National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA)

50 Years Strong & Still Working for a Common Purpose

Small Beginnings

In 1964, four visionary men found themselves in the midst of a jurisdictional dispute between union contractors and plumbers. The Plumbers Union notified union contractors that all outside lines, including storm and sanitary sewer lines, must be handled by Plumbers Union members. They were also told that union contractors were required to submit their job plans to the Plumber’s Union for review and that the Plumbers Union would assign the work.

Because each contractor had to fight its own battle, they consistently faced unfavorable decisions from the national board that settled disputes and had little influence over legislation, codes, municipal ordinances, and licensing statutes.

NUCA founders believed that all of these factors posed a serious threat to utility contractors and moved into action to sign articles of incorporation. With little cash, a lot of determination, and a sincere agenda, these pioneering volunteers founded what has become the nation’s largest and most influential organization in the business world of utility construction.

NUCA’s infancy was modest, but our founders quickly rallied support from other contractors determined to establish a national organization to protect the interests of union contractors.

By 1970 NUCA began gaining strength, respect, and recognition among industry peers and membership grew rapidly. In 1970 NUCA had 200 members. By 1973, the rolls hit 1,200. Members hit a significant milestone when, after a five-year battle, utility contractors were finally given the recognition they deserved when they received their own classification on the U.S. Census. NUCA held its first annual meeting in 1970; in 1972, NUCA held its first equipment exhibit.

NUCA’s history includes important contributions to our industry, our companies, our employees, and the country. Naturally, we have also experienced more than a few anxious moments along the way, but NUCA’s loyal core membership remained strong.

In 2014 NUCA celebrated its 50^th anniversary. NUCA’s longevity is a tribute to the hundreds of men and women who have held leadership positions and made significant contributions to assure NUCA and its mission and efforts remained relevant. Most importantly, however, is are the four visionary men who founded NUCA just over 50 years ago: D.A. Foster, Antonio Marinelli, Pat Marinelli, and Joe Stone.

NUCA Today

NUCA is a thriving member-run organization. Membership is comprised of companies who are primarily represented by owners or other c-level managers. NUCA has 16 very active committees, and members bring their knowledge, experience, and expertise to the committee table where important industry issues are discussed and decisions are made about what NUCA priorities and actions to see them to fruition.

NUCA’s Leadership and Committees

NUCA members meet at NUCA’s three annual meetings: Convention, Fall Leadership Conference, and Spring Washington Summit. Meetings also held through conference calls when required. Committees are open to all members and they are encouraged to attend to offer their input, share information, or express their concerns. NUCA is run by an Executive Committee and Board of Directors with input from 16 standing committees, each with clear goals and objectives:

• • Executive Committee
• • Budget and Finance Committee
• • Nominating Committee
• • Strategic Plan Review Committee
• • Awards Committee
• • Education Committee
• • Government Relations Committee
• • Contract Documents & Specs Committee
• • Recruitment & Retention Committee
• • Chapter Development Subcommittee
• • Political Action Committee
• • Safety & Damage Prevention Committee
• • Trenchless Technology Committee
• • Convention Committee
• • Chapter Executive Directors Council
• • Chapter Officers Council

Representation on Capitol Hill and the Regulatory Agencies

Advocacy in Washington D.C., is probably the most important benefit NUCA provides to its membership. The very foundation of NUCA’s agenda is advocating for a beneficial environment for utility and excavation contractors through legislation and regulation.

Our leverage lies within our membership. Politics is a contact sport and NUCA is the quarterback for utility and excavation contracting priorities. An active, motivated, and informed membership is critical to effective advocacy, and NUCA’s Government Affairs staff focuses on ensuring members have all the ammunition they need to communicate with their elected officials.

Speaking with one collective voice, NUCA’s Government Affairs lobbies Congress and the Executive Branch to shape laws and regulations to benefit contractors’ businesses. We advocate for greater funding for infrastructure projects at all levels of government and for mechanisms that make these funds easier for communities and states to utilize.

We advocate for common-sense regulations that promote safety and best practices without infringing on a business’s ability to operate and be successful. Above all, we advocate the benefits of a strong, stable, and reliable infrastructure system by highlighting the far-reaching implications of continued neglect of America’s deteriorating infrastructure.

NUCA’s Government Relations in Washington always advocates in the best interest of the utility and excavation contractors across the country. NUCA’s Strategic Advocacy Fund (STRAF) pays for legal, regulatory, and legislative projects that initiate or support precedent-setting legal activities where the questions pose significant threats or opportunities for the national industry.

To keep members abreast of the latest news in the legislative and regulatory arena, NUCA sends a bi-weekly e-newsletter, NUCA@Work, which covers government relations activity, safety issues, and member benefits. NUCA’s Government Affairs staff, also writes a monthly column for NUCA’s monthly Utility Contractor magazine.

Legislative Alerts are periodically sent to members when the full force of NUCA membership is needed to influence votes on important legislation in Congress. Political Insiders emails are sent periodically and offer brief and timely updates cover what is most pressing in Congress and/or request member action when critical legislation in moving through Congress.

Washington Summit

The annual Washington Summit is NUCA’s premier member advocacy event. The three-day conference gives members a view inside NUCA’s Washington operations. Members hear from some of Washington’s most influential lawmakers, rising stars, analysts, and agency professionals about the hottest and most relevant topics facing the infrastructure, construction, and business communities. Members also spend a day meeting with their Representatives and Senators to personally lobby NUCA priorities, sharing stories about what they see when they dig up pipes.

Advocacy Center

Members can get in-depth analysis about important and timely issues and get involved in influencing the outcome of important legislation and regulations. The Advocacy Center has all the tools members need to learn more about their elected officials. The center can also assist members in contacting elected representatives, assuring that their voices are heard. Find our Advocacy center on our website.

NUCA/PAC

Working in conjunction with NUCA’s advocacy initiatives, NUCA/PAC is the only political action committee dedicated to ensuring that only the most pro-infrastructure and pro-business candidates are elected to Congress. NUCA/PAC is the nonpartisan political arm of NUCA advocacy. Funds from members’ voluntary contributions are utilized to contribute to the campaigns of candidates for Congress who exhibit strong support for infrastructure and business growth.

Clean Water Council

NUCA’s Clean Water Council has been an effective coalition lobbying force for 25 years and is nationally known by virtue of its congressional testimony, hundreds of congressional meetings, letters to Capitol Hill, and published studies. The coalition is represented by more than 45 national organizations representing underground construction contractors, design professionals, manufacturers and suppliers, labor unions, and other companies, associations, and individuals committed to ensuring a high quality of life through sound environmental infrastructure.

Working in concert, CWC members advocate federal legislation and policies that will promote clean water and improve the nation’s failing infrastructure. Visit the CWC website, www.cleanwatercouncil.org, and blog, www.cleanwaterweekly.com, to stay informed about issues surrounding our nation’s crumbling water infrastructure and assuring safe, clean drinking water for all Americans.

For more information about NUCA, visit our website, www.nuca.com or follow us on Twitter @NUCA_National, or on Facebook.

National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA)
3925 Chain Bridge Rd, Ste 300
Fairfax, VA 22030

Phone – (703) 358-9300
Website – www.nuca.com