TTag: ag - Amazon S3 · Vermeer has the planning tools and trenchless equipment to ... “The Case excavator is responsive and has great ... into non-road technologies would create

The Offi cial Publication of the Power & Communication Contractors Assocation

22ndnd Quarter 2009 Quarter 2009

Also Inside:Contractor Group Experiences • the Value of PCCA Membership

PCCA Has a Big Time on the Big Island •

Leadership Changes at RDUP•

Tag: Tag: Hard Work Does Pay OffHard Work Does Pay Off

UNEVEN TERRAIN, TOUGH SOIL CONDITIONS, TIGHT SPACES.

We know you need reliable and productive equipment to stay on schedule and on budget.Vermeer has the planning tools and trenchless equipment to help complete your

utility installation projects without shutting down a major street.When it comes to underground installations, look to the industryleader – Vermeer. Call 1-888-VERMEER or visit Vermeer.com.

WE HOLDRELIABILITYTO A HIGHERSTANDARD.YOURS.

VERMEER and the VERMEER LOGO are trademarks of Vermeer Manufacturing Company in the United States and / or other countries.

© 2009 Vermeer Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

WE JUST DESCRIBED OUR IDEAL WORKING ENVIRONMENT.

http://vermeer.com/

“The Case excavator is responsive and has great digging power. It's also unbelievably quiet. The higher fuel efficiency means that, over a year, we will save a huge amount in fuel costs.”

Billy Matkin, Matkin Brothers Excavation

We challenge you to stack up a B Series excavator against any in its class.

Contact your Case dealer for a demo today.

www.casece.com / 866-54CASE6

©2009 CNH America LLC. All rights reserved. Case is a registered trademark of CNH America LLC.

Move more material and use less fuel. It's that simple. The new Case B Series excavators feature a high-efficiency engine that delivers up to 17% more

horsepower and 20% more fuel efficiency than previous models. Plus, our tests show you'll use 20-50% less fuel with a Case excavator than with the

competition. This means you can pocket $15,000 or more a year from lower fuel costs and faster cycle times. But that's not all. These workhorses have

cabs that are among the quietest in the industry with a long list of comfort features. Get better productivity from your operators and cash back from your

equipment with a Case excavator.

SUPERIOR RELIABILITY FUEL EFFICIENCY OPERATOR ENVIRONMENT SERVICEABILITY

GET MORE CASH BACK.

http://www.casece.com/

GROUNDBREAKINGTM EQUIPMENT FROM THE COMPANY THAT LAUNCHED THE INDUSTRY: COMPACT UTILITY | TRENCHERS | HDD | ELECTRONICS

©2009 The Charles Machine Works, Inc.

THE ONLY THING IT BLOWS THROUGH FASTER THAN THE COMPETITION, IS THE ROCK.

Only one HDD system lets you drill and steer simultaneously through rock

and rocky soil: the Ditch Witch® All Terrain system. The inner pipe of the

All Terrain’s patented two-pipe drill string continuously turns the drill bit at

150-400 RPM, so you drill faster and more accurately, need less drilling fluid

and less time for cleanup. Don’t let a little thing like rock slow you down.

For more information, call your dealer or log on to ditchwitch.com/AT. ditchwitch.com/AT

http://ditchwitch.com/AT

http://ditchwitch.com/AT

22ndnd Quarter 2009 Quarter 2009

PresidentRon Tagliapietra

Michels Corporation

President-ElectLarry Libla

Libla Communications

1st Vice PresidentKevin Mason

ElectriCom, Inc.

2nd Vice PresidentTommy Muse

Aubrey Silvey Enterprises, Inc.

Treasurer Glen Amerine

Amerine Utilities Construction, Inc.

Secretary Steve Sellenriek

Sellenriek Construction

Offi cer Directors

Offi cial Publication of the

Power & Communication Contractors Association

Board of Directors

David Aubrey

Okay Construction

Tony Briggs

Vermeer Manufacturing

James Dillahunty

Henkels & McCoy, Inc.

John Fluharty

Mears Group, Inc.

Herb Fluharty

Mears Group, Inc.

Timothy D. Killoren

North States Utilities

Dan Levac

Preformed Line Products

Todd Mix

ElectriCom, Inc.

Todd Myers

Kenneth G. Myers Construction

Eric Nicholson

HammerHead

Larry Pribyl

MP Nexlevel, LLC

Brad Radichel

Condux International

Austin Shanfelter

MasTec, Inc.

Matt Trawick

Trawick Construction Co., Inc.

Bryan Westerman

MasTec, Inc.

Publication Staff

PublisherTimothy Wagner

[email protected]

Associate PublisherCheryl Stratos

[email protected]

EditorMichael Ancell

[email protected]

Advertising Sales

ManagerVictoria Geis

[email protected]

Contractor Group Experiences the Value of PCCA Membership 17

When PCCA Past President Steve Spears was looking to help a group of local contractors gain more knowledge about the burgeoning wind energy market, he naturally thought of various PCCA colleagues who are working wind projects in the states. One of his fi rst calls was to PCCA board member Jim Dillahunty of Henkels & McCoy, and within a matter of days, the two were planning a visit by a delegation of contractors from Puerto Rico to a Henkels & McCoy jobsite in Portland, Oreg.

Tag: Hard Work Does Pay Off 21The rise of PCCA President Ron Tagliapietra in the construction industry, from young laborer to successful executive to association president, is a classic American success story, complete with strong family, service to country, infl uential role models, and lots of hard work.

PCCA Has a Big Time on the Big Island 27Eager to gauge where the industry stands in these diffi cult times and to learn strategies that will help them survive and even thrive, PCCA members traveled to Hawaii’s Big Island this winter for the association’s 64th annual convention. With nearly 250 attendees, the convention featured topical education, important industry business, fi rst-class entertainment, and a whole lot of fun.

News Briefs 7

Safety News 35

PCCA Member News 39

Industry Calendar 46

2009 PCCA Mid-Year Preview 49

Human Resources 53

Advertiser Index 54

mailto:[email protected]




astecunderground.com

For powerful performance when

trenching or drilling in rock solid conditions, Astec Underground

provides the answers with Trencor heavy duty

rock trenchers and the complete Astec

line of directional drills featuring the Astec exclusive Hard Rock

Drilling Systems.

For powerful performance when

trenching or drilling in rock solid conditions, Astec Underground

provides the answers with Trencor heavy duty

rock trenchers and the complete Astec

line of directional drills featuring the Astec exclusive Hard Rock

Drilling Systems.

http://astecunderground.com/

PCCA Journal|2nd Quarter 2009 7

News BriefsNews Briefs

News Briefs continued on page 8

At the end of March, President Barack Obama nominated Federal Com-munications Commission-er Jonathan S. Adelstein to become administrator

of USDA Rural Development’s Rural Utilities Service. The administrator is responsible for all USDA Rural Development Utilities programs, in-cluding telecommunications, electric loan, water and environmental, and distance learning and telemedicine programs. “Jonathan Adelstein brings a wealth of experience to this posi-tion,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “USDA is eager to have him join the department and begin

the important work of fulfi lling the president’s pledge to bring increased and improved telecommunications service, including broadband, to rural areas.” USDA Rural Development works to bring improved utilities and commu-nity infrastructure to rural commu-nities. In 2008, the agency invested more than $20.7 billion in rural America through its programs. Adelstein is currently a commis-sioner of the FCC, where he has led efforts to improve rural telecom-munications and broadband. He has served at the FCC since 2002 and was confi rmed to a second term in 2004. Adelstein has been a leading advocate for a substantive national

broadband strategy with aggressive goals and specifi c policy recommen-dations. He has also played an active role in promoting new policies that improve access to spectrum by both large and small companies so that consumers can continue to maintain those connections in an increasingly portable world. Before joining the commission, Adelstein served for 15 years as a staff member in the United States Senate, including his fi nal seven years with former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.Dak.), ad-vising him on telecommunications, fi nancial services, housing, transpor-tation, and other key issues.

On April 10, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the appointment of Cheryl Cook as deputy under secretary for rural development. In this position, Cook will manage policies and programs in Rural Development’s three main areas:

business and cooperatives, housing and community facilities, and utilities. “Cheryl Cook brings with her a distinguished record of service as well as a keen understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities facing rural Americans today,” Vilsack said. “I am confi dent that she will help USDA achieve President Obama’s goals

for rebuilding and revitalizing the nation’s rural communities. Cheryl Cook is a highly experienced leader committed to expanding broadband networks, increasing investment in rural infrastructure, and developing renewable energy.” Before joining USDA, Cook served as deputy secretary for marketing and economic development at the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. She had previously worked for the Keystone Develop-ment Center, a non-profi t organization in Pennsylva-nia that helps new and emerging cooperatives. She was also a member of the National Farmers Union’s public policy staff.

Obama Announces Nominee for USDA’s Rural Utilities Program Administrator

USDA Names Cook as Deputy Under Secretary For Rural Development

PCCA Journal|2nd Quarter 20098

FCC Launches Development of National Broadband Plan

In April, the Federal Communications Commis-sion began the process of developing a national broadband plan that will seek to ensure that every American has access to broadband capability.

In the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (known as the stimulus package) Congress charged the FCC with creating a national broadband plan. The commission recently began a proceeding to create that national broadband plan, seeking input from all stakeholders: consumers, industry, large and small businesses, non-profi ts, the disabilities commu-nity, governments at the federal, state, local, and tribal levels, and all other interested parties. The commission must deliver the plan to Congress by February 17, 2010. It will provide a roadmap toward achieving the goal of ensuring that all Americans reap the benefi ts of broadband. The Recovery Act requires the plan to explore several key elements of broadband deployment and use, and the commission has sought comment on these elements, including:

The most effective and effi cient ways to ensure • broadband access for all AmericansStrategies for achieving affordability and maximum • utilization of broadband infrastructure and servicesEvaluation of the status of broadband deployment, • including the progress of related grant programsHow to use broadband to advance consumer welfare, • civic participation, public safety and homeland se-curity, community development, health care deliv-ery, energy independence and effi ciency, education, worker training, private sector investment, entrepre-neurial activity, job creation, economic growth, and other national purposes.

Deere’s Ruccolo Testifi es Before House Committee on Green Transportation Policy, Infrastructure

John Deere Construction & Forestry Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing Domenic Ruccolo recently testifi ed before the U.S. House Select Com-mittee on Energy Independence and Global Warm-

ing, advocating making infrastructure projects greener through the use of more productive and effi cient construction equipment that gets the most work out of every gallon of fuel used. Ruccolo’s testimony came during the committee’s hearing on “Constructing a Green Transportation Policy: Transit Modes and Infrastructure.” Among other action items, he urged the federal government to take steps to support further efforts within the construction

equipment industry to improve equipment productivity and effi ciency and reduce environmental impacts. “Collaboration and cooperation between the public and private sectors are needed to investigate and fund the research and development of new standards and technologies to further improve equipment productivity and effi ciency,” Ruccolo said. “The federal government has not consistently assisted the non-road equipment industry in the past on such an effort, concentrating instead upon the on-road sector. “However, by recognizing the essential role non-road equipment will play in transforming the transportation and other sectors of the economy to achieve ambitious and necessary greenhouse gas reductions, we can see that appropriate investment by the federal government into non-road technologies would create substantial environment returns,” Ruccolo said. Ruccolo noted that any future strategic modal shifts from road transport to rail and public transportation systems to help offset growth in greenhouse gas emis-sions would require construction equipment to build and maintain the infrastructure foundation for the shifts. “By supporting the non-road equipment industry to make machines more productive and effi cient, the nation will be able to achieve these shifts and realize the environmental benefi ts more quickly and with lest cost,” he said. Ruccolo also addressed the vital relationship between infrastructure investment and job creation. “John Deere witnesses fi rsthand the dramatic impact of the current fi nancial crisis on its workforce, dealers, and customers,” Ruccolo said. “There are over 2 million construction workers currently without jobs. Without a doubt, we are all ready, willing, and able to get back to work for the nation to help rebuild its economy and create the environmentally sound infrastructure it deserves. Predictable, adequate, and effective use of program funding to achieve these ends should be a policy priority.”

FMI Releases Latest Nonresidential Construction Index

FMI recently released its Nonresidential Construc-tion Index (NRCI) for quarter two, which now stands at 45.0, compared with a reading of 35.6 for last quarter. Following is FMI’s interpretation

of the data. It appears construction industry executives partici-pating as panelists for the NRCI survey are getting over the shock of the rapid slowdown and are beginning to rethink their markets and strategies. There are some signs of optimism in this quarter’s report, but most

News BriefsContinued from page 7



panelists expect the remainder of 2009 to be a continu-ing challenge to fi nd new work and keep from making even deeper staff cuts. Unfortunately, the federal stimu-lus has yet to be very stimulating for nonresidential contractors. At this time, only 12 percent of industry executives participating in the survey have seen any effects of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Delays and cancellations continue to plague the nonresidential construction sector, with few signs that banks are ready to free up credit for private-sector owners. While we received several comments that panelists expect the downturn to get even worse before it gets better, a few expressed their concern that we might be in for a rapid rebound at some point, which will also cause problems scaling back up.

