June 2021 Vol. 76 No. 6
Features
Distribution Contractors Association: Leading Industry for 60 Years
Across the broad spectrum of the underground utility and pipeline construction industry, there are many associations serving various niches and needs. But none has been more influential and significant to the marketplace than the Distribution Contractors Association (DCA), officially chartered in 1961.
The significance and impact of the DCA membership spreads to every sector of the gas market, at both a grass-roots level and into literally every state in the U.S. The accomplishments of the gas distribution industry could simply not have happened without the efforts of the DCA.
The organization represents far more than just union and business agreements for construction and maintenance contracts. DCA continuously makes a concerted effort to improve the industry it serves, from safety and damage prevention to charitable causes. Above all, DCA is a group that has learned the difficult lesson of putting aside personal gain for the greater good of not only the association, but the entire industry, as well.
Through the years, DCA members have become family to each other. Lifelong friendships and relationships built upon trust and cooperation have truly made DCA the leading industry that it is today.
Origins
The origins of the DCA can be traced far beyond the association’s first annual convention Feb. 5–7, 1962. Founders of the association had been getting together informally for years before the association was actually chartered, in August 1961.
The issues that the association was formed to deal with were around long before 1962, as well. Natural gas distribution contractors had no voice within the gas industry. In addition, these contractors were not recognized by national labor unions and had to renegotiate contracts with locals every time crews entered a new jurisdictional area.
These issues were addressed in the two principal aims of the DCA, adopted at the first organizational meeting on Aug. 14, 1961, in Kansas City, Mo.:
- Improve working conditions for contractors specializing in distribution construction.
- Keep the gas utility companies better informed on capabilities of these contractors and how they may be better utilized.
Under the first point, the long-range plan of the association was to negotiate national agreements with the four crafts, covering a uniform set of working conditions. Two union officials addressed the organization meeting, and charter members elected a labor committee to lay the groundwork for future meetings with union officials. The committee also initiated a survey of charter members to determine labor problems that needed to be addressed.
Contractors felt that, under the second aim, they should concentrate their efforts on convincing utilities that contracting out was more economical than a company workforce. This was especially true with the installation of house services, maintenance, and routine main extensions. Consensus among charter members was that increased work in these areas would result in a more even workload through the year, resulting in more stable bid prices.
The first officers elected at that organizational meeting were Emerson Clark, Engineering Construction Co., Tulsa, Okla., president; W.C. Donaldson, Underground Constructors, Inc., Dodge Center, Minn., first vice president; A.K. Everham, Midwestern Contractors, Inc., Wheaton, Ill., second vice president; and Don W. Miller, Don W. Miller, Inc., Green Springs, Ohio, treasurer.
Initial association directors included R.E. Reutzel, R.E. Reutzel Construction Co.; B.M. Laulhere, Hood Construction Co.; I.C. Russell, I.C. Russell Construction Co.; Robert Burkhardt, Burkhardt Pipe Line Constructors; Deane Baker, Somerville Construction Co.; F.C. Everett, Jr., Mid-Mountain Contractors Inc.; and Melvin Hulcher, M.L. Hulcher Co. Baker was also named labor committee chairman.
The group initially chose Distribution Pipeline Contractors Association as its name, but soon opted to shorten to just Distribution Contractors Association.
Originally, 26 contractors joined the association as charter members: Beloit Pipe and Dredge Co., Burkhardt Pipeline Construction Co., Campion Pipe Line Construction Co., Engineering Construction Co., Gabe’s Construction Co., The Hallen Construction Co., Hood Corporation, M.L. Hulcher Co., Inc., Industrial Maintenance, Inc., L.G. Massart Plumbing & Heating Co., Midland Constructors, Inc., Midwestern Contractors, Inc., Don W. Miller, Inc., Murphy Construction Co., Ohio Pipe Line Construction Co., R.E. Reutzel Co., Inc., I.C. Russell Construction Co., Pipeline & Station Construction Co., Somerville Construction Co., Underground Constructors, Inc., Universal Pipeline Constructors, Inc., Utilities Service Co., Van Ess Co., C.E. Wilson Construction Co. and A.P. Young Contracting Co.
First convention
Membership grew quickly, and by the time the association held its first convention in Kansas City, Mo., the following February, it had 51 regular members. The Association also had a permanent office in Tulsa and an executive secretary, E.L. Hagar.
The first annual convention was held Feb. 5–7, 1962, at the Muehlebach Hotel in Kansas City, Mo. An equipment exhibit featuring associate members was held adjacent to the hotel.
The original slate of officers was re-elected for another year.
Jack Bost, Midwestern Engine & Equipment Co., was elected associate member chairman, a post he was to hold for four years, until the 1966 convention.
At the second-annual convention and equipment exhibition in St. Louis, in January 1963, a major concern was recognition of the DCA as representing distribution contractors. According to Emerson Clark, outgoing president, building the concept of competency among association members to gas company customers was the single greatest problem facing association members.
The Labor Committee reported progress, and negotiations on a nationwide labor agreement continued into 1963. Convention attendees heard presentations on public relations, minimizing “extras” in contracts and “hold-harmless” provisions in insurance.
New officers elected at the convention were W.C. Donaldson, Underground Constructors Inc., president; John Sibole, Williams Brothers Co., first vice president; A.T. Everham, Midwestern Contractors Inc., second vice president and Peter Flagg, C.N. Flagg & Son Inc., treasurer.
