Membership Spotlight:

• Welcome New Members
• A Tribute to our Member Retirees!
• Associate Spotlight: Employer Solutions Law
• Contractor Spotlight: Utiligi Communications
• Other Member News

Industry Spotlight

• Legislative Update: What’s Coming in 2021
• The DIG: Dozer Day Update
• 2020 NUCA Scholarship Winners
• Upcoming Events, Happy Hours & Education

A Message From The President

Shane Webley, Johansen Construction Company

As we usher out 2020, I find myself wondering… What does 2021 have in store for us? The past year has been one of challenge, concern, and ultimately change. As a Utility Contractor, change is the “norm”. How often do we ever open up a trench or dig below a surface and realize conditions were exactly as expected? As Utility Contractors I suspect that part of the Culture that each of strive to develop is one that embraces change as a constant. Perhaps this is one of the key reasons that many of our members have been able to not only survive but to thrive this past year even in the face of many great challenges that have devastated so many others.

As we reflect on the changes that our families, companies, communities, nation, and our world have experienced this past year is it any surprise that our Organization has also undergone change? After approximately three years as our Executive Director we say goodbye to Jon Cornelius who has served our organization well. We thank Jon for all of his efforts as Executive Director.  We will miss Jon’s positive influence within our organization and we wish him well in all that he does in retirement and otherwise in the future.

The Board of Directors is looking forward to continue its relationship with AMI and Liz Truong in 2021 and beyond. Liz and her team at AMI have played such an important part in supporting NUCA in so many different ways these past couple of years and we are confident that this relationship will continue to grow stronger as we work together to bring real value to our NUCA WA chapter members.

Change however has not been limited to our Executive Director position. In 2020, as a result of COVID-19 Restrictions we were unable to host some of our signature events such as Dozer Days, the Annual Golf Tournament, and the Annual Auction. However, as a perfect example of “change management”, our Auction Committee was able to pivot & deliver an online auction and 80’s themed event that was a lot of fun for our members and helped our nonprofit organization to continue to raise funds for important initiatives including legislation, scholarships, and training (to name a few).

It is clear that change will continue to be a big part of our lives moving forward into 2021 and beyond. As a Board we will continue to look for ways to revamp traditional “delivery mechanisms” used to create the tangible membership benefits we have all grown to appreciate over the years as NUCA Members. A real time example of this effort is exhibiting itself throughout the month of January as we celebrate “tech month” with a series of online training topics offered by a variety of our Members.

We are confident that our organization will find creative ways to return some form of our signature events in 2021 (Dozer Days, Golf Tournament, and Auction), coupled with an exciting and renewed effort to increase online/virtual training opportunities for members. One exciting example of this effort is highlighted within this publication and involves the launch of an online Dig Safe Training program. The Board is confident that this online training program will help raise awareness and increase knowledge regarding safe digging practices across our entire state by making this information more easily accessible, more convenient for participants to attend on their own schedule, and more cost effective by reducing paid travel time for employees to participate in classroom instruction.

As our industry pulls together through our combined affiliation with NUCA – our families, our employees, our companies, and our communities will continue to benefit from the synergy that can only be realized through such an organization as ours. We look forward to working together with our entire Chapter membership base in 2021 and thank so many for their efforts this past year and moving forward.

Organization Updates

Farewell from Jon Cornelius

“When are you going to really retire?” I have been asked this question many times over the past few years, mostly by family and friends. My answer has always been, “I like being busy and growing NUCA!” My answer recently changed. I now respond with “I’m ready to slow down a bit and enjoy things that are important to me a little more!” With that said, I have resigned from my role as NUCA of WA executive director, effective 12-31-2020.

It is tough to leave, honestly. We have made a lot of progress in the last few years. Membership is up, communication is improving, training is gearing up, dig safe online training is about to be released and the auction team “nailed it” regarding a successful online auction in the middle of a pandemic.

This has been a challenging year, to be sure. I have had the good fortune of being involved in several groups as they consistently demonstrate the power of NUCA.

First, the legislative team, led by Brett Hill demonstrated the power of NUCA through constant, effective communication with members while navigating the rapidly changing rules related to essential work. Karen Galipeau Forner was a newcomer to the group but quickly established herself as a knowledgeable asset to the NUCA membership. The information that came out of this group was timely, critical, and powerful.

