EXPO ‘09 Mood Upbeat Despite Economy

The overall mood of Utility Construction EXPO ‘09 attendees who walked the Exhibit Hall at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix and attended education sessions and networking events was decidedly upbeat and hopeful — despite the current state of the economy. The show was held March 4-6.

While there were fewer attendees in the Exhibit Hall than usual, the exhibitors were pleased with the quality of those attendees and the venue, as well as appreciative of the opportunity to work with existing customers.

NUCA CEO Bill Hillman had high praise for the speakers — Emmy winner John Powers, NFL superstar Tedy Bruschi and business-building expert George Hedley — who he said provided just the right kind of inspiration needed in tough times like these. People showed up in force at the Welcome Reception in the Arizona Science Center, the lively “Paint the Town Red” NUCA Auction (where everyone was sporting red fedoras, feather boas and beads) and the classy Presidents’ “Starry Night” Banquet.

Ronald A. Peterson, vice president, Pipeline Assessment Division of TWS Technical Services LLC, received NUCA’s 2008 Associate of the Year Award at the Keynote Breakfast. New Mexico contractor James R. Giannelli, founder, president and CEO of RMCI Inc. of Albuquerque was named the 2008 Ditchdigger of the Year, receiving his award at the President’s Banquet.

Utility Construction EXPO ‘10 is scheduled for Jan. 10-13, 2010, at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort in Orlando, Fla.