GUCA hosted its 2012 Spring Quarterly Meeting/Trade Show and Hard Hat Safety Award Gala on March 22, 2012, at the Loudermilk Center in Atlanta, Ga., with more than 135 members and guests in attendance.

The day started off with Safety Directors Forum, which included Workers’ Compensation — What Do You Really Know About It? by Tom Maupin, Builders Insurance Group; Utility Damage Claim Avoidance and Defense by Ralph Byrd, Utility Business Services; and, Distracted Driving, The True Cost and Safety, How It Affects your Bottom Line by Bob Wilson, National Safety Council.

The Safety Directors Forum was followed by the 2012 GUCA Spring Trade Show, which featured many new products and techniques pertaining to the utility contracting industry. Once the trade show doors opened, contractors and other members in attendance entered where GUCA vendors promoted their company services on 6-ft. tradeshow table-top displays. GUCA members and guests enjoyed spirits and network intimately with other GUCA members and industry professionals.

More than 19 tradeshow tables filled the Loudermilk Center. Trade show participants included: 3M; Alithicon Lubricants Company; The Blue Book; Bobcat of Atlanta; Georgia 811; H&H Insurance Services Inc.; Hanson Pipe & Precast; Large & Gilbert PC; Rain for Rent; Sunbelt Rentals Pump & Power Services; T.T. Technologies; Thompson Pump and Manufacturing; Tindall Corporation; Tractor & Equipment Company; Trench Shoring Services; United Rentals Trench Safety; United Safety Associates Inc.; Verizon Wireless; and Vermeer Southeast Sales & Service.

The business meeting began as GUCA President Charlie Murren, C.A. Murren & Sons Company Inc. welcomed everyone to the event.

Mo Thrash, GUCA lobbyist, presented the 2012 Legislative update highlighting the huge success of the 2012 GUCA Lobby Day. Thrash highlighted the legislative atmosphere at the Capitol and what was to be expected before Sine Die. He stated tax relief was high on the legislator’s agenda this year.

Thrash presented Charlie Murren with a proclamation signed by Gov. Nathan Deal stating March 22, 2012, as Utility Contractor Safety Day.

The keynote speaker was Tim Echols, chairman Georgia Public Service Commission. Echols gave a 10 point presentation about legislative advocacy.

The business meeting continued with GUCA Safety Committee Chairman Matt Chatham, Blount Construction Co. Inc., announcing the 2011 GUCA Hard Hat Safety Award Category winners.

For more information, visit www.guca.com.

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