NRCI First Quarter 2009 HighlightsOverall Economy: Panelists’ opinions of the overall economy improved considerably this quarter. Only 39.2 percent thought the economy had worsened since last quarter, compared with 79.6 percent in the fi rst quarter of 2009. However, only 9.1 percent thought the econo-my was actually improving. Overall Economy Where Panelists Do Business: Panelists’ opinions of their local economies and mar-kets improved in sync with the overall economy with 46.3 percent agreeing it was the same as last quarter and 42 percent saying it was worse than last quarter. Panelists’ Construction Business: Last year, when the overall economy was declining, we noted that non-residential contractors were doing pretty well in com-parison. But as of the second quarter 2009, panelists participating in this survey largely agree their business is as slow as business in their overall markets. Cost of Materials: The reduction in materials costs may be near the bottom as only 58 percent of panel-ists report material costs as lower compared with 70 percent last quarter. Cost of Labor: Labor costs, despite slowdowns and layoffs, seem to show early signs of increasing, but only 11 percent report labor costs as higher than last quarter. Delays and Cancellations: Delays and cancellations continue to plague the industry, but they are no worse than reported last quarter. Still, with delays running at four times what panelists consider a normal rate and cancellations representing 10 percent of backlog, if banks continue to be afraid to make loans, owners will sit on the sidelines, and the recovery will be delayed. Effects of Stimulus Bill: With details of the bill’s projects becoming known, nonresidential building contractors are realizing stimulus funds won’t bring an immediate cure for declining backlogs, as 88 percent of panelists said they had not yet seen the effects of

the stimulus bill. However, 23 percent expect the bill will increase their backlogs as much as 5 percent in the next year.

Nonresidential Construction Spending Shows Vitality in March

The U.S. Census Bureau announced on May 4 that construction spending during March was estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $969.7 billion, 0.3 percent above the revised

February estimate of $967.1 billion. The March fi gure is 11.1 percent below the March 2008 estimate of $1,090.5 billion. During the fi rst 3 months of this year, construc-tion spending amounted to $209.5 billion, 10.9 percent below the $235.2 billion for the same period in 2008. However, if it weren’t for a surprisingly strong and somewhat resilient nonresidential expansion (breaking the $400 billion plateau) offsetting a dismissal spiral down in residential construction, the overall market would have slumped much more. Private Construction: Spending on private con-struction was at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $661.0 billion, 0.1 percent below the revised February estimate of $661.6 billion. Residential construction was at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $258.4 billion in March, 4.2 percent below the revised February estimate of $269.6 billion—dropping to only 26.65 percent of the overall market, down from its high of slightly over 56 percent three years ago. Meanwhile in a show of unexpected (but welcomed) strength, nonresidential construction topped the $400 billion level for the fi rst time at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $402.6 bil-lion in March, 2.7 percent above the revised February estimate of $392.0 billion. Public Construction: In March, the estimated seasonally adjusted annual rate of public construction spending was $308.7 billion, 1.1 percent above the revised February estimate of $305.4 billion. Educational construction was at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $89.2 billion, 1.6 percent above the revised February estimate of $87.8 billion. Highway construction was at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $76.2 billion, 0.8 percent below the revised February estimate of $76.8 billion.

Verizon Communications Reports Growth in First Quarter

Verizon Communications Inc. in April reported that its revenue and earnings continued to grow in the fi rst quarter 2009 and that it continued to generate strong cash fl ows. Despite the general

economic climate, sales remained strong for wireless,



•

FMI CORPORATION is the premier investment banking and management consulting firm serving the worldwide construction industry. For more than 55 years, FMI has built a reputation

for assisting our clients in the creation and realization of value in their firms.

For more information, visit our website at www.fminet.com, or contact W. Christopher Daum at 919.785.9264

FMI Corporation is pleased to announce that it served as an exclusive financial advisor

in the following transaction:

Engineering Associates, Inc.*and its affiliate

EA Technical Services, Inc.*Alpharetta, Georgia

were acquired by

Quanta Services, Inc.Houston, Texas

* Represented by FMI

FMI Corporation is pleased to announce that it served as an exclusive financial advisor

in the following transaction:

Northstar Communications Group Birmingham, Alabama

has been acquired by

AFL Network Services*(a Fujikura Business)

Spartanburg, South Carolina

* Represented by FMI

http://www.fminet.com/


FiOS, and strategic business services. Verizon reported diluted earnings per share (EPS) of 58 cents in the fi rst quarter 2009, up 1.8 percent from 57 cents per share in the fi rst quarter 2008. On an adjusted basis (non-GAAP), fi rst-quarter 2009 earnings were 63 cents per share, up 3.3 percent from fi rst-quar-ter 2008 earnings of 61 cents per share. Verizon’s total operating revenues grew 11.6 percent to $26.6 billion, compared with the fi rst quarter 2008, as the company added revenues from its acquisition of Alltel Corporation in early January 2009. On a pro forma basis (determined by consolidating the operat-ing results of Verizon and the former Alltel as though the acquisition had occurred on Jan. 1, 2008), revenue growth was 3.3 percent. Cash fl ows from operations totaled $6.4 billion for the fi rst three months of 2009, up $1.0 billion, or 19.1 percent, over the same period last year. Capital expen-ditures totaled $3.7 billion in the fi rst quarter 2009, and free cash fl ow (cash fl ows from operations minus capital expenditures) totaled $2.7 billion, up $1.5 bil-lion from the fi rst quarter 2008. “Our business groups executed with excellence in the fi rst quarter,” said Verizon Chairman and CEO Ivan Seidenberg. “Our operational and fi nancial discipline produced continued revenue and earnings growth, as well as an expansion of our already strong operating

cash fl ows. A highlight of the quarter was our success-ful completion of the Alltel acquisition. We quickly began integration efforts, and we are aggressively pur-suing synergies.”

Cox Says Cable Subscriber Growth Slowing Due to Maturity, Not Economy

Dallas Clement, Cox’s senior VP of strategy and development, said a recent slowdown in sub-scriber growth is due to the maturing nature of the business, but the slow economy and in-

creased competition from telcos have also contributed, the Wall Street Journal reported. Interviewed at the Cable Show this week in Wash-ington, D.C., Clement said that the company is at 60 percent penetration to its analog subscriber base, 40 percent of homes served are data customers and about 28 percent are voice subscribers. Cox is not seeing an increase in service disconnects or people paying late on bills, both telltale signs that the economy is squeezing people. Instead, Clement said that research shows that, for the average family, video or broadband service would be one of the last



Carrier Ethernet Market Showing Double- Digit Growth Despite Recessionary Spending

U.S. enterprises and consumers are expected to spend more than $27 billion over the next fi ve years on Ethernet ser-

vices provided by carriers, accord-ing to a new market research study from the Insight Research Corpora-tion. With metro-area and wide-area Ethernet services now available from virtually all major data service providers, the market is expected to grow at a compounded rate of more than 25 percent, increasing from $2.4 billion in 2009 to reach nearly $7.8 billion by 2014. According to Insight Research’s market analysis study, “Carriers and Ethernet Services: Public Ethernet in Metro & Wide Area Networks 2009-2014,” the economic recession

that emerged in late 2008 is expected to dampen Ethernet service growth to a projected 14 percent this year; however, the study projects that growth will re-accelerate beginning in 2010 and that revenue growth will reach another peak of 32 percent by 2012. Ethernet services are marketed under various names: transparent or native LAN, Ethernet, Gigabit Ether-net, GigE, metro Ethernet, Ethernet private line, Ethernet virtual private line, Layer 2 virtual private network, Ethernet access, and virtual private LAN service. “The carriers are growing their Ethernet revenues in the context of steadily increasing data bandwidth demand and because Ethernet has real cost advantages in terms of

providing fl exible bandwidth and scalability that is superior to many competitive services,” said Robert Rosenberg, president of Insight Research. “Though we are predict-ing an accelerating pace of Ethernet adoption, we are not suggesting that Ethernet is ready to ‘take over the world.’ Generally speaking, private line and frame relay customers are not ready to abandon these services, so the migration to Ethernet is going to be slow and steady.” The report examines carrier Eth-ernet market spending and usage patterns by topology (E-line, E-LAN, and access), regional domain (met-ro, wide-area, and access), retail/wholesale, and various bandwidth levels.


McLaughlin vacuums were the first to eliminate the baghouse and use a three-stage filtration process that includes a cyclone separator and two-micron filter. But that was just the beginning of our innovations.

Since then we’ve developed the first fully external hydraulic door with a mechanical cam-over locking system, eliminating the need for door latches. We’ve also made it possible to clean the tank without getting dirty, and installed vacuum blowers that operate at 1025 cfm, the industry’s highest air flow rate on a trailer-mounted unit. Many of our industry-leading innovations are still McLaughlin exclusives, so when you want to put our superior vacuum to work for you, remember to “Make it a Mac.”

McLaughlin vacuums are available at your local Vermeer dealer.

First we took a cyclone.Then we mounted it on a trailer.

And the rest is history.

U.S. General Services Administration Contract GS-07F-0166 MCLAUGHLIN and the MCLAUGHLIN LOGO are trademarks of McLaughlin Group, Inc. VERMEER and the VERMEER LOGO are trademarks of Vermeer Manufacturing Company.© 2009 McLaughlin Group, Inc. All rights reserved.


things cut from the budget. In the current economic climate, privately held Cox is focusing on keeping existing customers and tightening up on operational expenses, rather than going “Vonage-crazy” on marketing to get new subs. The company is also moving forward to spin up new revenue streams, including ramping up its wire-less offering and putting more emphasis on business services. Business customers are expected to generate about $1 billion in revenue in 2010.

Cable Group Makes Broadband Policy Recommendations

In April fi lings, the American Cable Association made several recommendations designed to achieve the Obama administration’s twin goal of introduc-ing high-speed Internet service into areas that

never had it and increasing broadband speeds in those underserved locations where data rates have been less than optimal. “ACA’s members—small, independent cable compa-nies fi rst to deploy broadband facilities in rural Amer-ica—are the ideal candidates for receiving economic stimulus funding to spread broadband into those truly remote areas that have been economically challenging to serve,” ACA president and CEO Matthew M. Polka said. “In addition, funding of middle-mile projects—also an ACA priority—would unquestionably improve broadband performance in underserved communities.” ACA fi led comments with the Commerce Depart-ment’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration, the Agriculture Department’s Rural Utilities Service, and the Federal Communications Commission. Under the American Recovery and Rein-vestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), NTIA and RUS have $7.2 billion to distribute in broadband grants and loans. In its comments, ACA emphasized that small opera-tors of cable systems located in both “unserved” and “underserved” areas should have access to funding. “Congress was unequivocal in its economic stimu-lus legislation that broadband money should be made available for the purpose of providing broadband to both ‘unserved’ and ‘underserved’ areas. The agencies should not favor one area over the other,” Polka said. In its fi lings, ACA does make a distinction between the types of projects that should be funded in “under-served” and “unserved” areas. ACA urged the agencies to focus on funding middle-mile projects in “underserved areas” over those that seek to provide to-the-home, last-mile facilities. Accord-ing to ACA, the problem with delivery of high-speed broadband capability to “underserved areas” is not a lack of last-mile infrastructure, but an inability for existing operators to run their networks at top speeds

because of slow middle-mile connections linking their facilities to Network Access Points (NAPs) that are based near urban zones many, many miles away. “Broadband speeds in underserved communities would ramp up dramatically if NTIA and RUS opted to steer millions in loan and grant dollars toward middle-mile projects in ‘underserved’ areas and insisted that access to those facilities be provided on fair and rea-sonable terms,” Polka said. In the sparsely populated and geographically chal-lenged “unserved” areas, where current economics make providing high-speed Internet nearly impossible, ACA recommended that the agencies fund both last-mile and middle-mile projects. ACA also urged regulators to bear in mind that the majority of ACA members are small businesses that can’t devote the time and expense to fi lling out lengthy government forms and applications. As a result, ACA stressed the need for a streamlined application pro-cess with a minimum amount of paperwork as part of a review that should assure that projects meet the requirements for the grants and that applicants have the resources and expertise to operate the facilities for which funding is sought.

