NUCA Legislative Days A SUCCESS
By Kari Hebrank , Executive Vice President
On February 7-8 , more than 30 NUCA of Florida members gathered at Aloft Hotel in Tallahassee for Legislative Days . The NUCA of Florida Executive Committee and Board of Directors started the first day handling the business of the state association .
Immediately following the Board meeting , Legislative Days attendees participated in a legislative briefing outlining the priority legislation impacting the construction industry . The group was honored to welcome the new Secretary of the Department of Business & Professional Regulation , Melanie Griffin . Secretary Griffin is a Florida State triple graduate ( Finance , MBA and Juris Doctorate ) and has practiced law for the past 14 years , most recently focusing on business litigation and employment law with Shumaker , Loop & Kendrick . Secretary Griffin shared her vision for the department with improvements to the regulatory and licensing framework , a focus on unlicensed activity and better “ customer ” service .
After Secretary Griffin , attendees heard from Senator Jason Brodeur ( R-Lake Mary ), our 2021 Senate “ Champion of Industry ” award winner . Senator Brodeur carried our public works legislation which ultimately became law and protects underground contractors in the bidding process . Members proceeded to the Capitol to lobby lawmakers on NUCA of Florida ’ s legislative agenda before gathering at Table 23 for a cocktail reception with lawmakers .
On Tuesday morning , the group enjoyed a full breakfast before recognizing Representative Nick DiCeglie ( R-Largo ) as the 2021 State Representative “ Champion of Industry ” who carried our companion public works bill thru the House of Representatives . Lastly , attendees headed back to the Capitol to advocate for NUCA of Florida members and the underground utility industry . Many thanks to our Legislative Days sponsors-- Utility Service Company , Johnson Davis , Forterra , ACP , NUCA of South Florida and NUCA of Southwest Florida — whose financial contributions make our event possible .
Rep . DiCeglie with some of the NUCA FL Legislative Days event attendees
8 DITCHMEN • FEBRUARY 2022