Defining the 811 Centers' role in reducing damages

July 10th, 2025 || 10:30 - 11:30 AM CDT

For many years, 811 executives and board members debated the highest and best use of an 811 system. Was it just to take calls and notify utility members or did the industry need it to be an advocate for reducing damages? Because of its unique position, being neither utility nor excavator, it thrives in a neutral environment. Can this position of neutrality allow the contact center to reduce conflicts, coordinate communication and lead legislative efforts for more effective damage prevention programs. Finally, do stakeholders trust their 811 center to take on that role?

Moderator:
Bill Turner, President, Tennessee 811

Panelists:

Jim Collins, Duke Energy

Craig Hardin, Congruex
Annette Bowman, Alabama 811

Tim Vaughn, Kentucky 811

Educating the Out of State Contractor - What, Why and How?

August 14th, 2025 || 10:30 - 11:30 AM CDT

At most damage prevention meetings, one of the hot topics is a contractor coming into your state and not knowing the dig law. Whose responsibility is it to ensure their familiarity with the various dig laws and how can we make such training available in a timely fashion? Join in this panel discussion to learn how various states have addressed this issue and learn about the level of success the programs have had.

Moderator:

Roger Cox, CEO, ACTS Now Inc

Panelists:
Brent Saltzman, Executive Director, Louisiana 811
Roger Sampson, Executive Director, NY811

Trey Crawford, Vice President, Grady Crawford Construction

Katie Pappas, Senior Manager of Safety and Compliance, Bancker Construction

Mike Sullivan

Utility Safety Partners

President

Jeff Mulligan

ASTEC Safety Inc.

Chief Operating Officer

Debbie Shelley

Global Training Centre

CEO - Director of Training

Cliff Meidl

Cliff Meidl Enterprises, LLC

President

These Town Hall meetings have been great! I am pretty sure I have never seen less than 100 people on any of these calls. People from all walks of life tied to Damage Prevention are on these calls and there are always good collaboration going on! Personally, I have picked up a good idea from every town hall meeting. 😉

Raymond Sonnier, Louisiana 811

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ACTS Town Hall Sponsorships

Seize the opportunity to become a sponsor for our monthly ACTS Town Halls, held on the second Thursday of each month at 10:30 AM CST. Since their inception in April 2022, ACTS Town Halls have been going strong, connecting the excavation safety industry's thriving virtual community. Our mission is to provide unparalleled open discussions that address common challenges and share innovative solutions that drive the industry forward. Fill out the form below and have details sent straight to your inbox.

Enforcement vs. Effective Enforcement

May 8th, 2025 || 10:30 - 11:30 AM CDT

Enforcement is nothing more than the basic act of making sure people adhere to a set of rules or laws to be compliant. Whereas effective enforcement goes beyond compliance and penalties. It involves strategies and practices designed to achieve desired outcomes. If you can't tell me your strategy, your enforcement may not be effective.

Moderator:
David Appelbaum, Senior Transportation Specialist, PHMSA

Panelists:
Matt Smith, Assistant Director Safety and Reliability Division, Illinois Commerce Commission
Annette Bowman, Executive Director, Alabama 811
Kyle Coggins, Director of Operations, CenterPoint Energy
Shane Alexander, Director of Damage Prevention, Public Awareness & Meter Reading, CenterPoint Energy