Ditchmen • NUCA of Florida Ditchmen • July 2016 | Page 7

President’s Message Tom Woodward, NUCA of FL President Why should you attend NUCA of Florida events, particularly the annual conference? Why to help me of course! The reason I love to go is it gives me a chance to interact with a lot of people from all over the state who are a lot smarter than me and a lot of people with some truly great ideas about how to succeed in our business. This only works if you come, so please come help me. There will be a number of very bright helpful people coming to help us learn of recent goings on in our industry. Topics range from the potential for federal regulators stepping in to regulate some key utility location/damage issues and bringing their $200,000.00/day fines with them to the new OSHA silica and crane regulations to changes in Workers Compensation due to upcoming rate increases and recent court decisions, to how the construction industry is changing through new technologies such as 3D underground modeling (who knew we have a shot at modeling, can’t wait to learn more about this one). I also have heard a rumor that there will be a couple of opportunities to have some fun, something I am always up for. Rumors persist that some of us may even have a shot at making an Olympic team! (I am a bit worried about the testing as I am uncertain how many of us would pass the alcohol portion, but maybe they will do it early in the day.) There will be an excellent opportunity to restore your faith in the future as we meet this year’s recipients of the Andrew Scott Johnson Memorial Scholarships. This youngsters are truly impressive and restore your faith in the future having intelligent leadership. Hope to see you all there, I need all the help I can get! JULY 2016 • DITCHMEN 7