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Monthly Update - May 2022

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2022 CGA Conference & Expo recap  

Author: Sarah Magruder Lyle, CGA President and CEO

Last month, we were thrilled to welcome more than 820 damage prevention professionals from across the country to the 2022 CGA Conference & Expo which took place in Anaheim!

In addition to working committee meetings, where members across CGA’s 16 stakeholder groups collaborated on the latest initiatives and ideas helping move damage prevention forward. Attendees also had the opportunity to experience a sold-out expo floor featuring more than 80 exhibitors showcasing the industry’s latest innovations and technology. The conference also included more than 40 educational sessions and panels with nearly 95 speakers.

Two keynote addresses included Lessons from the "Miracle on the Hudson" with First Officer Jeff Skiles, who spoke about the importance of aviation safety practices that apply to the work we do as a team, and PHMSA Deputy Administrator Tristan Brown, who discussed the future of our Nation’s infrastructure. Additional conference highlights included the Women in Damage Prevention Leadership Roundtable, The 811 Safety Lodge and a general session given by SoCalGas President Maryam Brown.

Finally, we celebrated the end of a successful conference at the always popular and fabulous Night of Networking event presented by Urbint.

I would like to congratulate our 2022 Hall of Fame Inductees, Annmarie Robertson and Tracey Bryant, who received this honor for exemplifying a long-standing commitment to CGA’s mission and for their tremendous impact on the damage prevention industry. Additionally, we were thrilled to present SoCalGas with the President’s Award, which is given to a CGA member that has served in the organization over a long period of time and has left its mark on the organization in a positive and memorable way.

We hope to see you at the 2023 CGA Conference & Expo, April 17-23 at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Fla. To register and learn more, including sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities, please visit www.cgaconference.com. Additionally, be sure to save the date for the 2024 CGA Conference & Expo, April 14-18, 2024, at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Thank you again to all our attendees, sponsors, exhibitors and speakers for a wonderful, productive week in Anaheim. To watch a recap video of the 2022 CGA Conference & Expo, click here. We look forward to seeing you On the Road to Zero Damages next year in Orlando!

New member spotlight: Talygen    

Author: Khrysanne Kerr, VP of Marketing and Outreach 

Talygen is an advanced business management automation software solution for locating companies, specializing in field service management, asset tracking, automatic billing, ticket management and parsing, human resources, time tracking, vehicle tracking, training, and much more. Talygen has over 25 modules to help consolidate and streamline all aspects of a locating company's needs in one place. In addition, Talygen's extensive experience in the damage prevention industry helps deliver the most advanced and cost-effective tools specifically tailored to enable 811 solutions.

Talygen's unique, customizable solutions support companies of all sizes. Its clients process and bill five million tickets, 15 million individual transactions, and more than 3,000 monthly invoices. Talygen's robust rule engine automates complex pricing structures while maintaining the best quality in the industry. It is also able to split and merge tickets to ensure further efficiency. In addition, Talygen's industry-leading field service management suite manages crew, automates dispatching, provides traffic heatmaps, Bluetooth-based asset management, customizable forms, ArcGIS overlays, and many other advanced features. Talygen integrates with multiple vehicle tracking devices and offers built-in integration for QuickBooks, Workday, SalesForce, and dozens of other solutions.

Talygen has been supporting locating companies of all sizes with their innovative software solutions since 2013. Talygen's exceptional client support team is ready to assist clients 24x7. Talygen also provides custom solutions to address specific needs. Talygen looks forward to partnering with the damage prevention industry and helping locating companies to reduce cost, increase customer satisfaction and enhance efficiency. Learn more at www.Talygen.com/Locate.

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Nebraska Excavation Safety Summit comes back strong post-pandemic

Author: Jill Geyer, Nebraska 811

Nebraska experienced record turnout for their 11th Annual Excavation Safety Summit this past February after a year off due to COVID. The free educational event brought together more than 1,250 damage prevention stakeholders from across the state. The event has seen a significant increase in attendance every year since its inception in 2011.

CGN President Nathan Stewart summed up the one-day conference by saying, “This year’s event was a tremendous success. The event continues to grow every year with this year being our highest attendance yet. I think it speaks to the event being both fun and educational for participants while raising awareness for the need to dig safely. Our goal is for everyone who attends the event to go home safely every day from work and we try to provide some tools to help them do that.”

Educational sessions helped locators, excavators and others in the industry learn about everything from safe digging basics and damage investigation preparedness to a pilot GIS mapping project and tips for submitting one call tickets.

