Ditchmen • NUCA of Florida Ditchmen - July 2020 | Page 17

NUCA of Florida’s Advocacy
Efforts Remain Active By Kari Hebrank, Executive Vice President
It’s that time of year again when the phone
calls start pouring in for political contributions
from incumbents and candidates across the
state. Additionally, seasoned lawmakers
establish their own “PACs” in order to garner
additional funds beyond the individual
campaign contribution limitations to use for
their campaigns and to assist their like-minded
colleagues whom are running for elected
office. For those of us in the political realm
answering these calls and trying to decide
how to spend the advocacy funds raised can
be exhausting, especially when the coffers
are low. Thanks to the generosity of some of
our members, our advocacy efforts remain
active. Not only do most of the Chapters now
collect a minimum $25 per dues renewal for
advocacy, some contribute beyond the dues
amount for individual campaigns. Recently,
members stepped up for Rep. David Smith,
Rep. Alex Andrade and Sen. Doug Broxson.
Likewise, some members, such as Dobbs
Equipment, R & D Paving, Utility Service
Company, JWI and Johnson-Davis, have
been actively contributing to our Bidding for
Benjamins campaign, donating $100 for each
new awarded bid or project. Moreover, some
Chapters, such as NUCA of South Florida, are
exploring new ways to host “meet and greet”
candidate events and fundraisers via Zoom,
Microsoft Team or other Internet meeting
programs.
To further protect the dollars donated and
contributed, your government affairs team
recently participated in the Florida Chamber
Political Institute, interviewing more than 90
candidates via Zoom (thanks COVID-19) and
analyzing each district to determine likelihood
of victory! We also pool our resources with
the funds of our other colleagues and clients
to ensure maximum exposure. To illustrate,
earlier this month we were able to participate
in a top-dollar House Majority event where
we represented NUCA of Florida, but doled
out campaign contributions from our firm and
another client.
We have much more to do to ensure the
120 House members and 40 state senators
understand who NUCA of Florida is and
what our industry is all about. We need to
keep raising funds for our advocacy efforts,
meeting state lawmakers and candidates
in their districts and educating them on the
underground utility industry and its importance
to Florida’s recovering economy. To donate,
visit www.nucaflorida.org and click on “Make
a Payment/Advocacy” or simply mail a
contribution to NUCA of Florida, 215 S. Monroe
Street, Suite 500, Tallahassee, Florida 32301.
BIDDING FOR BENJAMINS
Advocacy Contributions thru June 30th
Dobbs Equipment $2300
Brian Hunsicker $20
R & D Paving $400
Advocacy Contributions
NUCA of North Florida $1300
NUCA of Northwest Florida $650
SUCA $2025
NUCA of South Florida $2300
Johnson Davis $1500
R & D Paving $1500
Utility Service Company $1500
JULY 2020 • DITCHMEN 15