John Deere Construction & Forestry recently was awarded the Common Ground Alliance’s (CGA) President’s Corporate Award of Excellence for promoting the Alliance and the 811 “call-before-you-dig” safety program.

Candace Schnoor, Deere Construction & Forestry’s director of public affairs, accepted the award on behalf of the company. “With so many of our customers using equipment to dig and shape the land, it’s very important to promote awareness of the 811 number,” Schnoor said. “This is especially appropriate given that April is ’National Safe Digging Month.’ Knowing the location of buried utilities and digging safely saves lives, and we’re proud to partner with the CGA in their quest for smart, safe digging.”

The CGA launched the FCC-designated 811 number in 2007 to reduce underground utility strikes, save lives and eliminate the confusion of multiple call-before-you-dig numbers being used across the country. As a result, homeowners, farmers and contractors can call one easy-to-remember number to have crews mark a requested site for underground lines prior to any excavation. The number has resulted in a decrease in underground strikes; however, fatalities and damage still occur, underscoring the need for an ongoing safety campaign.

By including 811 information on its Web site and featuring the 811 logo prominently in its advertising and trade show booth displays, Deere has helped drive awareness of the 811 number since it was established.

The company also has been a driving force behind National 811 Day (each Aug. 11) and the “Safe Digging Month” awareness campaign that occurs each spring. In addition, Deere has partnered with equipment rental companies to distribute 811 materials. For more information about 811, visit www.call811.com

About the Common Ground Alliance

Common Ground Alliance (CGA) is a member-driven association of nearly 1,400 individuals, organizations and sponsors in every facet of the underground utility industry. For more information, visit www.commongroundalliance.com.

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