GUCA members and guests gathered at Buffalo’s Cafe in Athens, Ga., on Nov. 17, 2010, for the Northeast Georgia Industry Meeting. This was an open invitation event for GUCA members, prospective members, municipalities and government officials and more than 20 members and guests attended this meeting. Members and guests also took advantage of the networking opportunity.

GUCA member Brian McCormick, Hendrick, Phillips, Salzman & Flatt, provided those in attendance with a presentation regarding OSHA Regulations Concerning Cranes & Derricks. His presentation covered highlights of the regulation and how it applies to utility contractors. All those in attendance were advised to err on the side of caution since this is a new regulation and it has yet to be challenged. He stated that there will be some OSHA enforcement personnel who may rule with a heavy hand. He advised to know the law and how it applies to each individual job site and to make sure all employees are qualified and that documentation of qualified employees is in order.

GUCA members and guests also were addressed by GUCA President Mitch Stephens, John D. Stephens, Inc. He welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked Ferguson Waterworks and John D. Stephens Inc. for its generous sponsorships. Stephens also encouraged the members to stay active and participate in future GUCA functions

Those in attendance also were updated by GUCA Executive Director Vikki McReynolds about upcoming events, safety classes, highlighting the upcoming Asbestos Training and changes to the Large Project Ticket Policy and industry and legislative issues, as well as GUCA membership and the benefits provided to GUCA members.

GUCA Membership Committee Chairman Angela Lance, Peed Bros. Inc., stressed the importance of generating new membership by promoting membership recruitment in the area to strengthen GUCA’s Northeast Georgia membership. In addition, she encouraged all prospective members in attendance to become GUCA members and experience the benefits of membership first hand.

This meeting was called a success because of the hard work and dedication of GUCA Membership Committee Chairmen Angela Lance, Peed Bros. Inc.; Larry Gilmore, Controlled Blasting Inc.; John Morris, Heavy Constructors Inc.; Bryan Ponder, Brock Built LLC; and the entire GUCA Membership Committee.

For more information, visit www.guca.com.

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