Page 8 - Louisiana 811 Magazine 2022 Issue 1

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e hope that everyone is off to a safe and successful start to the year. This industry
Damage Prevention Summit reached new heights at this year’s conference, once again discussing important topics that impact us all. We are lucky to be working with people who care about the well-being and progression of our communities. Thank you to all of those who have dedicated their lives to this industry and future developments.
Utility Coordinating Councils are starting to thrive throughout the state again. I sincerely appreciate all of the groups that are meeting to communicate on current and upcoming projects. It’s
a wonderful thing to see the different companies discussing their projects
so that they’re on the same page, avoiding obstacles, and potentially working together. If you would like
to get involved in your local Utility Coordinating Council, please reach out to us and we’ll help facilitate. We are striving for all UCCs throughout the state to be rejuvenated by the end of this year. Thank you for all that you
do for your UCC, and 811 wants to help also.
Louisiana Gas Association held an expo day at GASTEC (GAS Training & Education Center) in February.
A busy March included the Global Excavation Safety Conference, Police Jury Assoc of LA convention, Forest
The way I
it
Hill tree/plant nursery festival, LGA Annual Operations Conference, Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors of LA “Touch-A-Truck” event in the community, as well as an LSU baseball game day sponsorship. What a way to ring in the spring and digging season! We are getting out and about all throughout the state to spread the news to Call 811 Before You Dig. Our Board, Staff and Call Center are striving daily to educate and support the industry.
We appreciate all the stakeholders meeting with us and discussing working together, safely as one team.
The utility and construction industries are continuing to grow and evolve. Governmental grants are being
issued throughout the country for the development of new infrastructure. The amount of construction work and utility installation that will continue to occur in the coming years will
have a significant impact on this state and country. Dig ticket volume will continue to increase. We should all start thinking, planning, communicating and training to be ready to handle the work load that comes with this moment.
Many utility members and construction contractors have met with us recently, and we couldn’t be more grateful. We encourage anyone to reach out to us
for free education and training. We can personally meet with you or you can take our free online excavator training course at your own pace.
Thank you for your excellent work!
By Cole Vanderlick
Manager - Damage Prevention sure has hit the ground running! The
Louisiana 811
6 • Louisiana 811
2022, Issue 1