Jim Upton joined the association during 1962 as the first executive secretary and was instrumental in guiding DCA.
“How Distribution Contractors Can Sell Gas” was the theme of the third-annual convention in Denver, February 1964. Attendees were told that increased gas use is in the best interests of the association, since increased consumption requires system expansion. Contractors were also urged to support privately owned utilities, since government ownership of gas systems was increasing.
Association members encouraged the new leadership to continue negotiations for a nationwide labor agreement. In keeping with the original aims of the association, members were also urged to increase contractor share of the distribution construction business.
New officers elected were A.T. Everham, president; F.E. Everett, Jr., Mid-Mountain Contractors, first vice president; Robert W. Burkhardt, Burkhardt Pipeline Construction Co., second vice president; and Deane Baker, Somerville Construction Co., treasurer.
An attendance record of 254 was set at the fourth-annual convention in New Orleans, February 1965. This included 77 wives, far more than had attended any of the previous conventions.
During 1964, the DCA had joined the National Safety Council, which was tabulating a survey of DCA members. Attendees were told that approximately 44 percent of gas distribution construction was awarded to contractors in 1964.
New officers included F.E. Everett, president; Robert W. Burkhardt, first vice president; and Deane Baker, second vice president.
First national agreement
Attendees at the fifth-annual convention in Phoenix, 1966, had a lot to celebrate, as the first national labor agreement had been signed by the association in 1965. DCA signed an agreement with the United Association of Welders and negotiated the first statewide agreement with the Operating Engineers. Negotiations with other crafts continued during 1966.
For the first time, roundtable and panel discussions were held as part of the convention program, and these proved very popular with members. Attendance hit record levels again in 1966.
Elected to office were Robert W. Burkhardt, president; Edwin Gabrielse, Gabe’s Construction Co., first vice president; Paul E. Thibodaux, O.R. Burden Construction Co., second vice president; and Sid R. Snider, The Hallen Construction Co., treasurer.
A shortage of skilled workers in virtually all crafts continued to be a problem in 1966, although positive negotiations with unions proceeded. These issues were addressed at the sixth-annual convention in Coronado, Calif., in February 1967.
Organized discussions at the convention covered industry-related problems such as labor, company-contractor relations, and ways to increase market share, as well as “bread and butter” issues: safety, cost control and insurance.
New officers were R.E. Reutzel, R.E. Reutzel Co., Inc., president; Paul E. Thibodaux, first vice president; S.R. Snider, second vice president; and Edwin Gabrielse, treasurer.
The 1968 convention was held in conjunction with the National Association of Pipe Coating Applicators convention in Las Vegas. Roundtable discussion focused on the increasing use of plastic pipe and pipe plowing instead of backfilling. The shortage of skilled labor eased somewhat during 1967.
Officers for 1968 were Sid Snider, president; Don W. Miller, first vice president; Edwin Gabrielse, second vice president; and L.R. Young, L.R. Young Construction Co., treasurer.
A number of formal and informal state associations of distribution contractors were formed during 1968. Another industry trend was the increasing use of plastic pipe.
Plastic pipe installation techniques were a major topic of discussion at the 1969 convention in Freeport, Grand Bahamas. This event was held immediately following the PLCA convention in Florida and had a record attendance of 442 delegates.
A new and well-attended session of the convention was a
labor panel discussion. Union leaders encouraged finalizing
a national labor agreement, saying that this could reduce grievances significantly.
Don Miller was elected president of the association in 1969. Other officers were Edwin Gabrielse, first vice president; Paul Thibodaux, second vice president; and Murry Loftis, Gas Lines Inc., treasurer.
In 1969, the DCA labor committee successfully concluded a national agreement with the Laborers’ International Union. In general, the volume of distribution work was down in 1969.
The 1970 convention was again held in Freeport following the PLCA convention. That year, DCA members formed the distribution pipeline committee to work as a liaison with the federal Office of Pipeline Safety.
New officers elected were Edwin Gabrielse, president; Warren Muncie, Universal Pipeline Constructors, first vice president; Bob Lyons, Michigan Trenching Service Inc., second vice president; and Murry Loftis, treasurer.
With distribution construction generally down for the second year in a row, members began to look at related areas in which they could use their expertise. Presentations on installation of telephone and electrical lines were a key part of the 10th-annual convention in Coronado, Calif. Representatives of American Telephone and Telegraph Co. and San Diego Gas & Electric Co. indicated that underground installation of these types of lines was increasing.
Officers elected at the 1971 convention included Murry Loftis, president; L.R. Young Construction Co., first vice president; Allan Coolsaet, R.L. Coolsaet Construction Co., second vice president; and Bob Brogan, GET Construction Co., treasurer.
Focus on safety
Safety was the focus of the 1972 convention, held in Honolulu immediately following the PLCA convention in California. New federal safety and health regulations went into effect in 1971, and the convention was geared to deal with this important topic.
An employee safety manual was released by the DCA safety committee. The director of the Office of Pipeline Safety indicated that, in general, pipeline construction work was being performed safely. The area director of OSHA discussed the ramifications of the Occupational Safety Act.
New officers were Allan Coolsaet, president; M.H. Cook, M.H. Cook Pipeline Construction Co., first vice president; Stewart Kniff, Van Ess Company, second vice president; and Dick Comstock, Tarnow Pipeline Co., treasurer.