Employee Free Choice Act Generates Wide-Spread Opposition

Dubbed the Employee Free Choice Act of 2009, a bill recently reintroduced by congressional Democrats (HR 1409/S 560) would effectively eliminate secret ballot elections from the union

organizing process by favoring a card-check system where union organizers would only need to gather signatures from more than 50 percent of the employ-ees in a workplace or bargaining unit. The legislation would also impose mandatory arbitration awards on employers and employees as the most likely method of determining collective bargaining terms in a fi rst contract for at least two years and would impose oner-ous penalties on employers for unfair labor practices committed during organizing campaigns or before a fi rst contract is reached. While unions broadly support the measure, it has also attracted vigorous opposition from PCCA mem-bers, business groups, and even longtime liberal Demo-crats. PCCA Board member John Fluharty has been follow-ing the legislation and offered the following opinion: “This bill takes away our freedom of a private ballot vote. This is a dangerous precedence-setting move that we should not allow to take place. The current process allows the union the opportunity to organize and the employee the right to a private ballot. If passed as it currently stands, it will affect every contractor



(both union and open shop) and every supplier in the PCCA. Additionally if a union gets 50 percent plus one signature, you will be notifi ed by the union that you are in fact unionized and have 90 days to negotiate a contract. If you do not come to terms in the 90 days, you will be sent to binding arbitration to resolve the dispute. Ironically, you as an owner may never know about it until the union notifi es you and it is too late. The House will pass this easily, and if it reaches the president’s desk, he will sign it. But we have a chance in the Senate, so please notify your U.S. Senator and express your concerns.” The bill also drew the ire of the American Pipeline Contractors Association, which in a policy statement said, “None of the proposed radical changes to well-established labor law, alone or in combination, will bring about positive change for American workers or employers. The legislation poses not only an assault on an individual’s right to privacy, but a direct threat to economic growth and job creation. A recently released study indicates that the increased unionization likely to result from passage of EFCA would likely result in the loss of over 600,000 jobs in America. At this time of great economic uncertainty, Congress should not enact any legislation that threatens our economic competive-ness, including the Employee Free Choice Act.” The proposed legislation also drew opposition from an unlikely source, former Democratic senator and presidential candidiate Gearge McGovern. “As a longtime friend of labor unions, I must raise my voice against pending legislation I see as a disturbing and undemocratic overreach not in the interest of either management or labor,” McGovern said. “The legisla-tion is called the Employee Free Choice Act, and I am sad to say it runs counter to ideals that were once at the core of the labor movement. Instead of providing a voice for the unheard, EFCA risks silencing those who would speak.” McGovern noted that there are “many documented cases where workers have been pressured, harassed, tricked, and intimidated into signing cards that have led to mandatory payment of dues” and said that “workers could lose the freedom to express their will in private, the right to make a decision without anyone peering over their shoulder, free from fear of reprisal.”

Obama Nominates Two for NLRB Posts

Craig Becker and Mark Pearce are President Barack Obama’s nominees to fi ll two of three vacancies on the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The board primarily acts as a quasi-ju-

dicial body that oversees the National Labor Relations Act, which governs relations among unions, employ-

ees, and employers in the private sector. Becker is associate general counsel to the Service Employees International Union and the AFL-CIO. He has practiced and taught labor law for the past 27 years, including at UCLA, the University of Chicago, and Georgetown law schools. Becker has argued labor and employment cases in nearly every federal court of appeals and before the U.S. Supreme Court. Pearce has been a labor lawyer his entire career. He’s a founding partner of Creighton, Pearce, Johnsen & Giroux law fi rm in Buffalo, N.Y., where he practices union-side labor and employment law before state and federal courts and agencies, including the U.S. Depart-ment of Labor and the NLRB. Pearce served as attorney and district trial special-ist for the NLRB in Buffalo from 1979 to 1994 and has taught several courses in the labor studies program at Cornell University’s School of Industrial Labor Rela-tions Extension. Traditionally, the political makeup of the board favors the president’s party. If approved by the Sen-ate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee and confi rmed by the full Senate, Becker and Pearce will join current board members Wilma B. Liebman, a Democrat, and Peter Carey Schaumber, a Republican.

Eastern / Central USA921 S. Burleson Blvd., Burleson, TX 76028

800-666-6567 Fax : (817) 447-8917

Western USA 19020B S.W. Cipole Rd.,

Tualatin, OR 97062800-444-7064

Fax : (503) 692-0474

E-mail: [email protected]

Burleson, TX Dayton, OH Tualatin, OR Lawrenceville, IL Sanford, FL Phoenix, AZ Ontario, CA

wagnersmithequipment.com

wagnersmithequipment.com

NOW BUY OR RENT POWERLINE CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT ONLINE!

Get All The Lineman Tools & Equipment You Need ... Online!

• Everything you need for powerline and telecommunications line work

• Over 1000 high quality lineman tools and products

• Heavy-duty stringing blocks

• Most in stock and ready for fast delivery

• Backed by 85 years of industry experience


http://equipment.com/

http://equipment.com/


When PCCA Past President Steve Spears (Bonneville Construction, Hato Rey, P.R.) was looking to help

a group of local contractors gain more knowledge about the burgeon-ing wind energy market, he naturally thought of various PCCA colleagues who are working wind projects in the states. Spears mentioned these colleagues to Pancho Diaz Masso, president of the Puerto Rico AGC Subcontractors Committee, and Masso asked him to inquire about possible site visits to ongoing wind projects. One of Spears’ fi rst calls was to PCCA board member Jim Dillahunty, vice president of Henkels & McCoy, and within a matter of days, the two were planning a visit by a delegation of contractors from Puerto Rico to a Henkels & McCoy jobsite in Portland, Oreg. Coordinating the visit proved to be a challenge because, as Spears said, “blocking out time for 12 to 14 busy

contractors is no simple affair.” The visit was set for late October/early November of 2008. Spears worked with Ed Campbell, vice president western region for Henkels & Mc-Coy who is directly in charge of the projects, and said his “willingness to assist in coordination, supplying guides and instructors, etc., was key to making this event the success that it was.” The group of contractors traveled from Puerto Rico to Portland on a Saturday and kicked off their visit with a Sunday afternoon trip to lo-cal vineyards, where they sampled some of Oregon’s famous Pinot Noirs. Campbell met with the group on Sunday evening for preliminary coordination and quite a bit of Q&A, which Spears said continued throughout the visit. “First we took him out for a nice dinner at Shulas, then we peppered him with ques-tions, individually and collectively, all Sunday evening and all day Mon-

day on our trip to and from the site,” Spears said. “I really cannot say enough about how accommodating Ed was before and during our visit.” At the jobsite on Monday, Project

Continued on page 18

Contractor Group Experiences Contractor Group Experiences the Value of PCCA Membershipthe Value of PCCA Membership

17


Manager Brian Freepons stepped in as the group’s guide. “Brian gave us the detail (macro and micro) of what goes into building these projects,” Spears said. “Henkels’ specialty role on these projects is as the electrical and fi ber optic components contrac-tor. Brian fi rst gave us an overview at the fi eld offi ce trailer, also a safety briefi ng and then was our on-site guide. It was really great that Hen-kels & McCoy was willing to give us so many perspectives and was so generous with their time and knowl-edge. It was also noted that the fa-cilities Henkels was building were of superlative quality; the substations were true things of beauty built by fi rst-rate people with fi rst-line equip-ment.” The visiting contractors were de-lighted with how much they learned during their trip. “The fi rst thing we learned was that we had chosen incredibly attentive and knowledge-able hosts,” Spears said. “Their commitment to hosting us was far beyond the expected.” In terms of technical knowledge, Spears said the group about learned many things, including

The commitment of government to • facilitate permitting and develop-ment,The public/private partnerships • that fi nance, construct, and ad-minister these projects,The mix of contracting entities • (specialty contractors) required to

build these projects,The project management systems • employed to insure smooth project development, andThe incredibly sophisticated • logistics coordination required to guarantee material and equipment delivery to remote construction sites (the Arlington site they vis-ited is 100 miles from Portland).

“You really only get a feel for the enormity of this task when you are standing on the ground beside a 130-foot long wind blade or beside a crane that has a 40- by 80-foot base,” Spears said. “Probably the most important single thing we learned is that we, the P.R. Associ-ated General Contractors, can do this work. Very defi nitely specialized skills, specialized tools, equipment, and special materials are required, but there is nothing in this work that we are not capable of. This is inter-esting and challenging work, but it

is not rocket science. To be honest, this revelation was exhilarating to our group; it made our day.” Spears contacted the PCCA staff about this article because he wanted to thank Dillahunty, Campbell, and everyone at Henkels & McCoy but also because he wanted to illustrate the value of PCCA membership. “I have been blessed in my career to have encountered people who were selfl essly willing to teach me what they had learned over their careers,” he said. “Whatever level of success I am perceived to have achieved is due in large part to those people. In the PCCA I meet many such people: Robert and Stephen Bauchman (my mentors and part-ners), Max Clark, Gene Klaasmeyer, Kenny Trawick, and Jimmy Brooks, all PCCA past presidents. However, the rubber meets the road in the PCCA with the rank-and-fi le mem-bers who are there to share what they know and learn from others. The information transfer that has always been a key value-added ben-efi t of the PCCA has now been made offi cial with the Young Construction Professionals group.” “That said,” he continued, “Hen-kels’ willingness to share must be understood to be a sincere extension of their professionalism and a solid corporate culture. These values are also exemplifi ed by the PCCA and most of its members. Obviously, Henkels and PCCA project the same positive values. As a result, the Puerto Rico General Contractors Association came away with much more than expected.”

Wind Farm VisitContinued from page 17

18

Unsurpassed power for tough conditionsWorld’s easiest starting piercing toolExclusive Smart Head design means one tool for all conditionsNo spring to wear out or replace; springs are a major source of failure in other toolsTough and trusted HammerHead tools available only from your local Vermeer dealerCall your Vermeer Dealer today and ask for information or a demonstration of a NEW Catamount piercing tool. See the increased performance for yourself.

`~ää=UMMKPPNKSSRP=íç=äçÅ~íÉ=íÜÉsÉêãÉÉê=aÉ~äÉê=åÉ~êÉëí=óçìK=


The rise of PCCA President Ron Tagliapietra in the construction industry, from young laborer to successful executive to association presi-dent, is a classic American success story, com-plete with strong family, service to country, infl uential role models, and lots of hard work.

Tag (as he is affectionally known throughout the industry) is now a senior vice president at Michels Corporation, an internationally renowned engineer-ing and construction contractor based in Brownsville, Wis., but he readily recalls his start in the industry and what he brought to the job. “I was educated early on about dedication and hard work while excelling in high school sports,” he said. “I went to work for Michels Corporation three days after graduating from high school in 1964. At that time it was defi nitely the best paying job in the area. My fi rst job was turning a cable reel on the only cable crew Michels had at the time. Michels was a very young, small company with just a handful of crews.” The growing company needed strong, young workers but so did the country, and about 18 months into Ron’s new career, Uncle Sam came calling. “I was drafted into the U.S. Army and served from 1965 to 1968. While serving in Vietnam with the 196th Light Infan-

try Brigade, I became a decorated Platoon Leader,” he said. “When I returned from my tour in Vietnam in 1968, I went to Fort Benning, Ga., to counsel and advise soldiers who were next in line to be deployed to Vietnam.” Anyone who knows Tag will tell you he’s a natural-born raconteur, and sure enough he had a story about how the Army made it easy for him to make the decision to become an Offi cer. “I was in the Army for just a few months when I was called to K.P. duty or kitchen patrol,” he said. “I found myself surrounded by mounds of potatoes all waiting to be peeled. I peeled potatoes for 12 hours straight that day and never want-ed to see another potato as long as I lived. Soon after, I was offered a chance to go to Offi cer Candidate School in order to become a 2nd Lieutenant. My one and only question before accepting the invitation was, ‘Would I have to do KP duty or peel potatoes?’ They said no, and I said yes to Offi cer School!” “That started the most challenging 26 weeks of hell that me and my body ever endured. My class started out with more than 75 candidates and ended up gradu-ating about 25 offi cers. It made a man out of me at a very young age.”

Tag: Tag: Hard Work Does Pay OffHard Work Does Pay Off



In the Game for GoodOnce out of the military, Tag considered attending college in his home state of Wisconsin so he could play football. “That’s when Dale Michels re-entered my life,” he said. “Dale convinced me to come back to work for him instead of going on to college. I ended up saying yes to Dale, and looking back, I guess you could say things worked out pretty well. Dale was right, again!” Not long after starting back up with Michels, Tag realized that he was in the industry for the long haul. “It was in 1969 when I was promoted from equipment operator to crew foreman,” he said. “I liked that there was always a new and different challenge daily, not the same thing every day.” When asked about what he likes most about work-ing in construction, he said. “It is very challenging and rewarding. Hard work does pay off!” “Today the biggest challenge is fi nding young people with a work ethic that is up to my standards. They need to understand that the sky’s the limit if they’re willing to put in the hard work. You don’t start at the top; you have to dedicate yourself and work hard to get

TagContinued from page 21

An Integral Part of an Industry Giant

Michels Corporation began back in 1959 as a pipeline construction company and in 2009 is celebrating 50 years in the construction business. Senior Vice President Ron “Tag”

Tagliapietra has been with the family-owned Michels Corporation for 45 of those 50 years, and after a suc-cessful tenure heading up the Telecommunications Division, Tag was just recently put in charge of the organization’s Wind Energy Division.

