Georgia Utility Contractors Association (GUCA) members and guests met at Hilltop Grille in Athens, Ga., on Nov. 16, 2011, for the northeast Georgia industry meeting. This was an open invitation event for GUCA members, prospective members, municipalities and government officials.
GUCA Member Ralph Byrd, Utility Business Services Inc., provided those in attendance with a presentation regarding Managing Your Utility Damage Claims and Public Service Commission NOPV’s. He addressed a number of issues including how to save money on damage claims. He highlighted what to watch out for in regards to over billing by utility companies; no fault for hand digging and liability issues in the tolerance zone; as well as other informative protection measures.
In addition, GUCA Member Richard Krauss, STS/Utiliquest, also provided valuable insight on a number of issues including when utilities are not located in a timely manner and inaccuracy of locates.
GUCA members and guests also were addressed by GUCA President Charlie Murren, C.A. Murren & Sons Company Inc. He welcomed everyone to the meeting and encouraged the members to stay active and participate in future GUCA functions. He also spoke about the opportunity for GUCA members in taking advantage of future affinity programs and how these programs would benefit GUCA members and bring them substantial savings. Highlights included the health benefits and workers’ compensation programs with builders insurance.
Those in attendance also were updated by GUCA Executive Director Vikki McReynolds about upcoming events, safety classes, and industry and legislative issues, as well as GUCA membership and the benefits provided to GUCA members.
GUCA Membership Committee Chairman Regina Shelnutt, Robert M. Anderson 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 members in attendance to encourage prospective members to become GUCA members and experience the benefits of membership first hand.
Shelnutt and Ben Corbitt, Ferguson Waterworks, and the GUCA membership committee helped organize the meeting.
For more information, visit www.guca.com.