The second group I have enjoyed being part of is the membership committee. They have met throughout the pandemic year, constantly working on developing prospective new members. That team honestly believes in the power of NUCA and demonstrates it with their enthusiastic approach to membership. It is easy for them to have a discussion with a prospective member and answer the question, “why NUCA”.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as ED, especially all the friendships and partnerships I have gained.

I hope to stay involved in Dozer Day and other NUCA events on a voluntary basis.

I may continue to represent NUCA on legislative activity.  The state dig law stakeholder work is about to begin, and I have offered to represent NUCA in those discussions and workshops.

“Really retired” looks like a lot more golf, fishing and attending all the events our grandchildren are involved in. I hope we cross paths!

Take care, be safe and thanks for the opportunity!

Jon

JOIN US FOR A RETIREMENT SEND OFF FOR JON ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10TH VIA ZOOM at 4PM (LINK HERE)

All Things “New”: Meet Executive Director, Liz Truong 

I am honored to have been chosen to be your “new” Executive Director in 2021!

I say “new” because over the past two years I have had the pleasure  of running the NUCA office alongside Jon Cornelius as an employee of AMI. Working with Jon has been a wonderful experience and I will miss his diplomacy, passion for the industry, and an undeniable likeability that is rare in this world. I admit, though, while Jon was very dedicated to our members, nothing made him light up more than to talk about his kids and his grandkids, an upcoming fishing trip, or an adventure he had with his wife Shelley over the weekend. I wish Jon nothing but the best and glad he gets to spend more time doing what he loves – he deserves it.

Although I am “new” to utilities excavation, I am not new to the values that this industry upholds – hard work, loyalty, and unprecedented levels of grit. I’m a small town girl raised just outside Pullman, and moved to Seattle to attend the University of Washington over two decades ago. I started at the UW on track for a degree in business and a degree in architecture with the intent of heading to the construction management program to become a developer. After two years in college I realized I could utilize my business acumen to achieve my greater purpose of helping people in my community. So instead, I changed course and received two degrees in business and psychology with a focus to help the nonprofit sector. I’ve spent 20+ years in nonprofits, with over 12 years of experience as an Executive Director specifically. I look forward to bringing my expertise in nonprofit executive management to help move our organization forward.

If there is anything I can do for you this year to help your business and your employees in any way – please do not hesitate to reach out to me. Chances are – I’ll probably reach out to you first.

Wishing you all a successful 2021 and I look forward to seeing you (in-person) again soon!

2020 In Review: A Financial Update from Treasurer, Alex Thorson

The coronavirus had a significant impact on the organization during fiscal year 2020, most notably our major recurring events were either cancelled or significantly modified. Due to the extent of the virus and safety of membership being a top concern, the board determined it was in the membership’s best interest to cancel Dozer Days and the Golf Tournament. The Auction Committee worked diligently to bring a virtual auction to membership, to preserve the event and bring revenue to the organization.

As a result, the organization ended fiscal year 2020 with a net loss of approximately $100,000. Due to strong financial oversight and policy in years’ past, the organization was able to absorb the loss via its approximate $250,000 in reserve funds. The board responded to the threat in March 2020 by doubling down on fiscally conservative policy, by scrutinizing expenses and reducing its exposure to variable and fixed costs. The internal control structure was reviewed, and revised policies were put in place to ensure all money entering and exiting the organization was diligently monitored and reviewed.

The organization enters 2021 with strong membership that will carry us forward through 2021 and beyond. We will pair down from two staff members to one, consolidating responsibilities and considerably reducing fixed overhead costs. The organization has developed new programs and trainings in the virtual arena to mitigate its reliance on signature special events in an effort to diversify its income streams. And the Board continues to remain vigilant and good stewards of the organization finances to ensure the sustainability of our organization. As Treasurer I am happy to report that even through the losses of 2020, our organization is still healthy and in good standing. Onward to 2021!

2021 Organization Goals & Priorities 

The NUCA Board of Directors completed their annual ‘Board Retreat’ at the beginning of January. This included setting the organizations goals and priorities for the coming year. The board has identified the following three priorities for 2021 with goals they hope to achieve:

1. Our work is essential.

We will continue to work in the legislative arena to ensure that our industry is viewed as open and essential to our government and our economy. Protecting the livelihood of our members is our #1 priority and it will remain that way through our strong legislative efforts. This includes: working on the paid sick leave statute, producing AMICUS briefs, connecting with local and National leaders on legislation, and keeping our membership informed on issues that affect their bottom line.