Wind energy is just one of the many professional services Michels offers:

Horizontal Directional Drilling• Materials• Paving• Telecommunications• Engineering & Design• Pipe Services• Power• Tunneling• Pipeline•

Michels’ expert craftsmanship, timely and cost-effective operations have earned the company several prestigious awards throughout the industry, including:

Trenchless Technology’s Project of the Year Award,• TransCanada’s Vice President’s Safety Award,• The Innovation Award for Quarry Quest,• Record-breaking Directional Drills for both length • and diameter, andMCI’s Contractor of the Year Award.•

In 2008, Engineering News-Record rated Michels as one of the Top 100 Contractors and one of the Top 10 Utility Contractors in the United States (based on sales).



KGP Logistics, Inc. kgptel.com 800-755-3004

KGP Logistics, formerly EMBARQ Logistics, continues to be committed to leveraging our long-standing strengths in logistics, deployments and equipment distribution, while continuing to provide lowest total cost solutions and an unmatched commitment to Customer Service.

KGP Logistics is one of the country’s largest single-source value-added suppliers of supply chain services, communications equipment and integrated solutions to the telecommunications industry. We have a diverse and valued customer base, a national logistics network, and a portfolio of manufacturer partnerships that is second to none.

We will continue to focus on delivering reliable and relevant service, lowering you’re total cost to compete, and providing uncompromised Customer Service. That remains our objective at KGP Logistics – just as it has been for the past 30 years.

...EMBARQ Logistics is now KGP Logistics

Our long-standing history of serving our customers continues... LogisticsKGP

there.” “In the early years of my employ-ment, the biggest challenge was travel-ing for weeks at a time and being away from my family,” he said. “I couldn’t have done it without Bonnie. She was a very good and understanding wife and an excellent mother raising our two children.” Family has always been important to Tag. “I came from a strong Italian fam-ily background,” he said. “All four of my grandparents immigrated from Italy in the early 1900s. I have two brothers and one sister. My wife, Bonnie, and I were married in 1969 and have been blessed with two children, Gina and Tony. We also have four beautiful grandchildren: Tyler, Luca, Calina, and Stella.” “My grandchildren have changed me a lot,” he con-tinued. “When my children were young, I worked so much and spent so much time on the road that I didn’t get to watch them and appreciate them as much as I would have liked. Now I’m more laid back and have a

chance to appreciate all the little things that I missed 30 years ago.” Many of the values that have helped Tag succeed in the industry were ingrained in him at an early age. “My mother and father lived through the Great Depression, and they taught me the value of a dollar and a good work ethic. My father was the hardest working, most


http://kgptel.com/


dedicated individual I have ever known,” he said. “His rule was that no one will work harder or out-produce any member of the Tagliapietra family. His entire career was in the Italian cheese business, where he earned numerous industry awards.”

Learning from the BestTag also had infl uential role models on the job: the late Dale Michels, founder and president of Michels Corporation, and the late Ted Koenigs, partner to Dale Michels and the company’s executive vice president. “Sometimes Dale could be real demanding,” Tag said. “I could get so mad at him, but you had to love him. He was like a Bob Knight or a Woody Hayes—a tough man but a fair man. His people would do anything for him. He knew how to get the most out of a crew. He knew the strengths of each individual and how to apply those strengths toward the common goals. Dale was also an excellent organizer and had a great memory, with names and with all the projects he worked on.” “Ted was another unique individual,” Tag continued. “He had a short temper, but a heart of gold. As fast as he’d get angry was as fast as he’d forget it. When I started estimating, I worked with Ted, and he taught me a whole lot. He was a very, very good estimator and a great organizer.” “Both Dale and Ted were very good at marketing and public relations, not just with customers, but with employees as well.” Ted Koenigs, a PCCA past president and a member for more than 30 years, also introduced Tag to PCCA. “When Ted retired from the Michels Corporation, Bon-nie and I started representing the company,” Tag said. “The fi rst convention we attended was in March of 1995 at Amelia Island. What I remember most about it is what a great bunch of people were there and how they welcomed us. Everyone was so very friendly. I only knew a handful of people beforehand, but after two days they treated us like longtime friends. I was

also impressed by the caliber of people attending the conven-tion, all presidents and vice presidents of their companies, a very high-level group.”

Once Again Answering Duty’s CallThat “high-level” group of contrac-tors and suppliers also infl uenced Tag’s decision to take an active role in the as-sociation. “The past PCCA presidents are all leaders in the industry,” he noted. “When you see such a distin-guished group of men and women working hard for the benefi t of the industry—not just for themselves and their own interests but for all of us—you want to get more involved. I feel like it’s my responsibility to do whatever I can as well.” Tag has been an active member of PCCA’s Member-ship & Marketing Committee and one of the associa-tion’s top member recruiters for several years. He has also been a tireless fundraiser for PCCA, from selling (and selling and selling and selling...) raffl e tickets to getting the annual auction up and running, which is so important to the organization’s fi nancial success. As PCCA president, Tag is aiming to host “memo-rable and successful meetings that people will talk about for years to come,” and the recent convention on Hawaii’s Big Island went a long way toward achieving that goal. (See a recap of the event beginning on page 27, as well as a preview of the upcoming Mid-Year Meeting beginning on page 49.) He is also looking to “strengthen our fi nancial position and increase our membership for both contractors and associates. And have fun!” Tag has a realistic view of his biggest challenges: Re-taining members, both associates and contractors, and getting all members to become more actively involved. “I tell prospective members—and I hope some of them are reading this article—give us a try. Come to one of our conventions, and you will have an experience un-like any other meeting in our industry. Come to one, and we’ll have you hooked. You’ll be a repeat partici-pant, just like Bonnie and I were after that convention in Amelia Island. It’s an excellent networking oppor-tunity, and it’s a lot of fun with a lot of great people. I promise!”

TagContinued from page 23

24


Eager to gauge where the industry stands in these diffi cult times and to learn strategies that will help them survive and even thrive, PCCA members traveled to Hawaii’s Big Island this winter for the association’s 64th annual convention. With nearly 250 attendees, the

convention featured topical education, important in-dustry business, fi rst-class entertainment, and a whole lot of fun. When planning his convention, PCCA President Ron Tagliapietra, Michels Corporation, wanted education to be its cornerstone, and this year’s sessions focused on opportunities in wind energy, the smart grid, tight job control to improve project performance, and every con-tractor’s favorite topic, getting paid. Keynote speaker Steve Rizzo delivered a hilarious yet insightful talk on using humor to relieve stress and better your life. The Construction Industry Roundtable included presentations and lively discussion on infrastructure construction funding in the recently passed stimulus package, updates on the rewrite of the Rural Develop-ment Utilities Program (RDUP) 515 telecom construc-tion contract, and FMI’s construction industry outlook for 2009. Roundtable attendees also listened closely a report from the Association of Communications Engineers representative Tom Harter, who had recently

discussed broadband funding in the stimulus package with RDUP’s Ken Kuchno. As it is every year, the PCCA Associates Exhibit was a great learning event for contractors and exhibitors alike as they discussed past experiences, current jobs, and how the vendors’ products and services can be best utilized in the future. Primary items on the PCCA business agenda at the convention included changes to the RDUP 515 contract, which will be presented to the agency in August, and a new association task force that will offer its assistance to federal agencies to help get stimulus funds on the street faster and more effi ciently. The task force held its fi rst meeting during the convention and will work with RDUP, which is part of the Agriculture Department, and the Commerce Department’s National Telecommu-nication and Information Administration. As always, the PCCA convention featured a variety of fun-fi lled activities where contractor and associate members mingled and got to know one another better in a very relaxed atmosphere. This year, members com-peted in a wet and wild raft building and racing event, knocked golf balls all around the beautiful Francis H. I’i Brown Golf Course, and enjoyed a fascinating authentic Hawaiian luau as well as a variety of optional tours that explored the Big Island’s beauty and adventure.

PCCA Has a Big PCCA Has a Big Time on the Big IslandTime on the Big Island

The PCCA Board of Directors reviews year-end fi nancial

statements and the 2009 budget. Plans were made for the 2009

Mid-Year Meeting as well as the authorization of a Broadband

Funding Task Force. From left, Glen Amerine, John Fluharty, Herb

Fluharty, and Kevin Mason.

From left, PCCA President Ron Tagliapietra and Past Presidents

Austin Shanfelter, Charley Duff, and Gene Klaasmeyer met to

discuss the new Obama administration, the stimulus package,

the union card-check campaign, and other topics affecting

their businesses and the utility construction industry.

Andy Patron leads the Young Construction Professionals team-

building workshop, which had a record attendance of more than 40.From left, Steve Mohr, Marty Myers, Ruth Sheeley, and Dan Levac utilize

some of the skills learned in the team-building workshop.

Left, Tom Harter from the Association of Communication

Engineers reports to the Construction Industry Roundtable

on the RUS 515 contract rewrite as well as his views on

broadband funding in the stimulus package.

Steve Rizzo, left, helps PCCA members fi nd their “humor being” in his lively

presentation on how to cope with the everyday stresses of life.

Despite the beautiful surroundings, presentations on wind energy, the smart

grid, and getting paid were all extremely well attended. Randy Swisher, left,

from the American Wind Energy Association, generated a host of questions

about the business oportunities for PCCA members in the wind energy

industry. Mike Beehler, bottom left, explained to attendees what the smart grid

is and business opportunities he sees for PCCA members. Andy Patron, below,

talked about a contractor’s favorite subject, getting paid, and helped illustrate

his point with computer models showing various cash-fl ow senarios.

Above, the Spouse Brunch featured a demonstration

on the many uses of Hawaiian sarongs as well as

traditional music and dance. Right, Bonnie Tagliapietra

welcomes an overfl ow crowd of spouses to the

brunch.

Below, Jim Dillahunty and Brad Radichel (foreground)

discuss the best strategy for crossing the windy lagoon,

while Steve Sellenriek and Mike Ancell look for the

beer cart. Bottom, Anita Johnson already won women’s

closest to the pin; she’ll see you suckers later!

Above, Big Island resident Jack Gabrielse

organized a lovely Prayer Breakfast that

included local music and speakers. Top, Ruth

Michels gives a scripture reading during the

breakfast.

Right, a hardy crew on a windy

day: (from left) Tom Harter,

Jeremy Smith, Jeff Brown, and

Craig Amerine. Bottom right,

Steve Mohr, Steve Holt, Bryan

Hefty, and Dave Nelson pause

for a fairway photo op.

Kerry and Rich Prosser bid on matching

electronics during the Silent Auction.

Seemingly representing a growing bloc of

PCCA members, Austin Shanfelter (right)

lobbies President Tag during the Live

Auction.

Below, racers prepare for the fi rst-

ever PCCA Raft Regatta. Bottom,

with old-school stern-mounted,

two-legged power, PCCA rafts splash

across the lagoon.

Below, Greg Johnson (left) and

David Aubrey make the turn and

start paddling for home. Bottom,

Team Waipi’o celebrates their

controversial regatta victory.

g Seeming

PCCA

lobb

Au

B

D

sta

Tea

contr

This year’s Associates Exhibit & Breakfast drew a steady stream of

contractors walking the hall, meeting new folks, and learning new things

as well as catching up with old friends and sharing jobsite experiences.

Next year’s exhibit will be held earlier in the convention so that contractors

and associates have more time afterward to follow up and further discuss

potential business opportunities.

Clockwise, starting from below, are (left to right in each photo) Dennis

Crowe with David and Stacey Brenner; Vincent Jue and David Aubrey; Jack

Bonomi, Ron Tagliapietra, and John Howell; Robert Orr, Tommy Maisonet,

and Maria Ozuna; Bill Fenn, Bryan Hefty, Michael Charles, and Bob Breeden;

Charles Cook and Kevin Mason; and Ruth Sheeley and Herb Fluharty.

Above, PCCA Executive Vice President Tim Wagner welcomes

members to the PCCA Luau on an absolutely gorgeous Big

Island evening. Above right, after receiving a few quick pointers,

Michael Whitebread shows that he is indeed a hula master. Right,

Robert Orr volunteered to be part of the show but now must be

wondering, “What happened to the hula dancers?”