Excavator and Locator of the Year awards were given to those who were nominated for displaying exceptional job performance and damage prevention efforts. Winners were chosen for both 2020 and 2021 recognizing that these essential employees continued working throughout the pandemic. 

Opportunities for a fun learning experience included interactive audience polling, hands-on participation in excavation simulators, a game show where audience volunteers teamed up with local 811 personalities and an interview with the One-Call board president. The 811 Car, part of One Call Concepts’ “811 Trio” fleet of vehicles, was also on hand to help spread awareness.

The motivation to maintain a proactive mindset towards safe digging continues to grow in Nebraska as attendees return year after year to increase their knowledge and renew their commitment to create a safe work environment and prevent damages to the underground utilities we rely on every day. 

CenterPoint Energy locate technician wins first prize at Minnesota Locate Rodeo

Author: Jamie Billings, CenterPoint Energy

The Minnesota Office of Pipeline Safety (MNOPS), Gopher State One Call, Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy held the inaugural virtual reality locate rodeo using UTTO. The two-day event was hosted indoors at CenterPoint Energy River building and included 46 contestants from across the state. 

Contestants tested their locate skills with two different simulations – a general locate and a more advanced locate that included unique challenges that a technician may encounter in the field. The advanced locate required the contestants to know the difference between centering in peak and null, and to lift and determine the exact locate within millimeters. The competitors came from utility companies, third party vendors, city workers, and municipalities. They travelled from all over Minnesota from areas such as Brainerd and Moorhead, to as far south as Rochester. The competition was fierce, and the leaderboard changed hourly, but camaraderie was displayed throughout the day.

CenterPoint’s own locate technician, Chad Andrea, took first place in the competition. “What an accomplishment and testament to the quality line locating that Chad and the team does every day,” said Ashley Babcock, who was the CenterPoint Director of Damage Prevention, and has recently been promoted to Vice President of Indiana and Ohio Gas. As the Minnesota Locate champion, Chad traveled to the Global Locate Masters in Phoenix, Arizona in March. The Global Locate Masters hosted people from around the world to compete and determine who is the best locator on the planet. 

In addition to the trip to Phoenix, Chad also received a first-place trophy, Yeti cooler, 309 Kobalt toolbox and many other prizes that were generously donated from utility companies and vendors. Each contestant received a swag bag filled with items, and the top five locators earned prizes donated by the sponsors. 

Complete list of winners: 

1st Andrea, CenterPoint Energy

 2nd Anthony Becklin, Xcel Energy

 3rd Jordan Rosenberg, Primoris (Q3)

 4th Matt Birkholz, City of Minneapolis Sewer & Water

 5th Krystal Ramler, USIC

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PelicanCorp and Geolantis’ Food for Though webinar available online

Author: Khrysanne Kerr, VP of Marketing and Outreach

Earlier this month, PelicanCorp and Geolantis hosted a CGA Food for Thought webinar, “Do You Know What’s Below? The Future of Asset Mapping and Data Management,” to discuss how to stop spending money on locating the same assets countless times and start creating value. The webinar also covered how information and digital accuracy increases revenue, improves efficiencies and helps prevent damages. Attendees also learned how to easily map assets in the field and then use that data to build GIS, comply with new laws and protect not only infrastructure, but lives.

 For those that were unable to attend or would like to go back and rewatch the webinar, click here. Stay tuned for future Food for Thought webinar announcements coming soon! If you’re interested in sponsoring an upcoming webinar, please fill out this online form.

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CGA seeks RPF for DIRT analysis and reporting of data

Author: Steven Blaney, DIRT Program Manager

CGA is seeking one or more professional services contractors to assist in the analysis of DIRT (Dirt Information Reporting Tool) and other data relating to excavation-related damages to underground facilities. CGA is looking to examine three specific topics: 

1.       Alternative approaches to estimating the total number of damages across the United States, as presented in DIRT reports. The current approach is to (a) identify “substantial reporting states” – leading states in terms of quantity of DIRT reports involving a variety of facility types; (b) identify statistical correlations with other data sources such as dollars spent on construction and one call ticket volumes; and (3) extrapolate to come up with an estimate damage totals for all states, with lower and upper bound confidence intervals. These estimates are most valuable for year-to-year trending: are damages going up, down, or remaining level?  What is happening in terms of metrics such as damages per 811 Center ticket transmissions or construction spending. The Data Committee would like to see if there are alternative approaches that could be applied, and if so, would the results be similar or differ from past results.  