2. We promote a culture of safety. 

We will offer a wide variety of training and education for membership this year. This includes our goal to get every NUCA member Dig Safe trained in 2021.  Our Dig Safe Online platform will be available for FREE to all NUCA members in 2021 and we hope you will all capitalize on this important training. We will also offer free or heavily discounted trainings whether in certifications, software, or workplace issues to do what we can to help increase your bottom line.

3. We build up our industry.

COVID-19 proved how important it is to continually build up and strengthen our industry. This year we will be focusing on getting folks involved in the trades from various levels including high-school aged individuals, college students in construction management programs, and veterans transitioning back to the workforce. We will be targeting these specific groups with new programs and partnerships to help build up our industry.

If you are interested in volunteering to work on any of the above items, please contact Executive Director, Liz Truong (liz@aminc.org or 206-338-7381) and she can connect you with the right opportunities.  

Safety Spotlight

Dig Safe Online Training is NOW AVAILABLE!

Our signature training class is now fully online! It is our goal to have every NUCA member dig safe trained this year, therefore Dig Safe Online Training will be FREE for all NUCA members in 2021. Please look out for the email to membership on getting all your folks registered for free dig safe training.

 CESCL Training Now Offered Monthly at a Discounted Rate!

Our chapter will be providing monthly CESCL full certification and re-certification training in partnership with NUCA Member, Clean Water Technologies. Both classes are offered at a heavily discounted rate compared to the competition with more flexible options for members (especially during the current remote classroom work). If you have any questions about our CESCL trainings, please contact Executive Director, Liz Truong at 206-338-7381 or by email. Click below to see all available classes through May.

Please Welcome Our Newest Members

Membership Spotlight

A Tribute to Our Latest Retirees 

We wanted to take the opportunity to give thanks to the latest members of the NUCA family that have officially retired. Their dedication and contributions to our organization and the industry over the past several decades have been invaluable.

Brad Holt, King Construction

We send Brad off into the sunset as he enters retirement in 2021 and the closing of King Construction. Brad has been a very active NUCA member spanning several decades with our organization. We will miss the generosity of his time and talents he has given us, and we hope he will stick around in a volunteer capacity to continue to better the industry. Otherwise – we wish Brad and the King Construction team all the best in this next phase of retirement.

Bob Checca, Allwest Underground

As many of you know, Allwest Underground was sold to Sunbelt Rentals in early 2020 which meant Bob Checca was on the chosen path to retirement. Bob finished up the year with Sunbelt Rentals and officially entered into retirement at that time. Bob has been an ardent supporter and volunteer for NUCA, serving on both the Golf Committee and the Dozer Day Committee amongst many other facets of the organization. Although retired, Bob is still committed to serving on the Dozer Day Committee and helping NUCA in any way he can. Congratulations, Bob on retirement! We are so glad we will still see you around.

Associate Member Spotlight:

Karen Galipeau Forner, Employer Solutions Law

If you participated in anything NUCA in 2020, chances are you saw or heard from Karen Galipeau Forner. Karen joined the NUCA Family at just the right time, while our Nation and our industry was hit hard due to COVID-19. Karen was an invited speaker into our daily legislative calls to keep members on top of COVID-19 related regulations, and her expertise in employment law specifically added great education and insight to help our members be prepared during the pandemic. Karen has given several high-value education talks to our members and will continue to do so throughout the year to make sure your business is protected from an employment law standpoint.

Employer Solutions Law aids and advises employers statewide on matters of worker compenstation, workplace safety (WISHA/DOSH/OSHA), wage and hour, prevailing wage, and employment law issues.

Contractor Member Spotlight:

Mike Brenden, Utiligi Communications

It all started with one quick phone call into the NUCA office: “Hey – I just found your organization and I think we should be a part of it. Does that sounds right?” One member meeting and a golf round later – Utiligi knew NUCA would be a great professional home for their organization.

