Underground Construction - June 2022 - 24

CONVENTIONREVIEW
Michael Ancell
PCCA Maintains Aggressive Agenda
at 77th Annual Convention
Power & Communication Contractors Association (PCCA)
Chairman Bob Breeden, ElectriCom, Inc., looked around the
crowded ballroom at the opening session of the 77th Annual
PCCA Convention, smiled, and thanked members for showing
up in such strong numbers: 405 total and 250 primary
att endees, more fi rst-timers than ever before, and a record
number of sponsors.
He spoke about his 17 years in PCCA, about watching
members' kids grow up, and " how PCCA is like family. "
Breeden reviewed some of the association's accomplishments
in the past year, noted the challenges that lie ahead, and
encouraged everyone " to become involved, become a part of
our family. Because of you, we're growing and we're doing the
things we need to do. "
Th e 2022 PCCA Convention, March 4-9 in Scott sdale,
Ariz., was a showcase for " doing the things we need to do. "
PCCA members are tackling serious issues, including the nation's
fl awed 811 system, the industry's critical worker shortage,
challenges coming from all levels of government, and severe
supply chain issues.
811 Emergency
On the convention's fi rst full day, members crowded into the
2nd Annual PCCA/CGA/NULCA Excavation Safety Summit
to discuss Common Ground Alliance (CGA) Next Practices,
GIS mapping of underground utilities, the future of the Gold
Shovel Association and the Emergency 811 study, which
PCCA co-sponsored as part of the Infrastructure Protection
Coalition (www.ipcweb.org).
Mark Bridgers, architect of the 811 Emergency study and
principal of Continuum Capital, has been consulting in the industry
since the late 1990s and " has never seen a study get as
much att ention as this one. "
Th e study examined 811 operations in every state,
Washington, D.C., and Chicago, and found that failures in the
system are costing $61 billion a year in waste and excess costs,
and creating unnecessary hazards for public safety. Since its release
in November 2021, the coalition has been publicizing the
study and engaging with industry stakeholders. Bridgers said
that the next steps include " hard work at the state level " to drive
positive changes in those 811 systems.
Busy times in DC
PCCA maintains an aggressive advocacy agenda in Washington,
D.C., and members heard updates and shared their views during
the convention's Government & Industry Aff airs Roundtable.
According to the session's moderator, Eben Wyman,
Wyman Associates, the $1 trillion federal infrastructure bill
passed last year, which PCCA supported, will pump tens of billions
of dollars into broadband deployment and strengthening
the electric grid. On the other hand, the law's clear bias toward
union labor, overreaching climate proposals, and anti-employer
wok-site safety policies, will require PCCA diligence, at least
over the next few years.
PCCA Chairman Bob Breeden, ElectriCom, Inc., welcomes association
members to the 77th Annual PCCA Convention and thanks them
for supporting PCCA's aggressive industry agenda. " Because of you,
we're growing and doing the things we need to do. "
24 JUNE 2022 | UCONonline.com
PCCA's Jaime Steve reported on the infrastructure bill's
$42 billion in broadband construction fi nding. " You all have
accomplished something incredible, but now we need implementation, "
he said. Th e association is working to develop
broadband champions in Congress, people " who will lay down
on the tracks for you when something comes up, " he added.
Also on the panel, Daryl Bouwkamp, senior director of
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