Above, the elegant dance of the Blue Moonlight mesmerizes

the audience. Below, Jeff, Drew, Evelyn, and Abigail Johnson are

obviously ready to luau! Bottom right, Heath Sellenriek attracts

some hip-shaking attention.


Assigned Protection Factors (APF), a new guidance document published by OSHA, provides employers with vital information for selecting respirators for employees exposed to contaminants in the air. OSHA revised its existing Respiratory Protection standard

in 2006 to add APFs and maximum use concentration (MUC) provisions. APF means the workplace level of respiratory protec-tion that a respirator or class of respirators is able to provide to workers. The higher the APF number (5 to 10,000), the greater the level of protection provided to the user. APFs are used to select the appropriate class of respirators that will provide the necessary level of protection against airborne contaminants. Such expo-sures can come from particles or a gas or vapor. MUC represents the limit at which the class of res-pirator is expected to provide protection. Whenever a hazard’s exposure level exceeds MUC, employers should select a respirator with a higher APF. MUC

means the maximum atmospheric concentration of a hazardous substance for which a worker can be ex-pected to be protected when wearing a respirator. “Proper respirator selection prevents exposure to hazardous contaminants and is an important compo-nent of an effective respiratory protection program,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Donald G. Shalhoub. “This guidance document serves as another useful resource for protecting the health and safety of workers at risk for respiratory illnesses.” APF and MUC are mandatory respirator selection requirements that can only be used after respirators are properly selected and are used in compliance with the entire standard. The Respiratory Protection standard requires fi t testing, medical evaluations, specifi c train-ing, and proper respirator use. The standard applies to general industry, construction, longshoring, shipyard, and marine terminal workplaces.


Safety NewsSafety News

OSHA Notifi es Workplaces with High Injury and Illness Rates

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration notifi ed more than 13,500 employees nationwide in April that their injury and illness rates are consider-

ably higher than the national aver-age. A letter sent this month to those employers explained that the notifi cation was a proactive step to encourage employers to take ac-tion now to reduce these rates and improve safety and health conditions in their workplaces. “Employers whose businesses have injury and illness rates this high need to take immediate steps to protect their workers,” said act-

ing Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Jordan Barab. “Our goal is to make employers aware of their high injury and illness rates and to get them to eliminate hazards in their workplace. To help them in this regard, OSHA offers free assistance programs to help employers better protect the safety and health of their workers.” OSHA identifi ed businesses with the nation’s highest rates of work-place injuries and illnesses through employer-reported data from a 2008 survey of 80,000 worksites (based on 2007 injury and illness data). Workplaces receiving notifi -cations had rates more than twice

the national average among all U.S. workplaces for injuries resulting in days away from work, restricted work activity, or job transfer. Employers receiving the letters were also provided copies of their in-jury and illness data and a list of the most frequently cited OSHA stan-dards for their specifi c industry. The letter offered assistance in helping to reduce these numbers by suggesting, among other things, the use of free OSHA safety and health consultation services provided through the states, state workers’ compensation agen-cies, insurance carriers, or outside safety and health consultants.

New OSHA Document Focuses on Mandatory Respirator Selection Provisions


OSHA Offers Guidance on Controlling Silica Exposures

OSHA recently released a guidance document, Controlling Silica Exposures in Construction, which addresses the control of employee expo-sures to respirable dust containing crystalline

silica, which is known to cause silicosis, a serious lung disease, as well as increase the risk of lung cancer and other systemic diseases. This document provides information on the effectiveness of various engineering control approaches for several kinds of construction operations and equipment, and it contains recommen-dations for work practices and respiratory protection. Quartz is the most common form of crystalline silica. In fact, it is the second most common surface mate-rial, accounting for almost 12 percent by volume of the earth’s crust. Quartz is present in many materials in the construction industry, such as brick and mortar, concrete, slate, dimensional stone (granite, sandstone), stone aggregate, tile, and sand used for blasting. Other construction materials that contain crystalline silica are asphalt fi ller, roofi ng granules, plastic composites, soils, and to a lesser extent, some wallboard joint com-pounds, paint, plaster, caulking, and putty. The recommendations presented in the document are based on a review of information in the published literature, NIOSH In-Depth Survey Reports, and OSHA

inspection data. Engineering control evaluations reported in the published literature were generally performed in controlled work environments and may not refl ect actual workplace exposures experienced at construction worksites. Moreover, potential silica expo-sure levels will depend on the concentration of silica in materials at construction sites, as well as factors in the work environment (such as enclosed, semi-enclosed, or open spaces and/or multiple operations generating silica dust) as well as environmental conditions (such as wind direction and speed). Therefore, OSHA encour-ages employers to conduct periodic exposure moni-toring to confi rm that engineering and work practice controls are effective and that appropriate respiratory protection is being used where necessary. Controls continue to evolve, and OSHA encourages equipment suppliers and contractors to work with industrial hygienists to evaluate new designs and prod-ucts to obtain objective information that can be used to evaluate performance and support informed decisions on use. If you choose to modify equipment, it is impor-tant to follow equipment manufacturers’ recommen-dations to ensure that modifi cations do not adversely affect equipment performance and that no additional hazards are created. Furthermore, ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) and water-tight/sealable electri-cal connectors should be used with electric tools and equipment on construction sites (OSHA, 1996). These

Safety NewsContinued from page 35


features are particularly important in areas where wa-ter is used to control dust. The document is divided into nine sections that cover different construction operations. Eight are for specifi c equipment or operations: Stationary Masonry Saws, Handheld Masonry Saws, Hand-Operated Grind-ers, Tuckpointing/Mortar Removal, Jackhammers, Rotary Hammers and Similar Tools, Vehicle-Mounted Rock Drilling Rigs, and Drywall Finishing. The other section addresses general housekeeping operations and dust control through the use of dust suppressants. The sections include case stud-ies, reference lists, and technical notes. They offer information, advice, and recommendations on using wet methods, vacuum dust collection (VDC) systems, and work practices to control dust emissions from construc-tion operations. Many of these dust control systems are readily available from vendors. By implementing these recommendations, employers will more effectively minimize employee exposures to respirable dust contain-ing crystalline silica and will provide a safer work environment for their employees.

Determining Work-Relatedness for Recordkeeping of Injury Resulting from Horseplay

OSHA sent the following letter to a company in Whiting, Ind., in February and recently posted it on the agency website.

Dear Mr. Winkelman:

Thank you for your December 2, 2008, letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) re-garding the Recordkeeping regulation found at 29 CFR Part 1904. Specifi cal-ly, you requested guidance from OSHA on a case regarding “horseplay.” Scenario: In your letter, you de-scribe an instance where two of your supervisors had completed their work for the day and had entered the change trailer to change clothes and proceed home. There was some bantering back and forth concerning how to beat the traffi c at shift’s end.

The discussion escalated into a physical confronta-tion where one supervisor allegedly pulled a knife and struck the other in the right bicep, causing a laceration that required sutures to close. Issue: You have asked OSHA to endorse your conten-tion that, because the work environment did not con-tribute to the “horseplay gone badly,” as you described the situation, the injury was not work-related and thus was non-recordable under OSHA regulations. Response: Under 29 CFR Subpart C, “Recordkeep-



ing Forms and Recording Criteria,” an injury must be recorded if it is work-related, is a new case, and meets one or more of the general recording criteria (such as requiring medical treatment beyond fi rst aid). See 29 CFR §1904.4(a). An injury is presumed to be work-related if it results from an event occurring in the work environment, unless an enumerated exception to this geographic presumption applies. See 29 CFR §1904.5(a). The work environment includes any loca-tion where one or more employees are working or are present as a condition of their employment. See 29 CFR §1904.5(b)(1). We assume that the supervisors were in the change trailer as a part of their work or as a condi-tion of their employment. If our assumption is cor-rect, the injury resulted from an event (the altercation between the two supervisors) occurring in the work environment and was thus work-related. When a work-related injury requires treatment beyond fi rst aid, it is recordable unless it falls within one of the §1904.5(b)(2) exceptions to the geographic presumption. Violence in the workplace does not generally qualify as an exception. OSHA’s Frequently Asked Question 5-2 provides guidance on this issue: Question 5-2: Are cases of workplace violence con-

sidered work-related under the new Recordkeeping rule? The recordkeeping rule contains no general excep-tion, for purposes of determining work-relationship, for cases involving acts of violence in the work envi-ronment. However, some cases involving violent acts might be included within one of the exceptions listed in section 1904.5(b)(2). For example, if an employee arrives at work early to use a company conference room for a civic club meeting and is injured by some violent act, the case would not be work-related under the exception in section 1904.5(b)(2)(v). Furthermore, the geographic presumption (that is, an injury is work-related if it occurs in the work environ-ment) covers cases in which an injury or illness results from activities that occur at work but that are not directly productive, such as horseplay. Applying these principles to your situation, it is OSHA’s position that the injury was work-related and required medical treatment beyond fi rst aid. This is so whether the incident leading to the injury is character-ized as horseplay or as workplace violence, neither of which is covered by any exception to the geographic presumption. Therefore, the injury is recordable. Both the Note to Subpart A of the regulation (29 CFR §1904.0) and the Overview to OSHA Form 300 expressly state that recording a case does not indicate that an employer or employee was at fault or that an OSHA standard was violated. In addition, OSHA recognizes that injury and illness rates do not necessarily indicate an employer’s lack of interest in safety and health. Recording a case indicates only three things: (1) that an injury or illness has occurred; (2) that the employer has determined that the case is work-related (using OSHA’s defi nition of that term); and (3) that the case is non-minor, i.e., that it meets one or more of the OSHA injury and illness recording criteria. See 66 Fed. Reg. at 5933. Thank you for your interest in occupational safety and health. We hope you fi nd this information help-ful. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards, and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circum-stances, but they cannot create additional employer ob-ligations. This letter constitutes OSHA’s interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforce-ment guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. In addition, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep ap-prised of such developments, you can consult OSHA’s website at www.osha.gov.

Sincerely,

Keith Goddard, DirectorDirectorate of Evaluation and Analysis

Safety NewsContinued from page 37


Member NewsMember NewsDUECO Unveils Plug-In Hybrid Underground Utility Vehicle

The sister company of PCCA member Utility Equipment Leasing Corporation, DUECO Inc., in conjunction with Odyne and Vanair Manufactur-ing, is the fi rst to offer a Plug-In Hybrid Under-

ground Utility Vehicle (HUUV). With enough power for plastic pipe fusing, the truck’s hybrid drive system powers an air compressor, exportable power, and an auxiliary climate control system. The Vanair 125/185 CFM underdeck air compres-sor is a common piece of equipment used by utility companies to operate pneumatic tools, such as pave-ment breakers, tampers, and mole tools. “By powering the Vanair compressor through a large battery system we eliminate engine idle as well as the need for a tow-behind compressor at a jobsite,” said DUECO Executive Vice President Joseph Dalum. The HUUV is also equipped with a compressor auto-matic shut down device that automatically starts and stops the compressor based on demand, which sub-stantially increases battery life and decreases needless compressor operation. The HUUV plugs into a charging station where the batteries recharge during off-peak hours. The truck can also recharge at any point, while idling or driving, with the conventional diesel engine. The unit is complete with regenerative braking and launch assist to provide additional fuel effi ciency, emission enhancements, and extended brake life. These additional PHEV features of-fer greater benefi ts than just an idle reduction system. DUECO and Odyne previously unveiled the in-dustry’s fi rst Plug-in Hybrid medium-duty aerial lift, heavy-duty tandem axle aerial lift, and digger derrick.

The Ultimate Skid Steer Smackdown

In Episode Two, “Battle in Bowling Green,” now posted on John Deere’s www.skidsteersmackdown.com website, real contractors get in the cab of competitor equipment to take on a John Deere

skid steer in a hill-climbing contest with Smackdown supremacy at stake. The Hill Climb is the fi rst of four battles fi lmed in Bowling Green, Ky., and just one of numerous battles in the Ultimate Skid Steer Smackdown’s Season Two “Prove It Tour,” which has Deere taking to the road to visit jobsites, tradeshow lots, and dealerships through-out the country, testing the skills of on-the-job skid steer operators in machine vs. machine competitions. In this event, two contractors climb into their brand of skid steer to take on a John Deere 313 in front of a cheering crowd of 1,000 people. First, they had to ne-gotiate two small moguls, but then they had to conquer a fi ve-foot berm, grab a bucket of dirt, and tackle the same obstacles on the way back to the starting line. “These inclines are similar to what you might see on a jobsite,” said Sam Norwood, manager, John Deere Commercial Worksite Products. “What’s important here is a skid steer’s weight distribution and stabil-ity. Let’s just say we had a lot of fun, and not all skid steers are created equal.” New battles involving Deere skid steers and compact track loaders and their competitors will be posted on the site as the “Prove It Tour” rolls on.

