce Knowledge Gap, Protecting Your Company from Liability Clauses in Contracts, and Building Relationships that Provide “Value-Added Engineering.”

NUCA’s 2019 Convention and Exhibit NUCA’s 2019 Convention and Exhibit NUCA’s 2019 Convention and Exhibit NUCA’s 2019 Convention and Exhibit

 

 

 

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