The Utility & Transportation Contractors Association of New Jersey (UTCA) held its 61st annual convention Oct. 1-3, 2026, at the Borgata in Atlantic City, N.J.
During the convention's trade show exhibit on Oct. 2, contractor members and guests checked out more than 100 exhibitors touting their latest equipment offerings and services.
This year's keynote luncheon speaker was Rocky Bleier, who was a former Pittsburgh Steelers running back whose remarkable career combined perseverance, military service and championship success.
Born in Appleton, Wis., Bleier played college football at Notre Dame before Pittsburgh selected him in the 16th round of the 1968 NFL Draft. After his rookie season, he joined the Army and served in Vietnam, where he was wounded in combat and received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.
Despite his injuries, Bleier rehabilitated and returned to football in 1971. He played 12 seasons with the Steelers, helping win four Super Bowls and rushing for 3,855 yards. He entered Pittsburgh's Hall of Honor in 2018.
Also, during the keynote luncheon on Oct. 2, UTCA inducted Kim Foley, who recently retired as chairman of Foley Inc. after 53 years in the business, into its Construction Industry Hall of Fame. Foley Inc. is the Caterpillar dealer serving New Jersey, Staten Island, eastern Pennsylvania and parts of Delaware and Bermuda.
Foley served in the United States Marine Corps as an officer from 1967 to 1971. While in Vietnam, he was a platoon commander and company commander with the First Motor Transport Battalion, First Marine Division. He has served as a board member of Semper Fi and America's Fund since 2007 and is currently treasurer.
Today, his son, Jamie Foley, serves as Foley Inc's CEO, representing the fourth generation of family leadership in the company. Jamie Foley accepted the award for his father, Kim, during the luncheon.
Also, during the convention, UTCA inducted Frank Criscola, president and COO of Crisdel Group Inc., as its president for 2026/2027. He previously served as the association's president from 2009 to 2010. Rick Berenato, retired of M.L. Ruberton Construction Co., was the Robert A. Briant Sr. Memorial Award recipient and Michael Lynch of Colonial Electric Supply-Teltek Division was the Larry Gardner Memorial Awardee.
