APCA Continues Growth, Industry Leadership

Another record attendance level marked the American Pipeline Contractors Association 42nd Annual Convention last March when the group met at the scenic Sanctuary Resort on Kiawah Island, just outside of Charleston, SC.

“We’ve come a long ways since our first meeting at the Rodeway Inn in El Paso, TX,” observed APCA Executive Director J.D. Lormand.

Contractor and associate members gathered at the resort to discuss ongoing business interests related to the pipeline construction and maintenance industry, and hear presentations from industry experts on a variety of topics.

Maria Manuel, of the Lafayette, LA-based Onebane Law Firm, delved into key factors of the new healthcare reform law, or “ObamaCare,” and the implications and requirements for APCA members.

Mark Bridgers, principal of the Continuum Advisory Group, discussed the many factors impacting their business operations today and in the near future. Robert Carpenter, Oildom Publishing (Underground Construction, Pipeline & Gas Journal, Pipeline News), provided a presentation on the pipeline construction outlook. Both speakers agreed that the pipeline industry has experienced several strong years of growth and projections remain very positive for the next several years.

President’s address
Outgoing APCA President Ricky N. Dyess of M.G. Dyess Inc., in the traditional president’s address at the final banquet, told the attendees that “I believe we are continuing to fulfill the mission of APCA. We remain committed to providing our members with information and assistance concerning important and key developments that are common to our merit shop status.

Dyess cited important accomplishments by the APCA over the past year including renewal of the Alliance Agreement between OSHA and the APCA which has already generated important new products, and APCA’s support of INGAA Foundation’s Construction Safety Consensus Guidelines.

“I believe the APCA will continue to raise the bar and be at the forefront of leadership within the pipeline industry through active participation with its membership, as well as participation in leading industry groups,” he added. “I’m excited for what the future holds for APCA and our membership that ensures the protection of our employees as we lead in helping to change the industry’s culture toward the health and safety of pipeline workers, and continue to solve other issues related to our common interest as merit shop contractors.”

Citing optimism from the presentations during the APCA business meetings, Dyess said there is much for the association to look forward to.

“I too am very optimistic about the future of our industry, especially the construction work related to the shale plays both in natural gas and liquids, and the increased spending on integrity and maintenance due to regulatory direction.

“I’m also excited about recent reports projecting acceleration in natural gas production over the next 30 years and how this boom will revitalize America,” he said.

“I believe APCA members will continue to be in the forefront in providing competitive construction services to the industry in a safe and efficient manner with highest regards toward quality of workmanship,” Dyess stressed.

Leadership
During the convention, a new slate of officers was elected for the regular and associate members to serve 2013-14.

Regular member officers are: President Nick Bruno, Bi-Con Services; Vice President Sean Renfro, Sunland Construction; 2nd Vice President Bill Schettine, Meridien Energy; Secretary/Treasurer Bruce Gilliland; and Executive Director J.D. Lormand.

Regular member directors are: Ricky Dyess, M.G. Dyess; Morris Farrar; Randy Farrar, Farrar Construction Inc.; John Fluharty, Mears; John Maxwell, Max Nichols, Jomax Construction; Alan Owens, Troy Construction; Pat Simpson, Sterling Construction; and Sean Sullivan, Elkhorn Holdings.

The Associate Members Board of Directors includes: President Joe Trapani, Caterpillar Inc.; Vice President Scott Anderson, John Deere Construction & Forestry; and Secretary/Treasurer John Lucki, Cross Country Pipeline Supply. Convention Chairpersons are Carl & Sonnie Rafferty, Cross Country Pipeline Supply. Golf chairperson will be Robby Hughes, Dixie Mat & Hardwood with assistant golf chair Brian Tanner, Cobbs, Allen and Hall.

The APCA will hold its Mid-Year Meeting on Sept. 5 – 7, at the Windsor Court Hotel, New Orleans, LA. The 2014 annual convention will be held Feb. 26 – March 2, The Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore, in Santa Barbara, CA.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
American Pipeline Contractors Association, (337) 278-0056, www.americanpipeline.org

width=