Vermeer AXIS Guided Boring System Designed For On-Grade Installations

Underground contractors now have a new op-tion for the trenchless installation of water and sewer lines. The AXIS guided boring system from Vermeer is a pit-launched, laser-guided

tool to install 10- to 14-inch pipe. The system can achieve pinpoint, on-grade accuracy, and its versatile design allows for multiple applications in the installa-tion of new lines. “We saw a void in the small-diameter, on-grade installation solutions currently serving the water and sewer market,” said Ed Savage, trenchless segment manager for Vermeer Corporation. “Some of the cur-rent trenchless methods are designed to achieve the ex-treme accuracy needed for this kind of work, however, they lack the productivity needed to compete with the open-cut method.” The AXIS system is made up of four main com-ponents: the power unit, rack, vacuum pump and



vacuum tank. The power unit contains the engine and hydraulic pumps and connects to the rack to power thrust and pull back of the drill stem. The rack includes the thrust/pullback carriage as-sembly and gearbox. As the thrust/pullback carriage assembly moves up the rack, the gearbox simultane-ously provides rotation to the cutter bit at the front of the drill head. The drill head uses a fl at-face cutter, and when com-bined with the laser guidance system, the Axis system is capable of completing fl atter grades more accurately. The drill head can also be retracted in mid-installation allowing the contractor to change the drill head and adapt to changing ground conditions. Although the AXIS guided boring system method is intended to go straight, the operator can make slight steering adjustments. However, the system requires very little steering. Rather than steering to achieve line and grade, the system steers to maintain line and grade based on the original entrance pit set-up. When adjust-ments need to be made, the system steers via two pairs of hydraulically powered opposing rams on an “X” axis within the front of the drill head. Drill stem segments, measuring 6.5 feet long, are placed in the rack carriage. As rotation and thrust from

the carriage assembly resumes, the drill stem is pushed through the hole. The process is repeated with numer-ous sections of drill stem until it reaches the exit pit. The AXIS guided boring system can complete bores up to 350 feet in length. Each segment of drill stem features a sight chan-nel for the pipe laser and a hollow section that serves as the vacuum channel for the displaced soil. In the center of the drill stem is the connection for the drive shaft, which delivers rotation to the cutting bit on the drill head through the entire drill stem. As the drill stem cuts its way through the soil, the


Member NewsContinued from page 39

Everything you need for powerutility installations.

No matter what area of the power utilitiesindustry you’re in, ARNCO has a wideselection of products andsupport you need.

Power Generation• Low-Smoke, Zero Halogen• HDPE Pressure Pipe

Transmission• Large-Diameter Conduit

Distribution• Maxx-Trak™ Cable Placing Equipment• Cable-in-Conduit• Smooth-Cor® Flexible Conduit System

A-D Technologies11400 Parkside Dr., Suite 300Knoxville, TN 37934Arnco Customer Service:Toll Free: 800.321.7914Web: www.adtechnologies.com

For super ior products ava i lab i l i ty and pr ic ing, demand ARNCO

® 2008 A-D Technologies

http://www.adtechnologies.com/



displaced material is simultaneously removed by a high-power vacuum system. Spoil is then diverted to a vacuum storage tank. The vacuum process also provides for a cleaner worksite and allows a minimum annulus, which helps improve accuracy. Because of the fl exibility of the four major compo-nents, various setup confi gurations can be used to ad-just the machine’s footprint based on jobsite and trans-port characteristics. For instance, in an urban jobsite, the AXIS guided boring system can be set up in one lane of traffi c for minimal disruption. The AXIS system has been tested in a wide variety of ground conditions ranging from clay and sand to shale and rock.

New Coupler and Hammer Give Case Excavators More Speed and Power

Case Construction Equipment recently added two new attachments—the Multi-Fit coupler and hydraulic hammer—for more excavator speed and power on the jobsite.

Available on Case excavator models CX75 through CX470B, the Multi-Fit coupler offers hydraulic quick-change operation from inside the cab, saving time and money while increasing productivity. The coupler is

especially useful for craning, utility, and pipe-laying work, where buckets are changed frequently. The patented mechanical blocking system on the coupler eliminates the need to manually insert a safety pin. A high-grade steel cast design produces a lighter, stronger and more durable attachment. The integrated lifting eye is part of the cast body, instead of being welded onto the coupler. “This universal coupler works with a wide range of buckets and attachments from different manufactur-ers,” said Mitch Blake, Case marketing manager. “The coupler can grab and operate a bucket in both the excavator and ‘face’ positions. Hydraulic check valves keep the bucket secure.” Ideal for concrete work, roads and bridges, and demolition projects, Case’s new hydraulic excavator hammer can be used with Case excavator models CX75 through CX290. Complete with only two moving parts, the hammer requires no special tools for maintenance. A patented gas-assist operating cycle uses system hydraulics for 95 percent of the delivered energy. The shock absorption on Case excavator hammers creates a more comfort-able operator environment due to the low recoil from the small amount of nitrogen charge used.

p 920-459-2600f 920-459-2608

www.gabes.com

D.A.S. Networks

Fiber Optic Networks

Maintenance & Locating Services

Underground Conduit & Manhole Systems

http://www.gabes.com/


The new hammer will fi t 7- to 29-metric ton excava-tors. “The impact of the hammer ranges from 825 to 4,500 feet per pound,” Blake said. The hydraulic hammer comes with a lifetime-limited warranty. “Seals are covered for two years, and internal components are covered for three years,” Blake said. “The critical parts, however, are covered for a lifetime.”

GMP Introduces Utility Manhole Cover Lifter

General Machine Products Company (GMP) re-cently added the Utility Manhole Cover Lifter to its complement of safety tools and equipment. The lifter allows for quick and safe lifting and

removal of heavy utility manhole covers in a variety of work environments and applications. The tool securely attaches to and raises the most stubborn covers, with the lifter doing all the heavy work, instead of the tech-nician’s back. One lifter can work on a wide range of cover types, as each lifting hook attachment (or key) is designed to accommodate a broad selection of manhole covers. The long handle of the Utility Manhole Cover Lifter provides the precise leverage, and the lifting process

is simple. Insert the key into the cover’s hole or lifting pocket, and brace the lifter’s foot with one of your own feet while having the handle pointing away from you. Then pull the lifter’s handle backward toward you. Keep moving the foot of the lifter back to change the angle and allow for additional pulls to clear the man-hole cover from its frame. Added design features include rubber hand grips and


www.GMPtools.com+1.215.357.5500

The Tornado & BreezeCable Blowing MachinesTotal F.O. Cable Placement Versatility

Features of the Tornado include:� Fiber Cable .25 - 1.25" (6.35 - 32 mm)� Duct 1.00 - 2.50" (25 - 63 mm)� Speeds up to 300 ft./min. (90 M/min.)� Comes with Portable Hydraulic Power Pack

and requires compressed air

Features of the Breeze include:� Micro Fiber Cable .10 - .32" (2.5 - 8 mm)� Micro Duct .20 - .47" (5 - 12 mm)� Speeds up to 164 ft./min. (50 M/min.)� 110 V AC Powered and requires

compressed air

“Breeze” Micro FiberBlowing Machine

“Tornado” FiberBlowing Machine

MADE INU S A

http://www.gmptools.com/


a spiked foot for secure traction on unstable ground surfaces like sand, ice, and snow. The lifter’s durable, plated-steel tubular body is specifi cally engineered to lift the heaviest utility manhole covers. GMP offers several key options, including a Small J-Hook, a Large J-Hook, and a Heavy L-Hook. All keys are made of heat-treated steel for added strength and durability. While stock keys can accommodate the ma-jority of utility cover types in use worldwide, GMP will also engineer custom key designs to fi t unique applica-tions.

Reed Catalog M Now Available

Reed has been making tools for the professional trades for more than 113 years, and the compa-ny’s new catalog includes six pages of new tools and eight pages of “Best Ever!” tools. Avauilable

for free on the company website, the catalog showcases tried-and-true tools plus new combo roll groovers, uni-versal pipe cutters for steel pipe, large diameter ratchet wrenches, smooth jaw wrenches and pliers, power tap-ping and drilling machines, and PEX tools. Many Reed tools are proprietary. “WHY REED?” statements outline key competitive advantages of Reed products.

New Fiber Drop Stripper from Ripley

Ripley recently introduced the FDS, Fiber Drop Stripper to its Miller brand of

products. The tool is designed for stripping fl at drop fi ber cable used in fi ber-to-the-home applications. Its one-step stripping action removes the jacket in two locations top and bottom to expose the dielectric strength members and allow quick removal of the jacket. Made in the U.S., the FDS is small and has a lightweight polymer body for ease of use. It easily strips fl at drop lengths of 2 to 15 feet plus.

WennSoft Software Solutions Releases Version 10.0 EX

WennSoft, a Microsoft Gold Certifi ed Partner, has released version 10.0 EX, which offers a variety of enhancements to the software’s functionality. The upgrade will provide

WennSoft customers with additional functionality

designed to streamline their operations and increase effectiveness. WennSoft version 10.0 EX delivers new features, functionality, and improvements to version 10.0, which was released in September 2007. A signifi cant focus of WennSoft version 10.0 was to maintain compatibility with Microsoft Dynamics GP version 10.0, whereas WennSoft version 10.0 EX is aimed specifi cally at de-veloping functionality that will improve organizational processes. “WennSoft version 10.0 EX will help organizations manage costs and create operational effi ciencies, which are critical in these changing economic times,” said WennSoft CEO Jim Wenninger. “The components in version 10.0 EX are based on customer and partner feedback, and are designed to ensure our customers maximize their WennSoft business solution.” WennSoft version 10.0 EX includes features and enhancements for each of the four core software solu-tions: Job Cost, Project Management Portal, Service Management Series, and Equipment Management Series.

Elliott Offers New 50-Ton Capacity Boom Truck

Elliott Equipment Company recently announced the introduction of its new 50-ton capacity BoomTruck. The 50105 unit features a 50-ton capacity with 105 feet of powered main boom and

a 115-foot tip height.



Following are standard features and benefi ts: Available 360-degree chart without front stabilizer, • Tractor mount confi guration available,• Glide swing operation for smooth precise rotation,• 32- to 49-foot two-piece jib, • FrictionFree jib extension for easy jib deployment • and stowage, LoadMoment Indicator system for safe boom opera-• tion,Available Wide Area Defi nition System,• A variety of jib lengths, platforms, and accessories to • best fi t the unit to the user’s application, 12-month parts and labor warranty and 5-year lim-• ited structural warranty, andOperator amenities including cupholders and 12-volt • cell phone charger.

“This 50-ton model demonstrates Elliott’s commit-ment to developing the best performing line of mate-rial handling solutions in the industry,” said Elliott President Jim Glazer. “Now more than ever, Elliott is working to develop innovative solutions to help our customers be more productive.”

Griff Morris Joins FMI’s Utilities Market Group

Mark Bridgers, director of FMI’s Utilities Mar-ket Group, announced in May that Griffi th R. Morris has joined the group as manag-ing director of utility business development.

Morris is a recognized energy industry expert with four decades of experience serving utilities, regulatory authorities, and industrial companies, both nationally and abroad. Morris focuses on advising senior executive manage-ment, regulators, and government offi cials on matters such as corporate strategy, regulatory policy, fi nan-cial condition and planning, organizational structure, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance and ethics. “Griff Morris brings a wealth of industry knowledge to FMI’s utility practice,” Bridgers said. “His extensive background in advising utility executives on a host of strategic issues will signifi cantly deepen FMI’s exper-tise. We look forward to bringing his perspective to our clients’ strategic challenges.” Prior to joining FMI, Morris served as senior vice

.

