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NUCA PRESIDENT’S MESSAGEPaperless Construction —Are You Ready for It?During a recent chapter visit in Florida, I had the opportunityto have dinner with my nephew in Jacksonville. Overdinner we began to discuss his chosen profession. Heworks for a company that analyses processes that can besimplified through the use of computer technology. For example, hecreated a process where the computer goes to a specific governmentWeb site, automatically looks up information specific to a client’sorder, captures the necessary information and stores the informationin electronic files. He also set up an automatic e-mail system thatreplies to clients using software recognition to match keywords in the e-mail to the company’sdatabase, thereby enabling him to respond with an e-mail answer 24/7. At least, I think thatis how he explained the process to me.Soon the conversation turned to how technology is used at Armadillo Underground, theconstruction company that I manage. He showed off his touch screen phone and all theprograms he uses for various purposes. I replied, “I have a Blackberry.” Yes, the one with allthe buttons. Obviously, I am far behind the technology curve. The discussion soon movedto the processes that we use in our office. I explained that we receive some plans and specificationsin paper format, but we commonly download them from the Internet. I was toldthat we should be scanning paperwork into electronic files and then shredding the paper forrecycling. He explained all the benefits of scanning invoices and every piece of paper into anelectronic copy or, better yet, eliminating the paper document in the first place. I decided notto mention that I typically print out the electronic plans and specifications so that I can readthem. I might be old fashioned, but I can’t seem to get comfortable with looking at drawingsand specifications on my laptop.I realize that this young man could probably do wonders with automating our processes,and there is no doubt in my mind that we will eventually get there, despite our fondness forpaper. I’m just not sure that I could make the transition to a paperless office without sometype of withdrawal symptoms. As a young contractor, I wrote letters in my own hand, so I wasvery proud when I moved up to a manual typewriter and then an electric one. In the mid-‘80swe moved into the computer age and we are now squarely in a world of servers, networks,laptops, color laser scanner/printers and an assortment of wireless devices.I acknowledge that I have already endured and adapted to much change with reasonablegood grace and, in some cases, enthusiasm. I also admit that as a contractor I have fondnessfor new equipment and processes that can get the job done more quickly and efficientlythan before. So, I suppose the same should be true for our office processes. If you have anythoughts on what I refer to as the “next generation construction office,” I’m open to beingpersuaded. Send your comments and suggestions Utility Contractor Associate Editor JasonMorgan at jmorgan@benjaminmedia.com.BENJAMIN MEDIAPublishing TeamPublisherBernard P. Krzys — bkrzys@benjaminmedia.comAssociate PublisherRobert D. Krzys — robk@benjaminmedia.comEditorJames W. Rush — jrush@benjaminmedia.comManaging EditorKeith Gribbins — kgribbins@benjaminmedia.comAssociate EditorJason Morgan — jmorgan@benjaminmedia.comContributing EditorsSharon M. Bueno — sbueno@benjaminmedia.comBradley Kramer — bkramer@benjaminmedia.comPam Stask — pstask@benjaminmedia.comGreg Thompson — gthompson@benjaminmedia.comCreative DirectorW.M. Conley — mconley@benjaminmedia.comGraphic DesignerElizabeth C. Stull — estull@benjaminmedia.comMarketing ManagerPete McNeil — pmcneil@benjaminmedia.comRegional Sales RepresentativeRyan Sneltzer — rsneltzer@benjaminmedia.comCirculation ManagerAlexis R. Tarbet — atarbet@benjaminmedia.comNUCAOfficersPresidentLyle Schellenberg — Salem, Ore.President-ElectDan East — Albuquerque, N.M.Senior Vice PresidentRyan Schmitt — Jacksonville, Fla.TreasurerAlex Paris — Atlasburg, Penn.SecretaryJames Barron — Joppa, Md.NUCAVice PresidentsBill BocchinoJacksonville, Fla.Virginia DiCristofaroWarwick, R.I.Chuck DimickLas Vegas, Nev.Glenn ElyNewtown, Pa.Alan GravelPowder Springs, Ga.Florentino GregorioWashington, D.C.Ricky HarpFayetteville, Ga.John LetourneauDuluth, Minn.Ron NunesWest Warwick, R.I.NUCAStaffChad ReedDover, Del.Dave RiceHenderson, Nev.Mark ScoccoloPacific, Wash.Mike SmithAlbuquerque, N.M.Keith SteenWest Point, Ga.Bruce WendorfPunta Gorda, Fla.Andy WolfDavenport, IowaKirk WoodwardPhoenix, Ariz.Chief Executive OfficerBill Hillman — bhillman@nuca.comChief Operating OfficerLinda Holtz — linda@nuca.comDirector of CommunicationsSusan Williams — susan@nuca.com6 Utility Contractor | July 2009Regards,Lyle SchellenbergJuly 2009 Volume 33, Number 7 Utility Contractor (ISSN1098-0342) is published monthly for the National UtilityContractors Association by Benjamin Media Inc., 1770Main Street, PO Box 190, Peninsula, OH 44264. Periodicalspostage paid at Peninsula, OH and additional office.Subscription price: $1.50 per issue, $15 per year. Foreignsubscriptions: $3 additional per year. Subscription rate formembers is $15, which is included in the dues. ©2009NUCA. All rights reserved by the National Utility ContractorsAssociation for articles contained herein exceptwhere otherwise noted. No part of this publication may bereproduced or transmitted by any means without writtenpermission from the publisher. Printed in the U.S.A.POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: BenjaminMedia P.O. Box 190 Peninsula, OH 44264-0190 USA.Canadian Subscriptions: Canada Post Agreement Number40040393. Send change of address information and blocksof undeliverable copies to Canada Express; 7686 KimbleStreet, Units 21 & 22, Mississauga, ON L5S 1E9 Canada