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NUCA NEWSNUCA Utility ConstructionEXPO ’08 Goes HawaiianIndustry leaders arecurrently registeringfor the NationalUtility ContractorsAssociation’s UtilityConstruction EXPO’08, which will beheld at the GrandHyatt Kauai Resort &Spa on the island ofKauai, Hawaii, Jan.15-19, 2008. Hawaiihas always been apopular destinationfor EXPO attendeeslooking to escape thewinter grind on the mainland forthe sun and sand of the islands,and EXPO ’08 promises to be noexception.The other draw of the 2008event is the “ExecutiveExperience” format, which isdesigned to facilitate the creationof real partnerships between utilitycontractors and the industry’smanufacturers and suppliers.EXPO ‘08 education sessions,which they will attend together,have been condensed to maximizethe time spent outdoors anddesigned to address the needs ofboth groups. As always, the lineupof speakers is impressive — Flagsof Our Fathers author JamesBradley, political pundit NormanOrnstein, television host LarryWinget and more.Opportunities for networkingabound — “Aloha NUCA”Welcome Reception, “Trade WindsRoute” Auction, “NUCA “Build-Your-Own-Race Car 500” and thePresidents’ Luau. For the athleticallycompetitive, there will be bothgolf and tennis tournaments, andfor the romantically inclined, anoptional sunset cruise along thefamous Na Pali Coast.Kauai’s Na Pali Coast is the site of an optional sunsetcruise. Photo courtesy of RE/MAX Kauai.com.The host hotel for this “businessin paradise” event is the luxuriousGrand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa,which is known for its spaciousguest rooms, each with privatelanai and magnificent view.Attendees can indulge in a revivingtreatment at ANARA Spa or simplytake in the refreshing oceanbreezes at the resort’s beautifulwhite-sand beach. Championshipgolf, tennis, fine dining and moreonly add to the appeal of thisGarden Isle retreat. Reservationsmust be made prior to Dec. 14).For the details, visit the NUCAWeb site at www.nuca.com. To findout what sponsorship opportunitiesare still available, call LindaHoltz at (703) 358-9300. Portabledisplay opportunities for bothmembers and non-members aregoing fast, so interested vendorsshould contact Cheryl Stratos orVictoria Geis at (703) 212-7745 assoon as possible.CAT Rental Stores toOffer NUCA ExcavationSafety & CPT ProgramCaterpillar Inc. has announced itsendorsement of the NUCAExcavation Safety and CompetentPerson Training (CPT) program,which will be offered through NorthAmerican Cat Rental Stores to customersas part of their existing arrayof value-added services that enhancethe equipment rental experience.“Caterpillar and The Cat RentalStores understand the inherent dangersthat arise from not adhering totrenching safety standards and theimproper use of or lack of protectivesystems,” said Chris Gustafson,Caterpillar’s North American RentalDivision Manager. “Cat RentalStores offer a full range of trenchshoring equipment to meet jobsiteneeds. It is only logical that we alsooffer the training to ensure that ourcustomers have the ability to usethat equipment in a safe manner.”“NUCA’s Excavation Safety andCompetent Person Training programis one of the most highlyregarded trench safety training programsin the country,” said GeorgeKennedy, NUCA Vice President ofSafety. “It was specifically designedto inform construction managersand workers about excavation safetyand the applicable laws, regulationsand best practices. Workingtogether with Cat Rental Stores, wecan help ensure that people returnhome safely to their families at theend of every day.”46 Utility Contractor | August 2007