This was an open invitation event for GUCA members, prospective members, municipalities and government officials.

Recently, Georgia Utility Contractors Association Inc. (GUCA) held the Central Georgia Industry Luncheon at the Idle Hour Country Club in Macon, Ga. GUCA partnered with Ferguson Waterworks, Stone & Baxter Attorneys at Law and Waite's & Foshee Insurance Group to dedicate a workshop for the professional development of GUCA members and guests.

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. Forty members and guests attended this meeting and took advantage of this informative workshop and great networking opportunity.

The overall topic of the workshop was contractual risk transfer in the construction industry. Matt Cathey and Dan Taylor, attorneys, addressed specific clauses that are frequently found in contracts with regards to lien rights as well as how to handle paid when paid and paid if paid clauses. They provided some very practical and insightful advice to the attendees and took questions from the group.

The attorneys' presentations were followed by Cal Garretson, a risk management professional of Waites & Foshee Insurance Group. Garretson took the time to go over the indemnity provisions often found in construction contracts — addressing various strategies used by his clients to better protect their businesses from claims that may not have anything to do with their work. He followed his presentation with a question and answer period as well as helping the attendees with specific concerns they see in the market now. Examples included: how to negotiate with self-insured project owners and the best ways to protect your business when engaging with rock and dirt haulers.

Those in attendance also were updated by Vikki Consiglio, GUCA executive director, about upcoming events, safety classes and industry and legislative issues. She also highlighted the GUCA affinity programs including the Wade Ford Vehicle Discount Program, TD AmeriTrade Contractors Retirement Plan, BITCO Safety Dividend Program, PAHPT Health Benefit Program, Verizon Wireless Discounts and the HB Next Safety Compliance Partnership.

The importance of generating new membership was emphasized by Cal Garretson, membership committee chairman, Waites & Foshee Insurance Inc. He encouraged members to promote GUCA membership in the central Georgia area in an effort to strengthen local membership.

Georgia Utility Contractors Association Inc. is a non-profit state trade association located in metro Atlanta representing more than 350 contractor and affiliated firms statewide. GUCA represents the workforce who supplies, installs and rehabilitates the infrastructure of water, sewer, gas, electrical, telecommunications and other underground utility systems for the public and private sector including pipe and plant installation.

For more information, visit www.guca.com.

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