Industry News

VIRGINIA811

LAUNCHES NEW ONLINE TRAINING SITE
Richmond, VA (WWBT) – Virginia811 recently launched a new online training program designed to leverage online learning technology in order to educate partners about damage prevention and best practices.

The “Academy” contains several educational videos and other online tools to teach professional excavators how to accurately enter underground utility location requests using Virginia811’s Web Ticket Entry platform. Excavators can choose one of three training methods to best match their learning style:

• Self-guided online videos with modules
• Self-guided courses designed for learners who prefer reading and written instruction
• Virtual, instructor-led courses with a qualified trainer

Professional excavators will no longer be required to take in-person or live, virtual training sessions and can opt to take the Virginia811 Academy’s online resources to become qualified to enter their own requests online as opposed to calling 811. For more information about the training program, reach out to Natalie Soucie, Head of Marketing and Communications at nsoucie@va811.com.

Blood Hound, Inc.
Acquires Subsurface Utility Imaging

Blood Hound, Inc., an affiliate company of USIC, LLC, announced in January the acquisition of Subsurface Utility Imaging (SUI). Blood Hound provides private utility locating services throughout the eastern and southwestern U.S.

The acquisition of SUI, which is headquartered in Utica, NY and provides underground utility locating, concrete imaging, and pipeline inspection services, expands Blood Hound’s service offerings in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Region to include manhole inspections, closed circuit television inspections and smoke testing of pipes.

IN MEMORIAM
Please visit our digital edition (dp-pro.com/current-issue) Industry News Xtra for remembrances of three industry veterans: Gina Meehan-Taylor, Ben Montoya and Dr. Narinder Singh Kapany.

GOLD SHOVEL ASSOCIATION EXPANDS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Gold Shovel Association (GSA) added six new members to their Board of Directors in November, 2020, increasing its board from nine to 15 and creating a more diverse and inclusive representation of the industries they serve. GSA also elected their new officers:

• Josh Hinrichs, President ELM Companies (Board Chair)
• Cheryl Campbell, Retired utility senior executive (Board Vice Chair)
• Mike Kemper, Executive VP Mears Group, Inc. (Board Treasurer)
• Peter Kenny, VP Construction Pacific Gas and Electric Company (Board Secretary)
“Josh’s election as chair presents a unique industry opportunity because of his close connections with Common Ground Alliance (CGA), NULCA and other industry associations,” said Luke Litteken, GSA’s outgoing board chair.

The following members will all serve three-year terms:
• John Janchar, President Telecommunications Division, Black and Veatch
• Brian Weisker, Senior VP/COO Natural Gas Business Unit, Duke Energy
• Mary Palkovich, VP Gas Advocacy, Consumers Energy
• Tracy Townsend, VP Construction, Compliance and Safety, Washington Gas
• Bret Weiss, President and CEO, WSB
• Robert Locke, VP Distribution Operations Dominion Virginia Power, Dominion Energy