New labor agreements were announced at the 1973 convention in Las Vegas. An agreement between DCA and the United Association contained a special provision for plastic pipe. The association also negotiated new wage rates with the Laborers International Union.
M.H. (Bill) Cook, M.H. Cook Construction Co. was elected president. Other officers for 1973 were Stewart Kniff, first vice president; Dick Comstock, second vice president; and Bob Bricker, Henkels & McCoy Inc., treasurer.
Fuel availability was a major topic of discussion at the 1974 convention in Key Biscayne, Fla. Fuel supplies varied from area to area, but the situation was eased somewhat by state and federal allocations for energy-related construction activities.
Other concerns included a trend to include utility and pipeline firms in compensation suits for negligence damage claims, and tightness in supply of new construction equipment.
New officers for 1974 included Stewart Kniff, president; Dick Comstock, first vice president; Bob Bricker, second vice president; and Gerald Snyder, Pace Pipe Line Co., treasurer.
The 1975 convention was also held in Key Biscayne, immediately before the PLCA convention. C.J. Gauthier, chairman of the American Gas Association, predicted continued growth of the nation’s distribution system and outlined prospects for new gas supplies. Pipeline Inspection Co. held its first annual gin-rummy tournament.
Dick Comstock was elected DCA president in 1975. Other officers were Dale Michels, Michels Pipe Line Construction Inc., first vice president; Bob Bricker, second vice president; William Snelson, Snelson Inc., treasurer.
15th annual convention
The association’s 15th annual convention was held at the Marco Island Hotel and Club, Marco Island, Fla., in January 1976. Delegates were told that upgrading of older distribution systems would be an increasing source of business for distribution contractors. Representatives of Caterpillar Tractor Co. gave practical suggestions for increasing productivity through equipment maintenance.
New officers elected at this convention included Dale Michels, president; Bob Bricker, first vice president; Rolland B. Lyons, Michigan Trenching Service Inc., second vice president; and Noel Coon, Northern Pipeline Construction Co., treasurer.
The 1977 convention was again held in Key Biscayne. Officials of the American Gas Association and Midwest Gas Association presented optimistic outlooks for the nation’s gas industry, providing realistic incentives for increasing gas production that could be maintained.
DCA officers for 1977 were Bob Bricker, president; Rolland B. Lyons, first vice president; Gene R. Spencer, G.R. Spencer Construction Co., second vice president; and Thomas B. Poole, The Hallen Construction Co., treasurer.
Attendees at the 1978 convention, in Las Vegas, were urged to political action by Fred Culpepper of Ford, Bacon & Davis Inc., who was convinced that businessmen could have a great influence on legislation. He suggested that contractors get involved with political action committees to make their voices heard. A panel discussion by insurance agents was also part of the convention program.
Officers elected at the convention were Rolland B. Lyons, president; Gene Spencer, first vice president; Thomas B. Poole, second vice president; and Robert Cooley, Distribution Construction Co., treasurer.
The growth of DCA continued in 1978, with the addition of seven regular and seven associate members.
Safety was a key topic of the 1979 convention, in Newport Beach, Calif. A representative of the Office of Pipeline Safety Regulation reviewed the Department of Transportation’s new regulatory procedures, including frequent and easily understandable publication of new regulations.
Gene Spencer was elected new president of the association. Other officers were Tom Poole, first vice president; Bob Cooley, second vice president; and Dale Miller, Miller Pipeline Co., treasurer.
Work for DCA members increased during 1979, but operating costs increased, as well. The gas industry enjoyed growing demand in residential, commercial and industrial markets, including a large number of oil-to-gas conversions.
Major topics of discussion at the 1980 convention, in Miami Beach, included controlling fuel costs, obtaining new supervisory personnel, and stopping equipment theft.
Members elected Tom Poole, president; Dale Miller, first vice president; William Snelson, second vice president; and James Miller, Mueller Pipeliners Inc., treasurer.
20th Anniversary
The association’s 20th anniversary convention was held at Mountain Shadows Resort, Scottsdale, Az., in February 1981. In attendance were 17 of 19 past presidents and four new regular members were welcomed into the association
New officers elected at the convention included Dale Miller, president; William Snelson, first vice president; James Miller, second vice president; and James Donaldson, Donaldson Construction Co., treasurer.
The 1982 convention was held in Miami Beach immediately following the PLCA convention. Outgoing president Dale Miller praised the association for its successful negotiation of labor agreements, but said there was room for improvement, especially regarding wage rates tied to other agreements that have nothing to do with distribution construction. He also pointed out that DCA was most effective as a forum for communication between contractors, supplies, unions and utility representatives.
Bill Snelson was elected president; Jim Miller, first vice president; James Donaldson, second vice president; and George Franz, Midwestern Contractors Inc., treasurer.
Economic conditions were generally depressed in 1982, but this varied from area to area. The association added five regular members during the year, a sign that it had weathered the recession.
The 1983 convention was held in Coronado, Calif. Officers elected were Jim Miller, president; Jim Donaldson, first vice president; and Ray Worthy, Worthy Bros. Pipeline Corp., treasurer.
The Association renegotiated its agreements with all three crafts in 1983, which resulted in a general lowering of wage rates. This helped protect certain members from non-union competition.