Utiligi Communications is a fiber communications general contractor that has been operating since 2000. Based in Pacific, Washington they have over 60 hardworking employees who are dedicated to their work and care for their company and each other. Utiligi provides services such as design, engineering, construction, and quality assurance services from the greater Seattle area all the way to Montana and Northern California. Some of Utiligi’s main clients include Comcast, Verizon, Zayo, Crown Castle and many more! They take pride in their level of professionalism and transparency. Using those skills, they work as a team to produce the best results for their clients. Their customer relationships, employee relationships and safety focus are extremely important to them. Their values as a company and as a team, allow them to get the job done right the first time. Utiligi is a driven, thriving and growing company. As a team, they are building the next generation network and we look forward to their membership this year.

Other Member News

PetroCard Has a New Website!

PetroCard’s newly redesigned website is now live! In order to improve their customer’s online experience and better showcase all PetroCard has to offer—including new services such as Lubricants and Marine Fueling—they have completely revamped their website. Now that it’s live, you’re invited to click on the link below and get to know PetroCard. http://bit.ly/PetroCardNUCA

Do you have any “member news” you would like to share with our membership? Send your news to Executive Director, Liz Truong (liz@aminc.org)

Industry Spotlight 

2021 Legislative Session Begins

By: Dave Ducharme, NUCA Lobbyist; Brett Hill, Legislative Committee Chair

Following nearly ten months without legislative session, the 2021 legislative session began on January 11th, 2021.  This is a 105-day session and the first half of the biennial budget cycle. The 2021 legislative session will be different from any other session as it will primarily be held virtually with committee hearings and floor debates taking place on the Zoom platform. This year, despite not gathering together in Olympia, lawmakers will still be required to pass a balanced budget that will guide the state’s spending for the next two years.

The realities of conducting a virtual session will substantially limit the volume of bills that can be taken up in committees and on the House and Senate floors. For this reason, both bodies have encouraged their members to limit the number of bills they introduce this year in order to focus their work on the critical needs of the state. Democratic majority leadership has been clear that their priorities will be racial equity, response to the COVID-19 pandemic, economic recovery, and issues related to climate change. Bills that do not fall within these priorities and which will have a fiscal impact or will be disputed will not likely be passed.

Already on the table are climate related bills that, if implemented, will increase the cost of motor vehicle fuel.  These include a carbon tax, a cap on carbon emissions and a low carbon fuel standard (LCFS) designed to reduce the carbon intensity of fuel.  Unfortunately, these proposals directly conflict with a bi-partisan desire to pass a transportation revenue package, because related fuel price increases will not necessarily drive revenue to transportation, unlike the gas tax.  This will likely result in a showdown between lawmakers focused on climate policy and those committed to supporting Washington’s transportation system.

Additional anticipated legislation will relate to wildfire response, homelessness, police reform, unemployment insurance and pandemic specific labor standards, among others.  Finally, like the Governor, some legislators will be looking for new revenue sources.  At this point there are several options on the table including a statewide payroll tax similar to what was recently passed in the City of Seattle, a digital ads tax and a capital gains tax.

The NUCA legislative committee met regularly throughout the last year where much of its time was spent trying to provide NUCA members guidance relating to governor Inslee’s COVID related proclamations affecting construction.  In addition, the committee engaged in ongoing discussions relating to potential updates to the “Dig Law”, reauthorization of the Capital Projects Advisory Review Board (CPARB, which oversees and provides guidance on alternative construction procurement issues) and issues related to paid family leave that directly affect construction.

Given the severe limitations and unknowns as to how the legislature will function, it is uncertain at this time what construction related issues will be addressed.  It is likely we will see the CPARB reauthorization passed as there is minimal, if any, resistance to its continuation.  “Dig Law” updates continue to be controversial and, as such, will likely be set aside for 2021.  NUCA will be engaging in climate policy relating to fuel prices, including funding for transportation.  NUCA will also attempt to address changes to paid family leave that currently puts contractors on the hook for benefit payments made to union employees that should already be provided by the union under their respective collective bargaining agreements.

The DIG: Dozer Day Status Update

While 2021 has finally arrived, COVID-19 still remains rampant. What that looks like for our upcoming event still remains unclear, however our Dozer Day Committee has begun serious work to provide alternatives in case our traditional event cannot take place this year.
Bottom Line: We will have Dozer Day this year – the question is in what format will we deliver it. 

OPTION 1 – TRADITIONAL IN-PERSON EVENT WITH MODIFIED PROTOCOLS

Holding Dozer Day in it’s traditional format with strict safety protocols. We will be reaching out to sponsors momentarily to gauge your perspectives on those safety protocols that we will put in place this year that we think possibly should remain with Dozer Day regardless to protect the health and safety of both volunteers and attendees. We are working with L&I, the Department of Health and various other stakeholders to ensure we have a great safety plan in place.

