Networking, Recognition, and Fun at 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
John Deere’s Andy Williams started off the Auction asking fellow members to dig deep for their organization.
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
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 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.
Chapter Merit Awards
Chapter Merit Awards were presented to NUCA chapters for their dedication to NUCA, their members, and the industry.
Awards
(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.
Leadership Awards
NUCA Leadership Awards were presented to outgoing committee 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.
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).
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.”