January 2019 Vol. 74 No. 1
Features
PLCA Experiences Strong Year with Work, Initiatives
Members of the Pipe Line Contractors Association (PLCA) had a busy and productive year in 2018, continuing construction of projects already underway and beginning work on new projects.
“It was a good year,” summed up Elizabeth Worrell (pictured left), who completed her first year as PLCA managing director and chief legal counsel. “The association’s members will record one of the busiest years on record in 2018 buoyed by projects such as the Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline, Mountaineer Xpress Project, the Mountain Valley Project and the Nexus Project, among others.
“The group looks to continue its positive momentum into 2019 combining ongoing projects such as the Atlantic Coast Pipeline Project, and expanding maintenance and integrity work with the potential for several important projects to kick off including the Keystone XL Project and the Line 3 replacement project. Our members are working hard throughout the U.S. on a variety of 
projects critical to the expansion and upkeep of our energy infrastructure.”
Robert Riess (pictured left), Henkels & McCoy senior regional vice president and pipeline division manager, served as the PLCA president in 2018.
“Even with all of the work going on this year, our focus as an association was on growing future opportunities for union contractors throughout the pipeline industry,” said Riess. “We want to strengthen the tripartite relationships in the industry among the contractors, our clients and our union partners.”
“Growth is a big focus right now for the PLCA,” said Worrell.
Cooperation
The association and the four industry unions – the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA), International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE), Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) and International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) – hosted a Tripartite Reception in Houston last May.
“We had terrific turnout with PLCA members, union representatives and key personnel from many different clients getting an opportunity to network, learn about the PLCA, and hear firsthand about the projects we are working on jointly with the unions,” Riess said. “A number of smaller tripartite meetings were also held with clients to discuss future opportunities for PLCA members.”
Other 2018 highlights included the 70th Annual PLCA Convention held in February, in Hawaii, and the PLCA Safety & Quality Conference held in October.
“The Convention was a celebration of 70 years of the PLCA and all of the people who have supported the association over the years,” Worrell said. “Our members always enjoy the opportunity to reconnect with friends and colleagues throughout the industry and our convention in Hawaii was a great example of that.”
The annual Safety & Quality Conference brought together PLCA members, union representatives and clients to discuss and share best practices in areas of safety and quality.
Riess’ term as president of the PLCA will end in February at the association’s 71st Annual Convention in Fernandina Beach, Fla.
Reese said “it has been any honor serving the PLCA this year and working with the board of directors and numerous committees on the association’s many new projects and initiatives.
“We have worked hard to promote the PLCA as part of the larger goal of growing and protecting the pipeline industry,” he concluded.
The Pipe Line Contractors Association was established in 1948 and maintains offices in Dallas, Texas.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
PLCA, (214) 969-2700,
www.plca.org
Henkels & McCoy
(215) 283-7600, henkels.com
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