2.       Economic analysis of the cost of damages caused by failure to pothole versus the cost of performing potholing leading to a ratio of dollars saved per dollar invested.   The idea is to examine the costs of preventing damages from a leading DIRT root cause versus the cost of those damages. Potholing was chosen as the first root cause to examine, and if successful other root causes such as bad maps or abandoned facilities could be looked at.  

3.       A method to visually/graphically represent data from states based on quantity, quality and diversity of sources. Since DIRT reporting is voluntary, as shown on the DIRT Dashboard, states with high numbers of DIRT damage reports may not actually be performing relatively poorer than states with lower numbers. However, this dynamic can create disincentives to additional DIRT reporting from states that already have relatively robust reporting. The intent is to overcome disincentives for high-reporting states and motivate low-reporting states to increase reporting. 

Depending on timing these may incorporated into the next DIRT report or released as separate supplemental reports. Bidders may propose to address one, all, or any combination of the topics. Click here to view the DIRT Request for Proposal and submission details.

Please feel free to share this RFP with any professional services contractors you know and/or worked with in the past that may have the experience and expertise in these areas.

Submissions are due by June 3, 2022.

For questions, please email Steven Blaney at stevenb@commongroundalliance.com.

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CGA’s Summer Committee Summit set for July 25-28

Author: Erika Lee, CGA Vice President

Registration for CGA's Summer Committee Summit is open! Join us this July 25-28 at the Grandover Resort in Greensboro, NC! Attendees will have access to the working committee meetings, as well as general sessions, committee luncheons, an evening reception and a tour of the North Carolina 811 Center.

Registration is free for all members with the exception of the OCSI Golf Get-Together, which will be handled directly through the Pro Shop. Please note, hotel space is limited, so be sure to book your hotel accommodations using CGA's room block rate as soon as possible.

Committee Schedule-at-a-Glance:

Monday, July 25

  • OCSI Golf Get-Together
  • OCSI Committee Meeting
  • Tour & Networking at NC811 Center
     

Tuesday, July 26

  • Coffee with Co-Chairs
  • Committee Meetings - Data Reporting & Evaluation, Educational Programs, & Technology Committees (full day)
  • CGA Committee Lunch
  • General Session: Technology & Future of Damage Prevention
  • Committee Reception & Dinner
     

Wednesday, July 27

  • Coffee with Co-Chairs
  • Committee Meetings - Best Practices Committee (full day) & Educational Programs Committee (morning only)
  • Lunch & General Session: Enforcement in NC: Underground Damage Prevention Review Board
  • Board of Directors Reception & Dinner
     

Thursday, July 28

  • Board of Directors Meeting

Click here to access additional information, register to attend the Summit and learn more about what is in store.

CGA and Gold Shovel Association announce establishment of Damage Prevention Institute

Author: Erika Lee, CGA Vice President

During the 2022 CGA Conference & Expo, President and CEO Sarah Magruder Lyle announced that the Gold Shovel Association (GSA) will become part of the CGA as a new arm of the association called the Damage Prevention Institute.

The mission of the Damage Prevention Institute is to take the industry to the next level by consolidating the rich data and resources of CGA and GSA to generate powerful insights and efficiencies that will reduce the rate of damages to buried infrastructure. Building on CGA’s Best Practices and foundational DIRT (Damage Information Reporting Tool) data, as well as GSA’s metrics development, the Damage Prevention Institute will be structured around a metrics-focused, peer review-based model of shared responsibility.

The Damage Prevention Institute will be governed by an Advisory Committee that will include members of both CGA’s and GSA’s boards of directors. The Institute’s focus will be on metrics development – including excavation and pre-excavation metrics – and establishing a multi-stakeholder, peer-reviewed accreditation process. The peer review component will facilitate all stakeholders increasing engagement and embracing their critical roles in the damage prevention process.

For more information, read the full press release at www.commongroundalliance.com.

April 2022 marks successful NSDM 

Author: Khrysanne Kerr, VP of Marketing and Outreach   

This past April marked another successful National Safe Digging Month (NSDM) for the damage prevention industry, full of great media coverage and creative campaigns that raised awareness of 811 and the safe digging message among homeowners and professionals.

