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Member Networking At Its’ Best GUCA Northeast Georgia Industry Meeting

Pictured left to right: Keynote Speaker Lee Upkins, GDOT, with GUCA President Bobby Cates, Ruby Collins, Inc., at the GUCA Northeast Georgia Luncheon.
FOREST PARK, GA — The Georgia Utility Contractors Association (GUCA) Northeast Georgia Industry Luncheon was held in the private room at Olde Towne Tavern in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Exceptional service in the comfort of mahogany décor, along with strong member participation, made for the perfect atmosphere for the Northeast Georgia Luncheon.
This was an open invitation event for GUCA members, prospective members, municipalities and government officials. No one in the area wanted to miss out on this opportunity to network while receiving time sensitive information and updates regarding the association and industry. More than 25 members and guests attended this meeting and took advantage of this great networking opportunity.
GUCA members and guests heard a presentation from Lee Upkins, Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). Upkins discussed upcoming projects throughout the Metro Area and Northeast Georgia Region showing a print out of the upcoming letting of projects and how the GDOT is focusing on road maintenance and small projects throughout the Region. He encouraged everyone to contact him about questions on these projects. He highlighted HB 170 that passed, creating funds for transportation infrastructure.
GUCA President Bobby Cates, Ruby-Collins, Inc., also addressed GUCA members and guests. He welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked BITCO Insurance Companies for their generous sponsorship. Cates also encouraged the members to stay active and participate in future GUCA functions.
GUCA Executive Director Vikki Consiglio also updated those in attendance about upcoming events, safety classes, and industry and legislative issues. She also highlighted the GUCA affinity programs including the Wade Ford Vehicle Discount Program, TD AmeriTrade Contractors Retirement Plan, BITCO Safety Dividend Program, PAHPT Health Benefit Program, Verizon Wireless Discounts and the HB Next Safety Compliance Partnership. Wade Ford, BITCO Insurance Companies and BenSource Employee Benefits were in attendance to address any questions and inquiries about the vehicle discount program, safety dividend program, and contractors’ retirement plan respectively.
Membership Committee Chairman Matt Crawford, Crawford Grading & Pipeline, Inc., strongly encouraged promoting membership recruitment in the area to strengthen GUCA’s Northeast Georgia membership. He promoted the 2015-2016 GUCA Membership Contest “Be the Best, Grow with GUCA” and emphasized the importance to keep building up strong membership and relationships within the association.