Attendees at the 23rd annual convention in Scottsdale, Az., were classified as “survivors,” since 1983 had been a dismal year for distribution construction. The first annual Arthur T. Everham Safety award was presented to the Snelson Companies.
New association officers for 1984 were Jim Donaldson, president; Jerry Stubbs, first vice president; Ray Worthy, second vice president; and Charles H. Joyce, Otis Eastern Service Inc.
Contractors reported having a mixed year at the 1985 convention in San Antonio. Factors influencing this included geographic location, local economic conditions and the number of crews used by gas utility companies. Contractors who had expanded their market area to get additional work sometimes found themselves in competition with other contractors that had done the same, leading to depressed prices.
The 1985 slate of officers included Jerry Stubbs, president;
Larry Smith, Carl E. Smith Inc., first vice president; Darold Falldorf, Aconite Corp., second vice president; Reuben T. Leines, Minnesota Limited Inc., treasurer.
Rebound
Over 300 delegates attended the 1987 convention in Palm Springs, where Bob Cooley of Distribution Construction Co., was elected president. Other officers were Larry D. Smith, Carl E. Smith, Inc.; J.F. ‘Joe’ VanGundy, Jr., Waterman Construction Co., and J.H. ‘Scotty’ McGlothin, Distribution Pipeline Maintenance Inc.
Most contractors had a good year in 1986. A problem on the horizon was dealing with jurisdictional disputes among unions over the laying of plastic pipe.
Executive Director Jim Upton mused on the factors for success in the distribution business. He listed luck, energy, raw intelligence, honesty and integrity – and a gambling spirit.
James Dolan, AGA chairman and CEO of New Jersey Resources Corporation, was the keynote speaker at the meeting and told delegates the gas bubble was gone, and the price of natural gas would start tracking inflation. His company had added 16,000 customers in the past year and expected to add another 80,000 over the next five years. NJR used contractors for all its construction and maintenance work.
In 1988, Larry Smith of Carl E. Smith Inc. was elected president and the meeting was again held in Palm Springs. J.F. VanGundy, Jr., J. H. McGlothin and Charles H. Joyce were also elected officers.
“Natural Gas is rapidly becoming the energy medium to solve the problems of air pollution, acid rain, the greenhouse effect, security risks, nuclear power, and the need to a rapid increase in electrical generation.” With these words, DCA president Larry Smith, expressed his hope that the current demand for natural gas would continue well into the future.
Smith added that gas is the fuel of choice and that future legislation might limit the use of competing fuels. Prices were still low, and Smith felt they would have to rise to encourage more drilling.
There were 390 attendees at the 1989 meeting in Orlando, making it the second-largest convention in DCA history. Joe VanGundy, Jr. of Waterman Construction Co. Inc. was elected 27th president. Other officers elected to serve were J.S. “Scotty” McGlothin, Jack Gabrielse and John F. ‘Jack’ Hayes.
Record in Maui
The Maui convention, in 2000, set a new attendance record, with 400 delegates. The meeting marked the changing of the guard with the retirement of Jim Upton and the hiring of new executive director Dennis Kennedy. This was Kennedy’s first convention, and he gave a tribute to Jim Upton who was inducted as an honorary member.
J.R. “Scotty” McGlothin, of Distribution Pipeline Maintenance Inc., was elected president and Jack Gabrielse, Robert Meschi and Royce Heebner were elected to serve with him. Equipment innovation sessions were introduced at this meeting. Waterman Construction and Intercon Construction received the safety awards.
Held in Tucson, the highlight of the 1991 convention was the installation of honorary members Emerson H. Clark, Engineering Construction Co., Tulsa, OK and Armon H. Bost, Midwestern Equipment Co., Tulsa, OK. Both were instrumental in the founding of DCA. The annual auction was also introduced at this meeting and Butch Graham raised $33,000.
Keynote speakers included Mike Plank of Speed Shore, who addressed OSHA regulations and the need for a “competent person” on the job site. The other keynote, Stephen Ewing, president and CEO of MichCon and MCN Corporation, noted that the Clean Air Act and the Energy Security Act gave natural gas a bright future.
Jack Gabrielse, Intercon Construction Inc, was elected president, with Thomas Allen, Robert Meschi and Royce Heebner also named officers. Attendance dropped to 250 in Tucson.
The 31st annual meeting in 1992 was held at the PGA National Resort and Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Fl. Attendance jumped 20 percent. The general business meeting featured a panel on industry regulations, safety, and substance abuse. Speakers representing the Motor Carriers in the Federal Highway Administration and the Office of Pipeline Safety addressed the meeting.
Robert L. Meschi, of The Hallen Construction Company, was elected president. Royce Heebner, Thomas Allen and Dennis Klumb were also elected as officers.
Stormy weather
The 32nd (1993) annual convention was marked by stormy weather in Carlsbad, Calif., but was still a huge success.
President Robert Meschi, remarked “Our industry is changing almost daily, and it is up to us individually and collectively to see that our business operations operate in a safe and economical manner.”
Trenchless construction and rehabilitation methods were starting to become widely accepted in the industry. Speakers included Robert Nyman of Brooklyn Union Gas, who talked about the potential impact NGV’s could have on this industry. Michael Baly III, president of AGA, talked about NTSB’s concern over the safety of customer-owned lines and its push to make utilities responsible for them.
