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HEADLINES
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UTILITY CONSTRUCTION EXPO ‘10 WRAP UP
 When the cool winter sent construction projects into hibernation, contractors from all areas of the utility industry flocked south for the Utility Construction EXPO ‘10. The warmer climate of Orlando, Fla., hosted the event that touted the “All Together Now” theme, which shined through every aspect of the show. Exhibitors, sponsors and speakers, not to mention the attendees, all brought a positive energy, despite the dark economic climate cloud still lingering overhead.
“As chairman of Utility Construction EXPO ‘10, I want to thank each and every one of the participants. It is clear that these companies are true industry leaders,” said Ron Nunes, RT Nunes and Sons and EXPO ‘10 Chair. “They realize the importance of industry involvement even in difficult economic times. As I visited each booth, it was encouraging to see all of the vendors, sponsors and contractors and their level of participation proves that our industry will prevail during these difficult times.”
The tradeshow floor gave exhibitors the opportunity to show off their latest equipment and service offerings and chat with attendees. When attendees weren’t busy with exhibitor booth visits or insightful product showcase presentations, they could peruse the NUCA silent auction, which ran throughout the show floor hours.
“As an exhibitor and sponsor, I was particularly pleased with the addition of the product showcase to the exhibit hall,” said Roger Mohr of John Deere and EXPO ‘10 Vice Chair. “This year’s speakers were timely and relevant. Each of them delivered practical messages that all attendees could take home and implement. Despite the current economic situation, I felt a sincere appreciation from the contractors for the exhibitors and sponsors who were there and showed their support and long-term commitment to the industry.”
For those who may have missed it, or for those who want to look back fondly, check out the slideshow with photos from the events. And make sure you mark your calendar for next year’s Utility Construction EXPO ‘11 — “The Executive Experience” at the beautiful El Conquistador Resort in Las Croabas, Puerto Rico, Jan. 18-21.
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SRF PROGRAMS TO RECEIVE $3.3 BILLION IN FY 2011
 Last week, President Obama ordered a spending freeze for all discretionary spending from 2011 through 2013. NUCA was pleased that the White House budget proposal for FY 2011 maintains significant increases for the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Clean Water and Safe Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs for the next three years. Specifically, the Clean Water SRF would receive $2 billion annually while the Drinking Water SRF would receive $1.3 billion. EPA indicates that these funding levels will enable states to initiate 800 wastewater infrastructure projects and 500 drinking water infrastructure projects around the country in 2011. While these investment levels do not come close to what is needed to meet the Nation's water and wastewater infrastructure needs, they are a significant improvement to investment levels prior to 2009. NUCA and the Clean Water Council will continue to push Congress daily to reauthorize the SRF programs, as well as advocate for other water infrastructure initiatives such as legislation that would lift the state volume cap on private activity bonds, establish a national infrastructure bank, and create a water infrastructure trust fund.
 NUCA HONORS 2009 DITCHDIGGER OF THE YEAR The 2009 Ditchdigger of the Year Award was presented to Glenn Ely, Vice President of PKF-Mark III in Newton, PA, at the Utility Construction EXPO '10 last month. The Ditchdigger of the Year Award is presented annually to a contractor member who has made a significant contribution to NUCA and the underground utility construction industry. Glenn thanked the many people at NUCA that he has worked with over the years, especaily his good friend and mentor, Dick Foster, who brought him to his first NUCA meeting. Glenn has served with distinction on NUCA's Board of Directors, Executive Committees and several policy committees for many years. He has chaired NUCA's Education Committee and serves as the inaugural Chairman of the Treatment Plant Forum. Glenn's contributions to the betterment of our industry are significant. Of particular note, he continues to play a principal role in the conception and delivery of NUCA's Pipe Installation Training Series. He also conceived of and shepherded to fruition NUCA's Contractor Member Procedures Sharing feature on the NUCA website. [photo: (l) Jim Giannelli, NUCA's 2008 Ditchdigger of the Year, presents Ely (r) with the 2009 Award]
SURASKY RECEIVES NUCA's 2009 ASSOCIATE OF THE YEAR AWARD
NUCA is pleased to announce that Charles Surasky, Partner, Smith, Currie & Hancock in Atlanta, Georgia received the 2009 Associate of the Year Award last month at Utility Construction EXPO '10. The Associate of the Year Award is presented annually to an associate member who has made a significant contribution on the national level to the industry and the association.
Charles has served with distinction on NUCA's Board of Directors and Construction Attorneys forum. He devotes considerable time to representing NUCA's interests before the Engineers Joint Contract Documents Committee. He regularly shares his legal insights at NUCA's committee meetings, annual EXPO and in our national publications. Charles also volunteers his time as a faculty member of the NUCA Institute for Leadership Development. [photo: (l) NUCA 2009 President, Lyle Schellenberg presents Surasky with his award]
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NUCA PUBLICATIONS
Utility Contractor Magazine
NUCA Report a weekly e-newsletter bringing you the latest in industry news, highlights of upcoming events, and valuable resources available to you through NUCA.
Washington Report, a bi-weekly electronic report of news and commentary on legislative happenings and issues of interest to underground utility contractors.
Safety Newsletter, a bi-monthly newsletter of safety guidelines and best practices.
Water News Update, daily blog designed to raise awareness about America's deteriorating water/wastewater infrastructure and mobilize the public to demand that Congress do something about it.
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