View Full July PDF Issue - Utility Contractor Magazine

“Two basic themes have dominated our approach tobuilding our business,” says Ron. “A commitment to strongrelationships and a willingness to look at the long-term implicationsof anything we do and anyone who is willing towork with us.”t wasn’t so long ago when Ron got involved withNUCA. The year was 2004, and Ron was workingwith the Common Ground Alliance (CGA). He hadthe good fortune of meeting NUCA staff and members,including Eben Wyman, Jim Barron, Larry Fortinand Brad Barringer.“I was immediately impressed with their passion for theindustry and damage prevention,” saysRon. “We had several conversations aboutdamage prevention. The Claims Avoidanceand Damage Prevention Program was bornfrom these conversations. When I joinedTWS in January of 2009, our Founder andPresident William Session immediatelysaw the benefit of continuing and buildingour relationship with NUCA.”TWS continues to benefit from the relationships,both personally and professionally,that it has developed with NUCAmembers. TWS has had the opportunityto get to know many quality people alongthe way, both members and staff. “I believewe bring something new back from everymeeting we attend. There is a wealth ofknowledge within the association that canbe referenced simply by asking,” says Ron.Ron has participated at the annualEXPO for the past five years, as well asthe Washington Summit and Fall Boardmeetings. Ron is a part of the NUCA PAC,Damage Prevention Committee and SafetyCommittee and is a proud member ofthe Board of Directors. He also representsNUCA on CGA committees, includingthe Education Committee and Researchand Development Committee.On the local level, TWS participatesin the Georgia Utility Contractors Association(GUCA) and is excited to help inthe development of future Missouri andKansas chapters. TWS also participates inthe National Utility Locating ContractorsAssociation on NUCA’s behalf and on theVirginia Pilot Project Phase II for incorporatingGPS technology in the constructionand locating process. .“We contribute at the convention by havinga booth and conducting sessions,” saysRon. “We also attend various committees.We have found that while we bring ourperspective to the committees, we alwayslearn something through participation.”In addition to industry knowledge, Ron has also had hisshare of industry accolades, including the 2007 Ron OlitskyAward from the CGA, which is awarded to the CGA “MostValuable Player.” TWS was also honored as a 2009 RisingStar of Innovation and Entrepreneurship by Missouri legislatorswith MO SBTDC and MO PTAC.Beyond the awards, Ron never loses sight of his goal —crusading for contractors when the chips are stacked againstthem. “We will continue to work diligently to help levelthe playing field for member contractors in our industry,”says Ron.Jason Morgan is Associate Editor of Utility Contractor.July 2009 | Utility Contractor 17