All the top manufacturersplus 24/7 service. Anywhere.



president and a member of the board of directors of Stone & Webster, where he led the fi rm’s market-ing, corporate de-velopment, fi nancial services, risk manage-ment, and operations consulting groups. Preceding this, he was vice president and managing direc-tor of utility fi nance with Kidder, Peabody & Company, where he identifi ed and closed $2.5 billion in fi nancings as managing underwriter for electric and gas utilities. Earlier, he was with Booz Allen Hamilton as principal of utility practice, a then-new initiative of the fi rm. Under his leadership, the practice attained signifi cant growth and market status within two years. Morris holds undergraduate degrees in applied


PCCA Industry CalendarPCCA Mid-Year Meeting July 22-25, 2009

Vail Mountain Resort & Spa Marriott Vail, Colorado

DCA Mid-Year Meeting July 22 - 26, 2009

Spring Creek Ranch Jackson, Wyoming

ICUEE October 6 - 8, 2009

Kentucky Exposition Center Louisville, Kentucky

Utility Construction EXPO ’10 January 11 -13, 2010

Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel Orlando, Florida

UCT 2010 January 19 - 21, 2010

Tampa Convention Center Tampa, Florida

DCA Annual Convention Feb 23 - 28, 2010

Fiesta Americana Grand Los Cabos Los Cabos, Mexico

PCCA 65th Annual Convention March 19-24, 2010

Disney’s Contemporary Resort Orlando, Florida

CONEXPO - CON/AGG 2011 March 22-26, 2011

Las Vegas Convention Center Las Vegas, Nevada

800.346.1956 www.jamesonllc.com

Fiberglass Fish Tapes

Fiberglass Conduit Rodders

Portable Work Lights

Splicer Scissors

Fiberglass Lay Up Sticks

Line Clearance Tools

Aerial Bucket Tool Holders

Aerial Construction Tools

Overhead or Underground

Count On Our Quality

http://www.jamesonllc.com/


mathematics (Adelphi College) and electrical engineer-ing (New York University) and has an Executive MBA (Harvard). He is a member of the NYSSA and the IEEE and serves on the advisory boards of two energy indus-try start-up fi rms.

McLaughlin Adds Low-Profi le Vacuum Excavator

McLaughlin Group, Inc. is al-ways thinking ahead when it comes to vacuum excava-tors and the introduction of

its new low profi le vacuum excava-tor is no exception. “Our customers told us they are dealing with more confi ned space projects and needed a vacuum excavator with a compact footprint, but they didn’t want to give up any power,” said Mike Moore, McLaugh-lin vice president of sales. “So we designed a unit that is more compact yet offers the same features as our standard units.” The new V500 low-profi le unit measures fewer than 84 inches in height allowing the unit to access areas previously limited by height restrictions. The lower height also provides a lower center of gravity for increased stability on the jobsite and during transport. “We were also able to shorten the trailer length, providing customers more fl exibility in maneuvering the unit into tight work spaces,” Moore said. “All together the package has a gross vehicle weight of less than 10,000 pounds.” While the new V500 low profi le unit is more compact, it doesn’t lack for features. A 575-cfm blower with a 3-inch diameter hose allows for effi cient spoil removal, and the 4-gallon-per-minute water pump delivers 3,000 psi of water fl ow to slice through the most diffi cult soil conditions. Two standard 50-gallon saddle tanks provide 100 gallons of water, or customers can opt for two 125-gallon saddle tanks. The unit also features the McLaughlin quiet pack power system for reduced en-gine noise levels.

McLaughlin also uses an industry-exclusive three-stage fi ltration system that allows for both wet and dry vacuum excavation. First, material enters the tank at 130 mph, and the large soil particles lose velocity and fall out of the fi ltration system. Next, the air moves to a pre-fi lter cyclone where the remaining small particles drop into a collection tank. Finally, the pre-fi ltered air enters a washable micron-poly fi lter that traps the remaining fi ne particles.

Thank you SponsorsThank you Sponsors


2009 Mid-Year Meeting2009 Mid-Year Meeting

July 22 – 25 • Vail Marriott Mountain Resort & Spa • Vail, Colorado

PCCA Journal|2nd Quarter 200950 PCPCPCPCPCPCPCPCPCCCPCPCPCPCCPCPCCPCPCPCPCPCPCPPPCPCPCPCPPCPCPCPPPPCPCPCCPPCPCPCPCCCPCPCPCPCCPCPCPCCCPPCPCCPCPCPCPCPCCPCCPCCPPCPPPCPCPPCPCCCCCPCPPCCCCPCCCCCCCACCCCCCCCACACACACACACACACACACACACACACACACACACCCCACCCAACACACACCCACACACACACACACAACACACAACACACACAACACACAACACAACAACACAAACACAAAACACACACAACCCAACACAACAAAAACCACCACCCCACACA JJJ JJJJJ JJJJ JJ J JJJJJJ J JJJJ J JJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJ JJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJ JJJJJJJJJouououououououououououououuououououououoououououuuuououououououoouoouououuououoououuuouououuooooououuouuouuoououoouooouoouououoouuouoououuuooouournrnrnrnrnrnrnrnrnrnnrnrnrnrnrnnrnrnnrnrnrnrnrnrnrnrnrnnnrnrnrnrnnrnnrnrnrnnnnrnnrnrnrnrnrrrrnrnrrnrnnrnnrnrnrnrnrnrnrrrnrnrrnrnnnnrrnrnrnrnrnrrrnrnrnrnrrrnrnrnrnrrnrnrrrrrnrnrrrnalaalalaalalalalalalalalalalalalaallalalallalalallaaaaallaaaaaallaaaalaaaaaalalalaalaaalaaallalaaalalaaaaalalalaaaaallalalaalalalalalaaaaalaaaallaaaalaaaalaaaaalaaaaalllaaaalaaaaaall|2|2|2|2|22|222222|2||222|222222|22|22222||2|2222222||2222|2222|22|2|2222|2|2|22|2|2|222|2222|22|2|22|2222|2||2|2222||222||2|2|2||2|||2||2|2|222222222nddnndndndndndnndndndndnndndnndnnddndndndndnnddndndndndnnddndddndnndndndndndnnnnndndndnndndndndndnnnddddnndnn Q QQ QQQQQ QQQQQQQQQQ QQQQQQQQ Q QQQQ Q QQQQ QQQ QQ QQQQQQQQ Q QQQQ QQQ QQQQQQQ QQQ QQQQQQ Q QQQQQQ QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ QQQQQQ QQQQQQQQQQQQ QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQuuauuuuauuauauauauauaauaauauauaauauuuuaauauauuuuuauauuauaaaaauauauuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuauaaaaaaaaauuauuuuuuuuuuauaauaaaaaauuuauauuuauuauaaauaaauuuauuuuaaaaaauuuuuuauuuaaaaauauauuuuuuuauauuauuaaaaauuuauauuuauuuaaaaaauauuuuuauuaaaaaauuuauuuaaaaauuuuuuaauuuuuaaaauauauuuuuuuuuaauaaauaaauauuuaauauauauauuuuauaaaauaauauauauauauuuuauuuauauauuaauuuauauauuuuauauau rtrtrtrtrtrtrtrtrtrrtrttrtttttttrtrtrrrtttttrttttrrtrrtrtrttttttrrrrttttttttrtrrtrrtttttttrtttrrtrtrttttttrrtrrrtttttrrrttttrrtttrrtrtrtrtrtttttttrrrrrrtttttrrrrrrrtrrtrrrrrtrtrrtttttrrrrrrtrrrrtrtrttrtrtrtrrrrtttrtttrtrrrtrrtrtttrtrtrrtrrtrtrrtrtrttrtrtttrtererererereereererererrererererererererrereeeeererrereeeeeeeererereeeeeeerrrrrerreeerrerrrrrerrrrererreerrrrererererereeerrerrrererrerererereeeeeerererrreeeeeeeerreeeererreeeeeererererererrreeeeerreeerrrreeereereeere 2222222222222222222222222222 22222222222 22222222222222222222222222222222222 222222222222222222222222 22 222 222 222222222222222 00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999505055505050505505050505050505050505005005050555505550505050505050555550505055505550050505050505555055500555050550555550050550500555555505500550055555555555555055

Wednesday, July 22

3 - 7:30 pm Registration

3 - 5 pm Board of Directors Meeting

6 - 7:30 pm President’s Welcome Reception

Enjoy some fun and relaxation as Ron and Bonnie Tag welcome you to the Vail Mountain Resort & Spa and the 2009 PCCA Mid-Year Meeting. Catch up with old friends and meet new folks over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres on a beautiful Colorado evening.

Thursday, July 23

7:30 am - 12 pm Registration

7:30 - 8:30 am Continental Breakfast

Opening General Session 8:30 - 9:45 am with Eric Alexander, Adventurer

Eric Alexander, skier, climber, and mountaineer, is achieving his goals while playing an instrumental role in helping others achieve theirs. In 2001 Eric defi ed the odds by scaling Mt. Everest and guiding his blind friend, Erik Weihenmayer, to its lofty 29,035-foot summit. In 2002, the pair climbed Mt. Elbrus in Russia and Mt. Kosciusko in Australia, and they skied from the top of each, making them the fi rst-ever blind ski descents. Eric shares this inspirational story with audiences all over the country, focusing on trust, courage, innovation, teamwork, leadership, and integrity. When he is not traveling, he teaches disabled skiers in Vail and directs Adventures Beyond Limits, an organization that educates and encourages youth with disabilities in the outdoors.

10 - 11:45 am Construction Industry Roundtable

This fast-paced and frank discussion touches on the various segments of the industry and promotes the sharing of insights and opinions from contractors, suppliers, and manufacturers working in different market sectors all over North America as well as representatives from the USDA Rural Development Utilities Program and the American Communications Engineers.

12:45 - 5 pm Village Shopping and Gardens Tour

Begin the day in the beautiful Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, touring through the fl owers, shrubs, trees, rock, and water features that refl ect the Colorado mountain landscape. Three distinctive gardens within the grounds offer a taste of the botanic variety. The large collection of both traditional and unusual perennials, trees, and shrubs demonstrates the wide selection of plant material that will grow in the mountain land-

scape. After the tour, leisurely stroll through Vail Village. Naturally, the day is not fi nished without popping into one or more of the renowned village boutiques. Credit cards are mandatory on this tour!

$45 includes tickets, transportation, and guide.

12:45 - 5 pm ATV Tour

The thrill of a lifetime! Enjoy the beauty and splendor of the White River National Forest on safe and easy-to-ride four wheelers. Follow the trails to an elevation above 12,000 feet and along the way experience the historic Camp Hale area, four different mountain ranges, and the Conti-nental Divide. Ride through beautiful alpine meadows with wildfl owers, rushing brooks, and a chance to spot wildlife.

$185 includes transportation, guide, and all necessary equip-

ment.

1 - 6 pm PCCA Golf Tournament

Created by the Devlin/Von Hagge design team, Eagle Vail Golf club is full of elevation changes and unique play. Elevated tees guarantee gravity-defying drives in the rarefi ed air, and at 6836 yards, beginners won’t be intimidated and experienced golfers will be well-challenged. The front nine meanders through the valley fl oor, crossing the scenic Eagle River several times. After this pleasant warm-up, you are ready for the thrilling back nine that winds up the mountainside through aspen, lodgepole pine, and fi r–the only excusable distraction from your golf game comes from the stunning setting. The Eagle Vail Golf Club inhabits former verdant ranch and farm lands. Built in the early 1930s, the red barn near Hole #2 green served as feed and tack storage, a testament to the valley’s agricultural heritage.

$200 includes box lunch. (Transportation not included.)

7 pm Dine Around

Choose from the following restaurants in Lionshead and Vail Village:Centre V• Vail Chophouse• Montauk Seafood Grill• Sweet Basil • Terra Bistro• Campo de Fiori Ristorante•

Friday, July 24

7:30 - 8:30 am Continental Breakfast

8:30 - 9:30 am Committee Meetings

The Marketing/Membership, Safety/One-Call, and Broadband Funding Committees will meet.

Schedule of EventsSchedule of Events

PCCA Journal|2nd Quarter 2009 51PCPCPCPCPCPCCPCPCPCPCPPCPCPCPCPPPPPCPPCPCPPPPPPPPPCPPPPCCPPCPPPPPPCCPPPCPCPPCPCPPPPPPPPPCPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPCPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP 1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

9:45 - 11:45 am Business Development Session

In turbulent economic times, those who are a most prepared can capital-ize on the uncertainty by not only weathering the storm, but also by improving their businesses and better managing them. This session, led by Andy Patron of FMI, prepares attendees for such endeavors by tackling key issues in business development, including:

The three “get work” elements: marketing, sales, and customer • service;The importance of positioning and differentiation; and• The components of a business development strategy.•

Andy Patron is a talent development consultant with FMI Corpora-tion, and he specializes in the creation and implementation of training programs designed to develop world-class leadership and organizational effectiveness. His enthusiastic approach draws from real-world experi-ence in management and the construction industry, as he has a 20-year work history with private and public sector owners and contractors.

12:45 - 4:45 pm Zip Lining Tour

There is only one place in Colorado where you can enjoy the pristine mountains, beautiful trees, and raging rivers while zipping over a rugged canyon. Zip Adventures has a unique way of showing you jagged rock cliffs and views of the surrounding mountains. Soar like an eagle 100- to 200-feet above the fl oor of Alkali Canyon on six zip lines ranging from 150 to 1,000 feet in length. Marvel as the canyon walls drop out from under you, revealing the dramatic beauty of the canyon fl oor from a rarely seen perspective.

$230 includes professional instruction, all necessary equipment,

snack, and beverage. (25 minutes from the hotel; transporta-

tion not included.)

