Ditchmen • NUCA of Florida May 2019 | Page 4

President’s Message President Jordan Lee, Utility Service Company Guys and girls, were almost to that event we all love so much, the Annual Meeting. I’d first like to say “thank you” to the committee for working so hard on getting everything put together for the event, I know it’ll be fantastic, and I cant wait to see everyone there. Seeing that this will be my last Presidents Message, I can think of no better way to give thanks and praise to everyone who has made my time here so enjoyable, and has helped to make NUCA of Florida what it is today. I’d like to first start with the members. Without you, NUCA of Florida couldn’t exist-but you know that! Thank you for all the time and effort you put into making this industry and association as great as it is. I can only think of a handful of other professions that truly allow you to have the experiences and fun that we have. Thank you for pushing NUCA of FL along with your local chapter, and for working so hard to make us better. Through all of our hard work and dedication, we are profitable, our membership is good and steady, and we seem to be gaining the attention of the state and local legislators and leaders. We have the absolute best from every aspect of the underground utilities world right here in Florida. We have the best contractors as members, the sales people are as knowledgeable as they come, the equipment dealers have the best service and experience. I would like to recognize our managers and lobbyists, Kari, Tina, Alex, and our newest (but not least) addition Scott. Guys, y’all have done so much to help make this association what it is today. You have helped us fight bad legislation, enact new good legislation, work with the CILB, work with Sunshine 811, and help us get a good footing politically. Additionally you have helped us look better and more professional every day, and we are for sure a recognizable name in Tallahassee because of everything you do. Thank you all for working so hard on our behalf, the Ditchmen looks awesome, the politicians know us, the CILB and Sunshine 811 know us, and you have helped make us a force to be reckoned with. I appreciate 2 DITCHMEN • MAY 2019 all the work you have put into all of the meetings and events, your dedication and drive to make us better shows, and because of it, we have been able to be successful across the board. Thank you for all the work you have done and all the miles you have logged to make this a success. To the Board of Ditectors- Not only were y’all full of great ideas, you helped us band together to get things done, make us stronger as a whole, and every day do great things to better the underground industry. We come from all different backgrounds—most of us are contractors, many from sales/suppliers, and we even have some lawyers (and best of all they are the good ones and I wish there were more like them)— we have what I can attest to as being the best in the industry all around hands down. One thing I am really proud of is that everywhere I’ve been, or when someone from out of the area is in town, and we’re in a meeting, I have brought up many of your companies names- I have yet to hear a negative thing about anyone. For being one of the largest states in the country, we have done pretty good about having only quality members. Thank you all again for everything you have done to better the association. Please continue to do so with all the upcoming leadership, you’re in good hands, they will far exceed what I have been a part of! The last group Id like to thank is the Executive Board. On this board sit many good friends, mentors, and role models. What I love best about working with this Executive Board is that there is so much respect for each other. Not once have we had any major altercations, everyone worked together the way they should, and we had nothing but excellence in our meetings. Nobody was hard to work with, we have the most open -minded