Arthur T. Everham Safety Award winners were Poling & Bacon Construction and Mueller Pipeliners. The newly elected president was Royce R. Heebner, Henkels & McCoy Inc. and other officers were Tom Allen, Dennis Klumb and Peter O’Brien.
The 1994 convention attracted 320 attendees to the Hilton Waikoloa Village Resort in Hawaii, for the 33rd annual meeting. Speakers included NFL Referee William Abberger and Robert Ridgley, CEO of Northwest Natural Gas Company in Portland, Ore., and chairman of AGA. Ridgley said AGA and DCA have many of the same concerns in Washington, including drug and alcohol testing issues. He also felt all utilities should be forced to participate in One-Call systems.
Safety awards went to Snelson Companies and ARB. The new president-elect was Tom Allen, Tom Allen Construction Co. Dennis Klumb, Pete O’Brien and Joseph Purpura were also elected officers.
With a tropical rain forest, mountains and the Caribbean and Atlantic oceans as a background, DCA held its 34th annual meeting (1995) in Puerto Rico, at the El Conquistador Resort. Speakers included Marlon McClinton from the Gas Research Institute; Robert Catell, AGA chairman and president and CEO of Brooklyn Union Gas Co.; and Arthur Coia, general president of the Laborers’ International Union of North America.
Safety awards went to Snelson Companies and ARB again this year. The newly elected president was Dennis Klumb, Arby Construction, and elected to serve with him were Joseph Purpura, Dan Watters and Terrence Smith.
Disney
There were 475 attendees at the Grand Floridian Resort in Orlando for the 35th annual meeting in 1996. Speaker Frank Hanley, general president of the International Union of Operating Engineers, proposed a joint training venture with DCA as a “wise investment for the future.”
Roger Cooper, group vice president of government relations and policy analysis for AGA, pointed out that the natural gas industry had grown 30 percent over the last eight years, while employing 15 percent less people.
Elected president was Joseph Purpura, Midwestern Contractors, and other officers elected were David “Dan” Watters, Terry Smith and Patrick Michels.
The 1997 convention in Indian Wells, Calif., attracted 375 attendees to the 36th annual convention. Held at the Esmeralda Resort, the theme was “Rendezvous at the Oasis.” Speakers included Martin Maddaloni, general president of the United Association and astronaut Col. Terence Hendricks.
The auction raised $125,000, which was up $9,000 over the previous year and set a new record. T.D. Williamson won the “90 Seconds in the Spotlight” award with its video on butt fusion, and “Marilyn Monroe” was the master of ceremonies.
The new president-elect was David “Dan” Watters, Miller Pipeline Corp., and James Bender, Patrick Michels and David Nelson were elected with him.
DCA returned to the Hilton Waikoloa in Hawaii, in 1998, for the 37th annual convention, with 365 attendees. Renny Norman of the Gas Research Institute was the keynote speaker.
The auction set another record, raising $164,700. Snelson Companies and Minnesota Limited won the Arthur T. Everham Safety Awards. This marked an unprecedented, fifth, consecutive award for Snelson Companies.
James R. Bender, Mueller Pipeliners Inc./MRM, was elected president, but due to a change in membership status he resigned. The board appointed Dan Watters to serve a second term as president. Other officers elected were Pat Michels, Dave Nelson and Linda Loftis-Vrooman.
The 38th annual convention, in 1999, was held at the Loew’s Coronado Resort near San Diego. Attendance was nearly 400 and the auction set another record, at $190,000. The “Bob Lyons” sport coat helped, and a silent auction was added this year.
A costume party and a hole-in-one by Don Owings, Distribution Construction Company, during the golf tournament were convention highlights. The first scholarships from the
Dale R. Michels Endowed Scholarship Fund were awarded to three students. Snelson again won a safety award, along with Mid-Mountain Contractors, Inc.
Pat Michels, Michels Corporation, was elected president, along with other officers David Nelson, Linda Loftis-Vrooman and James R. Bender.
In 2000, DCA ventured to St. Thomas, in the U.S. Virgin Islands, for the 39th annual meeting and attracted 400 delegates.
“DCA membership and influence continues to grow. The association is positioned to become more involved in member-driven programs. For all of us, our involvement in the association provides us with the opportunity to meet, discuss, listen and learn from our peers,” remarked President Pat Michels.
Snelson and Mid-Mountain Contractors, again, were winners of the safety award. The auction reached another milestone, raising $207,525. David A. Nelson, Pilchuck Contractors Inc., was elected president, along with officers Linda Loftis-Vrooman, James Bender and Michael Murphy.
First woman president
The convention moved back to the West Coast in 2001, to the Westin in Palm Springs, where the weather turned cold, windy and rainy. Many teams abandoned the golf tournament because of the inclement conditions.
President Dave Nelson highlighted DCA’s involvement with a consortium including an HDD Good Practices manual and training curriculum; training programs with the IUOE, UA and Laborers; the DCA Safety Congress and ongoing safety efforts; the boom in telecommunications and gas construction; and the changing face of the industry as contractors were consolidated into mega-firms offering a variety of turnkey services.
DCA elected its first female president: Linda Loftis-Vrooman, of Loftis Construction Corp. Other officers elected were James Bender, Michael Murphy and Keith Swerdfeger.
Attendance dropped to 250 at the 41st annual convention, in 2002, at the Hyatt Regency Kauai, and the auction raised $175,000. President Linda Loftis-Vrooman highlighted accomplishment with the DCA Safety Congress and ongoing safety efforts, and the five-year strategic plan that had been recently completed.