12:45 - 4:45 pm Mountain Biking Tour

The healthy choice to experience the beautiful mountain greenery of Colorado is defi nitely on two wheels. Scenic dirt roads, easy jeep trails, and single track make up the training grounds. Venture into the forest, away from the crowds, where you can relax and enjoy the ride. Beginner rides are point-to-point where there is far more downhill than uphill so you can enjoy miles of cruising. You get to experience the beauty and serenity of the back country without the intimidation of strenuous terrain. Walls of majestic mountain vistas rise at every angle and throughout the day you will experience nature at its fi nest. Tours are private, so each is tailored to the riders’ skills and ability levels.

$115 includes round trip transportation, mountain bike, helmet,

water bottle, and rain gear.

12:45 - 4:45 pm Fly Fishing

Enjoy the sport immortalized in the novel and movie A River Runs Through It: fl y-fi shing. Colorado offers an amazing opportunity for the sportsman who loves to fi sh. Enjoy a half-day experience with knowl-edgeable guides. All fl y-fi shing excursions are catch-and-release and will provide endless conversation at your next cocktail party discussing the “one that got away.”

$215 includes fl y rod, waders, limited supply of fl ies, experienced

fi shing guide (3:1 guide-to-guest ratio), catch-and-release cast-

ing instruction, fi shing license, snack, and beverage.

6:30 - 10 pm That’s Amore - Italian Dinner

Enjoy cocktails on the pool deck followed by a sumptuous Italian feast and entertainment in the ballroom.

Saturday, July 25

Young Construction Professionals present 8 am - 12 pm Time Management Workshop

Combine a busy construction business with a full (i.e., hectic) family life, an active involvement in the com-munity, and a full social calendar, and you have the makings of a serious time crunch. And that’s not even counting the 18 holes you’re trying to squeeze in next Sunday. This session, led by FMI’s Andy Patron, provides the tools you need to start better managing your time, including:

Traditional and nontraditional time management concepts;• Work and life balance issues and techniques;• Effective time management habits; and• Tips on how to prioritize activities, delegate more effectively, and man-• age meetings.

See Andy Patron’s bio under Friday’s business development session.

1:45 - 5 pm White Water Adventure

It’s time to get acquainted with the Colorado rivers, unique in their com-bination of high-mountain scenery and white water excitement! This tour is a Class III and is perfect for beginners as well as intermediate rafters. At the rafting site, you are provided with wet suits, helmets, and life jack-ets. Your guide will discuss rafting and safety procedures to ensure fun for everyone. This is a scenic yet adventure-oriented tour.

$150 includes round-trip transportation, snack, life jacket, wet

suit, booties, helmet, and river user fee.

CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCACACACACACAAAAAAAAAAAAACCCACCCCACCCACAAAAAAACCCCCCCCCCCCAAAAAAACACCCACACCCCCCCCAAAAACACCACACCCACCCACACCACAAAAACCCACACACACACACCAAAAAAACACACACACACACACACACCAAACACACCCACAACCCAAAAACACAAACACACACAAAACCCACACCACCACCCACCACACACCACACACAAAACACACACCACACACACACACCCCCCCAACCCAACCCACACAAACCAAACCACACAAACCCCAAA JJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJ JJJJJJ JJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJouououououooououououuuuuuouoououououououoouuuuoooooouououuuuuuuuooooouoououououoouooooououuuuuuooouuuuuuuuoooououoouuuooououuuuooououououuuuoouououuuuooouououuouuoouuuouoouuuuououououoouououuuouuuuuuouoouuouououuuuuoououououuuuuouoouuouuuuuouooouuuuuurnnrnrnrnnrnrnrnrnrnrnrnrrrrnrnrrnnnnnnnnrnnrnrnnnnrnrrrnrrrnnnnrnrnnrnnnrnnrnnnnrnrrnrrrnrnnrnnnnrnnnrrrnnnrrnrrnrrrrnrrnnnnnnnnnrrnrrrnnnnrrnrnrrrnrnrnnnrrrnnnnnrnrnrrnnrnnrnnrnrrrrrnnnrnrnnnrrrrnnrnrrrrrnnrnnrnnnrnnrrrrnnnnnnnrrrrrnnnnnnrrrrnnnrnnnnnrrrrrrnnnnn llllllllllllallllllallllllaalllllaaaallllaaaaaaalalaalallllllaaallalalalaaaaallalllalalaalalaallalaaalalaaaalaalaaalalalaalallaaaalaaalaaaaaalaaaaaalalallllllaaaaaalalallaaaaaalalaalalaaaaaaallaaaallalaaaaaalalalalllaaallalaaaaal||2|||2222222|22||2|222|2|222|22|2|2|2222222|2|22|2|2|22|2222|2|22222222|2||2|2222222|2|2|2|22222|2222|2||22222|2||2||22222222|22222222|2|2|2|2|2|2|222222222222222|2|2|2|22222|2|||2|222|2|22|222|2|22|2|2|2|22|2|||2|222222|2|22222|||||| ndnndnddndndndndndndndddddndddndnnnndnddnndndnddddnnnnnddndddndndnddnnnndndnddnnndnd QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ QQQQQQQQ QQQQQQ QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ aaaauaauaaaaaaauuuuauuauuuuaauaaauuuaauuauuuauaauaauaaauuauuuauuuuauauauuaauauaauauuauuuaauauaauuauauauaauauaauuuuuuauuuuuauuauauuaaaaaauuauauuauaaauaaaauauauuauauaaauuuaaauaauuuuauuauauaaaaauauuuuauauuauuauuuuuauauuaauuauuuuaaarrrttttttttttttrttttrrrrrttttttrrrrrrtrttttttrrrrrtrtttttrrtrrtrtrtttrttrrtrtrtrrrtrtrtttrtrrrrrrrrrtrtrrrrrttttrtrrrrrtrtrrrrttttttrtrtrrtrttrtrttrtrrttrtrtrttrttrttrtrrrttttrrrtrtrtrrttrtrtrtrtrrrtrtttttrrrtrterererererererererrrrerereererrreeeeeeerereeererrrrreeeeeeereeeerrrrrrreeeeerrrrrrrrrreeeeeeereerrrrrrrereereeerrrrrrrrereeerererrrrrrrrrerererrrreereeeeerererreeeeereeeeereereerrreeeererrrrreeerererrrrrereeeerrrreeerrrererererererererereerererreeereer 22222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222 222 222 22 22220000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000009999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999 555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555For more information or to download a registration form go to www.pccaweb.org/MidYear.htmlFor more information or to download a registration form go to www.pccaweb.org/MidYear.html

http://www.pccaweb.org/MidYear.html

TA L E N T AC Q U I S I T I O N + TA L E N T AS S E S S M E N T + TA L E N T SC R E E N I N G + TA L E N T MA N A G E M E N T

SELECTIN

GTHE RIGHT EMPLOYEE INTEGRATION AND TECHNOLO

GY

ON

LINE

APPLIC

ATIO

NS

SCIENTIFIC ASSESSMENT ANDJO

B

MATC

HIN

G

A

PPLICANT TRACKING

BA

CK

GR

OU

ND

SCR

EE

NIN

G

Imagine the Possibilities

GLOBAL HR RESEARCH delivers solutions that cover every stage in the talent acquisitionprocess. From candidate sourcing, to screening and assessment, right through to backgroundscreening, employee management and on-boarding, our industry leading solutions help reducehiring time, reduce turn-over, improve employee job-matching and help reduce the cost of thetalent acquisition process.

Global HR Research delivers customizable technology, and industry knowledge, tools andinformation so that you can make faster, safer, and smarter hiring decisions.

Trust aGlobalExpert

CALL GLOBAL HR RESEARCH TODAY AT 800.790.1205 OR VISIT US AT WWW.GLOBALHRRESEARCH.COM

http://www.globalhrresearch.com/


PCCA recently announced a partnership with Global HR Research, a new PCCA member based in Bonita Springs, Fla., that pro-vides integrated tools for

acquiring, assessing, and screening talent, including career site develop-ment, applicant tracking, integrated employee assessments, background screening, and substance-abuse test-ing. PCCA will help promote Global HR Research (GHRR), and when any PCCA member buys the company’s services, they will not only save at least 10 percent but GHRR will do-nate another 10 percent of the price to PCCA. “This is not only an excellent way to save you money while protect-ing your company, it’s also a great way to help your association provide education, training, and other valu-able services to your industry,” said PCCA Executive Vice President Tim Wagner. Every growing organization needs the best people to ensure success. But attracting, evaluating, and retaining those ideal employees can be an overwhelming task—unless

you have cutting-edge technology and experienced partners working with you. GHRR delivers the most advanced, intuitive, and diagnostic technology in the industry to help companies around the world fi nd, select, assess, screen, and hire qual-ity candidates in less time and with less risk than ever before. The GHRR fully integrated platform is custom-ized to each client’s exact needs. By merging talent acquisition, talent management, and talent screen-ing together in a single application, managing your hiring workfl ow has never been easier or more effi cient. GHRR is connected to an interna-tional network of information that produces fast, accurate, and reliable results. The company is a member of the National Association of Profes-sional Background Screeners, the Society of Human Resource Manag-ers, and the Human Capital Institute. GHRR takes every measure to ensure that the process of acquiring and screening talent is as simple as possible. The company standard is to provide the best customer servic-es, competitive pricing, and reliable results.

GHRR understands that not all companies are alike and that’s why solutions are scalable to your exact needs and can duplicate your desired workfl ow. From Fortune 500 executives to mid-level managers and support staff, GHRR holds the key to helping you uncover, assess, and screen top talent. The company will customize a solution to fi t the unique needs of any business.

ServicesCareer site development,• Custom e-application develop-• ment, Job-specifi c employee selection • assessments,Applicant tracking system,• Interview scheduling, • EEO reporting,• Background screening, • Substance-abuse testing, and• International services•

Why Screen?Construction companies regularly carry projects that have multi-mil-lion dollar budgets. Along with the liability associated to the scale of each project comes the liabilities workers carry from one project to another. Theft, embezzlement, loss, misuse of equipment, and employee misconduct can cost companies up to 20 percent of the total budget of each project if not controlled. Global HR Research can provide an array of services to help control cost and prevent additional liabil-ity. The Global team can provide consultation on projects that range from the planning stages to project completion.

Go to www.globalhrresearch.com or call (800) 790-1205 for more infor-mation.

Human ResourcesHuman Resources

PCCA Partners with Global HR Research

http://www.globalhrresearch.com/


Advertiser Index

A-D Technologies 41

American Wind Energy Association Inside back cover

Antenna Systems & Solutions 25

Astec Underground 6

Bethea Tool & Equipment Co., Inc. 38

Case Construction Equipment 3

Condux International 40

DRS Enterprises 36

Ditch Witch 4

EMBARQ Logistics 23

FMI Corporation 11

Gabe’s Construction 42

General Machine Products Co. 43

Global Machinery 15

Advertiser Index

Grande Truck Center 47

HammerHead 20

Jameson Corporation 46

McLaughlin 13

NESCO, Inc. 34

PCCA Convention Sponsors 48

Scott Powerline & Utility 45

Sherman & Reilly, Inc. 19

Time Manufacturing Co. 37

TT Technologies, Inc. 9

Utility Equipment Leasing Company 26

Vac-Tron Equipment Back cover

Vermeer Manufacturing Inside front cover

Wagner-Smith Equipment Company 6

2010 PCCA Convention

March 19 - 24, 2010Walt Disney’s Contemporary Resort

®

Gushing water caused by a strike to a water line during a traditional excavation project is one

thing you don't want to see in your community. Vacuum excavation is a better, safer way to

get the job done by using high-pressure water and powerful suction to break up and remove

soil. Vac-Tron leads the industry in manufacturing equipment that is reliable, economical and

easy to use – a smart excavation alternative. Safer access to all underground utility lines

starts with Street SmartSM solutions from Vac-Tron.

FREE White Paper: Excavation Risk Mitigation and Cost Avoidance

FREE Best Practices Guide: How to Locate Underground Utilities

FREE On-site Demo: Seeing Is Believing!

To take us up on these offers, go to www.vactron.com/safer

GSA #GS-07F-0700N

S T R E E T S M A R T SM

www.vactron.com 1-888-VAC-TRON1 - 8 8 8 - 8 2 2 - 8 7 6 6

LOCATINGUNDERGROUNDWATER LINES

IS EASY

©2009 Vac-Tron Equipment, LLC

VAC-TRON® VACUUM EXCAVATION MAKES IT SAFER

New LP 555 DTLow-profile for easier towing

http://www.vactron.com/safer

http://www.vactron.com/

Documents

TTag: ag - Amazon S3 · Vermeer has the planning tools and trenchless equipment to ... “The Case excavator is responsive and has great ... into non-road technologies would create