In addition to many proclamations secured last month, below are some of the attention-grabbing NSDM campaigns created by our members:

  • CenterPoint Energy held an employee contest to engage the full workforce in NSDM. All employees were asked to complete a quiz about 811 and safe digging. All employees who participate were entered to win a YETI cooler for their state.
  • Dig Safe System, Inc. started an awareness campaign that began in April and continues throughout the construction season. For maximum reach and impact, ads run across all media platforms, in all major markets within their five-state footprint: Red Sox Radio Network, morning/evening local TV news, home improvement shows on DIY Channel and A&E, Patriots Radio Network, Celtics games on NBC Sports – postseason, six billboards on interstate highways, billboard at Loudon International Speedway, aerial banner flights over the Boston Marathon, Independence Day Esplanade Celebration, NASCAR race, local state fairs, and up and down the New England coastline on weekend beach days. Geofencing technology also pushed digital ads out to customers at any Home Depot in their territory, and the digital presence was amplified with online search and contextual targeting.
  • Energy Transfer implemented roadside advertising, displaying a total of 250 banners outside each of its locations across the country to educate passers-by about the importance of 811. Additionally, the company utilized its internal and external communications channels to reach nearly a quarter of a million social media followers with safe digging messages, and to inform more than 11,000 employees about their role as safety ambassadors.
  • Flint Hills Resources conducted a geofencing campaign for the month of April across its entire pipeline right-of-way, targeting 811 ads to people who performed a search for common digging projects, such as installing a fence, building a deck or planting a tree.
  • Georgia 811 launched several campaigns and initiatives during NSDM, including new radio and video PSAs, Spanish ads through multiple media outlets, geofencing in local Home Depot, Lowes, and Tractor Supply locations, billboards across the state, a media tour with Cliff Meidl, social media contests for Home Depot gift cards, a Call to the Bullpen sponsorship with the Augusta GreenJackets and much more. Plus, Mark Stowe filmed his Georgia episode of The Direction on April 15-16 at Rocky Mountain PFA with past Georgia 811 sponsor "The Flukemaster" Gene Jensen.
  • Indiana 811 partnered with the Indianapolis Indians baseball team to sponsor a series of fun educational videos between innings to share information about the 811 process, as well as a social media sweepstakes hosted by the Indians for the month of April for a lucky winner to receive a lawn makeover, courtesy of the Indians ground crew. Additionally, Indiana 811 launched an extensive billboard campaign across the state and Facebook ads for the month of April reminding homeowners that 811 is for everyone.
  • Mississippi 811 conducted a blood drive at its call center, and also participated in statewide radio and TV spots highlighting NSDM.
  • Miss Utility of Maryland secured Gov. Larry Hogan’s proclamation of April as Safe Digging Month, as well as local TV and online coverage highlighting the importance of contacting Miss Utility before digging. A local meteorologist reminded viewers to call before they dig during a morning weather broadcast reaching over 35,000 households, and shared to her Facebook page to put this critical message in front of an additional 28,000 followers. Miss Utility also launched statewide radio and Spotify advertising campaigns in April as well as a Nextdoor digital ad campaign targeting homeowners.
  • ONE Gas encouraged people to take the Safe Digging Pledge to become a Safe Digging Hero. The company created custom landing pages for the states of Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas, where people were required to read about how to dig safely before virtually completing their pledge. The page included a variety of safe digging heroes, and all who pledged were entered to win $100 for their state.
  • Southwest Gas sent media kits throughout its service territories in Arizona, California and Nevada, which included X-ray glasses, a flier, press release and a damage prevention statistics fact sheet.

CGA thanks you for supporting the safe digging message during NSDM and all year round!

Kentucky Derby partnership generates national awareness for Call 811

Author: Khrysanne Kerr, VP of Marketing and Outreach   

Call 811 was once again back in the saddle at the 148th annual Kentucky Derby thanks to a collaborative partnership with Underground Service Alert of Northern California and Nevada, and eight other member-sponsors! 811 sponsored jockey Tyler Gaffalione aboard White Abarrio helped raise call-before-you-dig awareness among millions of viewers during the first jewel of the Triple Crown.  

Although White Abarrio did not make it to the Winner’s Circle this year, this partnership earned incredible exposure for 811 and is a big win for the damage prevention industry. With 19 million viewers nationally at peak viewership, the 2022 Derby saw an increase of 8% in viewership making it the second most watched Kentucky Derby in the last five years. An additional 147,000 people attended the race in person at Churchill Downs.

CGA would like to thank our member-sponsors whose participation made this incredible partnership possible, including Buckeye Partners L.P., UDig NY, Alabama 811, JULIE, Inc., Pennsylvania 811, TECO Peoples Gas, Dig Safe (MA, ME, NH, RI & VT) and Texas 811. We are also grateful to the many members who helped spread awareness about the event on social media using CGA’s Kentucky Derby toolkit.

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