OPTION 2 – DRIVE THRU EVENT

Dozer Day will be in a drive-thru format at the Fairgrounds that would have attendees in cars driving thru our “construction site” to view heavy equipment in action from a safe distance with a potential to walk-through different pieces of equipment socially distanced, take pictures on equipment, but perhaps not operate it (these levels of interaction are all dependent on state restrictions). While that is certainly disappointing for all involved to not get to operate machinery, these drive-thru events have proven to be very successful and at this point –  we can all agree that some activities (especially for kids) are better than no activities. We are working with all the Dozer Days events across the state to make this format exciting and successful for all involved.

2020 Scholarship Award Winners

$5,000 Top Scholarship Recipient

Jake Johnson

Central Washington University

We were pleased to award Jake Johnson the top scholarship award in 2020! Jake also was a scholarship recipient in 2019. He is currently a Senior at Central Washington University majoring in Construction Management and minoring in Business. He is on pace to graduate this spring. We look forward to seeing Jake join the professinoal ranks after graduation and hope to see him at one of our NUCA Member companies!

$3,000 Scholarship Award Winner

Gunnar Erickson

University of Washington

Gunnar Erickson is a local who grew up in Issaquah and has an Associates Degree from Bellevue College. He is now a Junior at the University of Washington. He is currently half way through the Construction Management program and hopes to take over his family construction business, TL Erickson Construction, at some point after graduation.

$2,000 Scholarship Winner

Euiseok Jeong

University of Washington

Euiseok is currently a Junior at the University of Washington in the Construction Management program. Before starting college, Euiseok served in the US Army as a Supply Specialist. This experience led him to his current work as a logistics specialist at the Civil Affairs Association, specializing in constructin communities in warzones and areas affected by natural disasters.

$2,000 Scholarship Winner:

Joel Macias

University of Washington

Joel Macias is currently at Junior at the University of Washington in the Construction Management Program. He is a member of the UW Reno Commercial Competition Team that NUCA supports. He has also been an intern at Centennial Contractors since 2019.

Upcoming Events 

January Tech Month

Re-watch all the trainings from our January Tech Month Series! These are all password-protected talks given to those that registered. If you did not register for an event and want to view it, please let us know and we can provide password for you. 

• Social Media in Construction
• Generational Differences in the Workplace
• Red Flags on Workers’ Compensation Claims: How to Identify Them Early to Avoid Lengthy and Expensive Claims ”
• PlanGrid Training for Field Users & Managers

February: Workforce Development Month

This month we will be providing education on your workforce including: opioid, drug and alcohol addiction in the workplace; mental health and suicide prevention awareness; and more.

March: Legislative Month

This popular topic will cover a lot of ground this month including our “Case Review Legislative Night” and highlighting our monthly roundtable for all members to come with workplace issues you would like to get advice on and hear how other members have handled a topic.

April: Safety Month

April is Safety Month! We will have a lot of education available this month around Safety. This will include a “mock review” of what happens when a complaint goes to the Dig Law Safety Committee review board, crisis management training, and more.

Resources From NUCA National & Around the Industry 

NUCA National’s Perspective On Biden Admin. Infrastructure Policies

NUCA National sent a letter on January 4th to the Biden transition team offering our industry’s perspective on the many issues and policies related to underground utility construction. These issues begin with financing programs for water and wastewater infrastructure improvement, including increasing funds for the Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRF) and Clean Water SRF. NUCA is also seeking changes to federal laws that invite more private investment such as tax-exempt facility bonds, known as “private activity bonds.” NUCA also addressed job creation, essential workers receiving COVID-19 vaccines, natural gas systems, damage prevention, and fiber optic/broadband infrastructure requirements. Our government affairs team will begin working with the new USDOT officials as soon as they take office later this month. Read NUCA’s entire letter here.

NUCA National Unveils a Snapshot of Our 2020 Accomplishments

It’s been a challenging year, to say the least. NUCA’s work over the past 12 months on behalf of the membership showed value, especially our lobbying to keep our “essential industry” working at the height of the pandemic in spring 2020. At the end of the year, we wanted to look back at what we accomplished for you, our valuable NUCA members. Read the document here.