GUCA members and guests hear a presentation from Alex Morrison, board member, Ocmulgee National Park & Preserve Initiative (ONPPI).

The Georgia Utility Contractors Association (GUCA) Central Georgia Industry Luncheon was held recently at Downtown Grill in Macon, Ga. This was an open invitation event for GUCA members, prospective members, municipalities and government officials. No one in the area wanted to miss out on this opportunity to network while receiving time sensitive information and updates regarding the association and industry. More than 20 members and guests attended this meeting and took advantage of this great networking opportunity.

Attendees heard a presentation from Alex Morrison, board member of Ocmulgee National Park & Preserve Initiative (ONPPI).

“The natural beauty of the Ocmulgee River, the presence of the mounds overlooking the city and the wonderfully unique habitats for rare plants and animals surrounding the city, is a large part of the strong attraction of this developing cultural hub,” said Morrison.

In 2011, a small group of Mercer University Law School students began an in-depth study to support an on-going National Parks and Conservation Association effort to expand the Ocmulgee National Monument into a national park and preserve and to return Macon to being “a city in a park.” Now, the work to elevate the Ocmulgee National Monument, Bond Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and the Ocmulgee River corridor south to Hawkinsville, has been embraced by citizens and officials across the state.

“The mission statement reflects the multifaceted work we are leading in Middle Georgia,” said Morrison. “To advocate for the expansion of the Ocmulgee National Monument and its eventual integration into the larger network of public lands in the Ocmulgee River corridor south of Macon to form a new Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve. We seek to preserve historical, cultural, and environmental values, while simultaneously providing the economic and other benefits of a national park to middle Georgia and beyond.

Expansion and preservation of the monument will have a substantial impact on middle Georgia's economy and increase tourism from national and international visitors.”

He also encouraged members to help support HB 538, which is now in the U.S. Senate, by writing to Sen. Johnny Isakson and Sen. David Perdue and asking they support this initiative.

GUCA members and guests also were addressed by GUCA Membership Committee Chairman Dickey Watson, Industrial Chemicals.

GUCA Executive Director Vikki Consiglio updated guests about upcoming events, safety classes and industry and legislative issues. She also highlighted scholarship opportunities for GUCA members' children, as well as workforce development issues. In addition, Vikki promoted the GUCA affinity programs including the 401(k) MEP Plan and the BITCO Safety Dividend Program.

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