Distribution Construction won the over 200,000 man-hours safety award, and Snelson won in the under 200,000 man-hours category.
Elected president was Jim Bender, Sub-Surface Construction Company, and other officers elected were Michael Murphy, Keith Swerdfeger and David Falldorf.
There were 270 delegates at the 42nd annual convention, in 2003, held at Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa in Fort Myers, Fla. In addition to the auction, there was a car raffle (a new Thunderbird), and both raised $168,000.
During the previous year, President Jim Bender resigned and Mike Murphy, Murphy Bros. Inc., assumed his position. Murphy was elected again to serve as the 2003 president. Other elected officers were Keith Swerdfeger and Kenneth Gabrielse.
Safety awards were presented to Minnesota Limited in the over 200,000 man-hours category and Snelson Companies in the fewer than 200,000 man-hours category.
Two new members were inducted as honorary members: Oliver Klinger, president of Oildom Publishing Company, which published “Pipeline & Gas Journal,” “Underground Construction,” and “Pipeline News” magazines. Also inducted was Tom Poole of The Hallen Construction Company, Inc., who had served as DCA president in 1980.
In 2004, DCA traveled to the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale for the 43rd annual meeting, with 280 attendees. Maintenance Unlimited and Snelson Companies won the Authur T. Everham Safety Awards. The auction raised $140,000.
Keith Swerdfeger was elected president, along with other officers Ken Gabrielse and Ed Shannon.
Florida
The Grand Floridian in Orlando was the site of the 44th convention, in 2005, which attracted 366 attendees. Speakers included DeWitt Burdeaux, of the Transportation Safety Institute in Oklahoma City, and Dennis Jarnecke, with GTI.
The auction raised $153,000 and the safety awards went to Minnesota Limited Inc. and Mears/HDD LLC. Ken Gabrielse, Gabe’s Construction Co. Inc., was elected president, and Ed Shannon and Chris Leines were elected as officers.
DCA returned to Hawaii in 2006 for the 45th annual meeting, as 300 delegates moved into the Sheraton Maui. At the convention, the HDD committee was formed, comprised of past members from the Directional Crossing Contractors Association, the assets of which DCA absorbed during the previous year, and interested parties from DCA’s membership. A one-day session was held at the beginning of the meeting on HDD topics.
Speakers included Terry O’Sullivan, general president of the Laborers International Union of N.A., and Gerry Shaheen, group president of Caterpillar and chairman of AEM.
DCA President Ken Gabrielse, Gabe’s Construction, remarked in his address: “…our association has changed over the last 45 years. We have evolved from an early group of contractors, who installed gas mains and services for utilities, to a group of contractors and associate members, both large and small, that have become major suppliers of all utility services for utility companies, both gas and electric, municipal infrastructure and the underground transportation of communication and vital resources that continue to make America prosper.”
The auction set a record raising $217,000.
Almost 300 attendees showed up for the 46th annual convention, in 2007, at the Atlantis Resort in Paradise Island, Nassau, Bahamas. Safety awards went to Patterson & Wilder Construction and Midwestern Contractors.
Christopher Leines, Minnesota Limited, was elected to serve as president, and Anthony Deusenbery and Shepard Poole were also elected to serve as officers. Dan Waters, formerly of Miller Pipeline, and Butch Graham of Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers were inducted as honorary members.
Cold desert
Returning to “frosty” Palm Springs – with temperatures just above freezing the morning of the golf tournament – in 2008, were 300 attendees at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort.
Elected president was Tony Deusenbery of Otis Eastern Service Inc. Shepard Poole and Kevin Miller were also elected as officers. Safety awards went to Brotherton Pipeline, KS Energy Services and K.R. Swerdfeger Construction.
In 2009, the Sheraton Maui served as a repeat site for the 48th annual meeting, during a year of a severe economic slowdown.
“Much of the success of the DCA is due to the support and involvement of its members. This year was no exception.,” remarked Deusenbery.
The auction raised $268,000 and safety awards went to Mid-America Underground, KS Energy Service and Snelson Companies, Inc.
Speakers included Pat Tielborg, managing director and general counselor of the PLCA; Dr. Sam Ariaratnam, professor at Arizona State University; and Terence O’Sullivan, general president of the Laborers International Union N.A. Harold Mueller, former owner of MRM; Ed Malzahn, founder of Ditch Witch; and Ruth Michels, Michels Corporation, were all inducted as honorary members.
The new president was Shepard Poole, The Hallen Construction Co. Inc., and other officers elected were Kevin Miller and Greg Dahl.
Venturing to Mexico for the first time, the DCA held its 49th annual meeting, in 2010, at the Fiesta Americana Grand resort in Los Cabos. Some 300 attendees moved to high ground and watched for the never-to-materialize tsunami from the Chilean earthquake.
President Shepard Poole guided the association through a major transition during his tenure, as long-time executive director Dennis Kennedy retired and his replacement, Rob Darden, was hired.
Poole commented in his address that “the economy and how it affects utility markets will be a primary concern of DCA and its members.” Work on a new strategic plan was initiated during his term.
Also speaking at this meeting was Vincent Gibin, general president of the International Union of Operating Engineers. The new Executive Director, Rob Darden, offered a state-of-the-industry address, which noted that industry manhours worked were down 20 percent in the past year.
