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Publisher’s Perspective
What a year it’s been! As 2023 comes to an end, it is the perfect time to reflect on what we’ve done on behalf of our industry over the past 12 months and what lies ahead for us in 2024.
It was announced earlier this year that the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) Board of Directors set a new goal for the industry. That goal was very specific. 50 in 5. The goal simply stated is to reduce our nation’s damages by 50% in 5 years. Can it be done? Well of course it can be done. Will it be done? Maybe! It won’t be done unless we change the way we’ve been doing things. CGA’s own research shows damage trends have been on the rise. Forget about reducing the nation’s damages by 50% in 5 years for just a moment. Will Arkansas work together to create a successful template for achieving the goal of 50 in 5 in our state?
The Arkansas Damage Prevention Summit is scheduled for February 6 – 8, 2024. It will return to the Embassy Suites in Little Rock again and this year’s agenda promises to be exciting. Now that enforcement has been passed in Arkansas, is it working? Attend this year’s event to listen to the experts discuss its progress and next steps to an even fairer and more effective enforcement program.
Throughout 2023, the ACTS team has been blessed to host 8 Damage Prevention Summits
across the U.S. reaching more than 2500 stakeholders all focused on public safety and protecting underground utilities. The staff mailed more than 100,000 811 Magazines to all 50 states and beyond and created online training for enforcement programs as well as delivering live training and workshops for the industry.
Looking ahead to 2024, we are optimistic about the future of our industry and the strength of the relationships that have been forged in common goals. We expect to see less finger-pointing and blaming each other for where we are today. We expect to see increased construction and utility infrastructure being added to our communities, in part because it is needed and in part because of the infrastructure bill that is driving the broadband push today.
I do expect more challenges and opportunities as the demand for excavation and locating services escalates to a record high. Perhaps that will finally get us all to the table to discuss solutions rather than pointing fingers.
I’m confident that we are grateful for the personal and professional successes achieved this year. During this holiday season, let’s remember to acknowledge those who’ve made it possible... our family, our friends, employees and competitors.
From our team to yours, I wish you a Happy and safe Holiday, Merry Christmas and a Happy and profitable New Year!
Roger Cox President ACTS Now, Inc.
2023, Issue 4 Arkansas 811 Magazine • 1