Also in 2010, Dennis Kennedy was inducted as an honorary member and a special ‘roast’ was held on his and wife Regan’s behalf at one of the functions.
President elect was Kevin Miller, Miller Pipeline Corporation, and other officers were Greg Dahl and Kevin Michels.
50th convention
For its 50th annual convention, in 2011, DCA returned to the El Conquistador Resort in Puerto Rico. Kevin Miller, Miller Pipeline Corporation, presided over the event, as the outgoing president.
The annual auction set a record by raising more than $400,000. Rob Darden, the new executive vice president, gave his state-of-the-industry address, noting that although the last two years had been bumpy due to a poor economy, DCA regular members still spent $279 million on new equipment in 2010. He noted the future looked bright as gas consumption was forecast to rise and there would be a regulatory push to replace old mains and services.
A new DCA strategic plan was developed, along with a mission statement: Quality contractors and associates working together to deliver superior value to the natural gas and the underground utility industry.
Other plans included broadening the DCA’s focus to include non-union members, increase educational offerings and conduct a professional development conference (PDC) in the fall.
Greg Dahl, ARB Inc., was elected president. Other officers chosen were Kevin Michels, Michels Corporation, as vice president; Tim Bell, Midwestern Contractors, as treasurer; and Kevin Miller serving as immediate past-president.
In 2012, DCA returned to Hawaii for its annual convention, held Feb. 3–8, at The Fairmont Orchid on the Kohala Coast of Hawaii. Activities were a well-blended mix of business and pleasure – a mix that has served to highlight the unique nature of DCA since 1961.
The Volvo Auction Reception and Ritchie Bros./DCA Auction was a record-breaking event; the auction raised over $415,000 to support the association’s scholarship program and general activities.
Kevin Michels, vice president of Michels Corporation, Brownsville, Wisc., was named 2012 DCA president, succeeding Greg Dahl, vice president of ARB, Inc., Lake Forest, Calif.
Speakers were Jason Dorsey, The Gen Y Guy; Chris Daum, senior managing director and officer with FMI Capital Advisors, Inc; comedian Frank King; and Wally Amos, the father of the gourmet chocolate chip cookie.
Over 400 DCA members and guests gathered March 5–10, 2013, at the Loews Miami Beach, in Florida, for the 2013 annual convention, making it the highest attended meeting to date. The 23rd annual auction was also the most successful ever, raising a total of $538,440.
Speakers included two-time World Champion Eco-Challenge Adventure Racer and San Diego Firefighter Robyn Benincasa; Bill Sims on “The Remarkable Power of Positive Reinforcement;” Certified Image Consultant, Stylist and Fashion Personality Laurie Brucker; Keni Thomas, country music recording artist; and Army Ranger; and Charlie Morecraft.
More than 400 DCA members and guests gathered Feb. 4–9 at the Ritz Carlton in Cancun, Mexico, for the 2014 annual convention.
Speakers included Richard Picciotto, FDNY chief and highest-ranking firefighter to survive the World Trade Center collapse; Mark Bridgers, principal at Continuum Advisory Group, who gave a presentation on “What Pipeline Contractors & Engineers Need to Know.” Mac King, comedy magician, entertained attendees at Friday’s Ditch Witch Members’ Breakfast; and Clayton Anderson, former NASA astronaut, spoke at the closing breakfast.
The 24th annual auction, again, broke its own record, raising a whopping $730,000.
The historic Roosevelt Hotel in New Orleans was the site of the Feb. 7–12, 2015 DCA annual convention.
Jack and Ken Gabrielse were inducted as DCA’s newest Honorary Members. Speakers were Rob O’Neill, a highly trained Navy SEAL, who led the military’s most elite and was involved in our nation’s most important campaigns; Lt. General Russel L. Honoré, retired from the US Army; and Joby Ogwyn, world renowned for his prowess as an alpinist, wing-suit pilot and BASE jumper.
The 25th annual auction set another new record by raising more than $900,000.
Over 450 DCA members and guests gathered Feb. 15-20 at Naples Grande Beach Resort in Fla., for the 2016 annual convention. The annual auction was again very successful,
raising about $900,000.
2017
Over 490 DCA members and guests, including a record number of first-time attendees, gathered Feb. 6–11 at The Grand Wailea Resort in Maui, Hawaii for the 2017 annual convention. Raising a total of almost $1 million, it was another record year for the 27th annual auction.
In 2018, more than 500 DCA members and guests, including a new record number of first-time attendees, gathered Feb. 25–March 2 at the Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point, Calif., for the annual convention. Another record auction event raised more than $1 million.
A record-setting convention with more than 600 DCA attendees flocked to the Bahamas for a week of warm, sunny weather at the 59th annual convention, in 2019. Held at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar Resort in Nassau, March 4–9, the event was a perfect balance of business, fun and relaxation.
Presentations included engaging speakers like Derreck Kayongo, founder of the Global Soap Project; Australian rescue divers, Drs. Craig Challen and Richard Harris, who were instrumental in the daring extraction of the Wild Boars soccer team and their coach from a flooded cave in Thailand; and Carey Lohrenz, the Navy’s first female F-14 Tomcat carrier pilot.
Also, Dan Shumate of FMI discussed upcoming market trends and challenges at the Business Session. His in-depth presentation ended with audience discussion about whether workforce growth can keep up with demand and the effects of poor public relations for the oil and gas industry.
Fast-paced silent and live auctions raised over $970,000 for the DCA.
2020
The historic and grand Boca Raton Resort and Club hosted the 2020 annual convention, Feb. 24–29. Located about an hour north of Miami, attendees enjoyed the beautiful Florida weather on the tropical Atlantic coast.
Chris Brahler of TT Technologies was named the latest Honorary Member. Speakers included writer, businessman and CPA Gene Marks; Adam Carr and Jake Clark, representing the Save a Warrior (SAW) foundation; and Fox News contributor Chris Stirewalt, who sought to add some historical perspective to American politics.
The keynote speaker was former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, who spoke on “How Geopolitical Events Will Affect Your Company’s Future – And What Every Company Must Know.” He recalled the political and economic scene of the late 1970s – malaise, doubt and dwindling influence – and how Ronald Reagan turned things around in the ‘80s.
Surprise guest Mike Rowe entertained and informed the audience with a sneak peek of his new TV series “Six Degrees.”
As Ben Nelson, Michels Pacific Energy, new DCA president, assumed the gavel from outgoing President Mike Hickey, The Hallen Construction Company, little did the attendees know how the coming months were going to change for the world, with the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. All the remaining DCA events for 2020 were cancelled or converted into virtual events.
Due to these circumstances, the DCA officers agreed to serve consecutive terms as the association transitioned through the lock-downs. But a welcome in-person and open convention/mid-year event is planned for July 2021, in Orlando. •
Past Presidents
Throughout its history, the DCA presidents have played an essential – and often critical – role in the development, growth and overall health of the association. The leadership and accomplishments of many presidents is still revered today.
DCA Past Presidents:
2020/21: Ben Nelson, Michels Pacific Energy
2019: Mike Hickey, The Hallen Construction Company
2018: Jay Osborn, Primoris Services
2017: Dale Mykyte, Pe Ben USA
2016: Dale Anderson, Miller Pipeline
2015: Frank Patterson, Patterson & Wilder Construction
2014: Grady Bell, Laney Directional Drilling Co.,
2013: Tim Bell, Midwestern Contractors
2012: Kevin Michels, Michels Corporation
2011: Greg Dahl, ARB Inc.
2010: Kevin Miller, Miller Pipeline
2009: Shepard Poole, The Hallen Construction Company Inc.
2008: Anthony Deusenbery, Otis Eastern Service Co.
2007: Christopher Leines, Minnesota Limited Inc.
2006: Edwin Shannon, Snelson Companies Inc.
2005: Kenneth Gabrielse, Gabe’s Construction Company Inc.
2004: Keith Swerdfeger, K.R. Swerdfeger Inc.
2002–2003: Michael Murphey, Murphy Bros. Inc.
2002: James Bender, Sub-Surface Construction Inc.
2001: Linda Loftis, Loftis Construction Corporation
2000: David Nelson, Pilchuck Contractors Inc.
1999: Patrick Michels, Michels Corporation
1997–1998: David Watters, Miller Pipeline Corporation
1996: Joseph Purpura, Midwestern Contractors
1995: Dennis Klumb, Sr., Arby Construction Company
1994: Thomas Allen, Tom Allen Construction Company
1993: Royce Heebner, Henkels & McCoy Inc.
1992: Robert Meschi, The Hallen Construction Company Inc.
1991: Jack Gabrielse, InterCon Construction Inc.
1990: J.H. McGlothin, Distribution Pipeline Maintenance Inc.
1989: Joseph Van Gundy, Jr., Waterman Construction Inc.
1988: Larry Smith, Carl E. Smith Inc.
1987: Robert Cooley, Distribution Construction Company
1986: Darold Falldorf, Aconite Corporation
1985: Jerry Stubbs, Mid-Mountain Contractors Inc.
1984: James Donaldson, Donaldson Construction Inc.
1983: James Miller, Mueller Pipeliners Inc.
1982: William Snelson, Snelson Companies Inc.
1981: Dale Miller, Miller Pipeline Corporation
1980: Thomas Poole, The Hallen Construction Company Inc.
1979: Gene Spencer, G.R. Spencer Construction Company Inc.
1978: Rolland Lyons, Michigan Trenching Service Inc.
1977: Robert Bricker, Henkels & McCoy Inc.
1976: Dale Michels, Michels Pipeline Construction Inc.
1975: Richard Comstock, Tarnow Pipeline Construction Company Inc.
1974: Stewart Kniff, Sub-Surface Construction Company Inc.
1973: M.H. Cook, M.H. Cook Pipeline Construction Company Inc.
1972: Allan Coolsaet, R.L. Coolsaet Construction Company Inc.
1971: Murry Loftis, Gas Lines Inc.
1970: Edwin Gabrielse, Gabe’s Construction Company
1969: Don Miller, Miller Pipeline Corporation
1968: S.R. Snider, The Hallen Construction Company Inc.
1967: R.E. Reutzel, R.E. Reutzel Company
1966: R.W. Burkhardt, Burkhardt Pipeline Construction
1965: Frank Everett, Jr., Mid-Mountain Contractors Inc.
1964: A.T. Everham, Midwestern Contractors
1963: W.C. Donaldson, Donaldson Construction Company
1961–1962: Emerson Clark, Engineering Construction Company
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