Richardson, Texas - More than 180 members and guests attended the 2012 DCA Mid Year Meeting, July 11-15 in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and were provided with an outstanding venue of business and social events.
DCA’s standing committees met to discuss agenda items and plan the association’s upcoming activities including participation in industry trade shows, industry educational and safety issues and speakers for future business sessions.
The Board of Directors received current reports from the committees and reviewed plans for the DCA’s 2013 Convention, March 5-10 at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel in Miami Beach, Florida. They also approved plans for DCA’s 2013 Safety Congress to be held at The Bellagio in Las Vegas, Nevada April 2-4, joining the upcoming slate of events; the 2013 Mid Year Meeting to be held July 17-21 at Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa in Avon, Colorado and the 2014 Annual Convention to be held February 4-9 at The Ritz Carlton in Cancun, Mexico.
The Leadership Council, comprised of the Chairs and Co-Chairs of the standing committees, met Wednesday to discuss and coordinate activities and to track strategic initiatives set by the Board of Directors.
In addition to the committee and business meetings, an exciting mix of networking and social opportunities kept the participants busy during the five-day event.
Wednesday’s Welcome Reception was fun for the whole family and included meeting Sara Eyestone. Sara is an Artist and Art Curator who teaches beginning oil painting classes at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. Sara also taught beginning art classes to members and guests during the week.
On Thursday, an inspiring Business Session with Eric Giguere of Safety Awareness was held. Eric discussed his experiences as a laborer who was injured. Two months into his first trenching project his crew was installing a 12-inch water main when the trench walls collapsed and buried him. Eric emphasized the importance of safety at all times and having the right attitude towards safety.
The DCA Golf Tournament, also held on Thursday, was a Shotgun Scramble at one of the finest courses around Santa Fe. First place winners were Jim Shelley (Midwestern Manufacturing Company), Gary Nirich (Vermeer of Indiana), Doug Banning (Miller Pipeline) and Randy Hayes (Vacuworx Global).
After a full day of meetings on Friday, members enjoyed dinner at Bonanza Creek Ranch, where “Cowboys & Aliens” was filmed and where “Sweetwater” is currently being filmed. The BBQ dinner was western-themed with stunt shows and gaming tables. Entertainment included legendary songwriter Joe West and his band.
Saturday’s Business Session with Dee Davis, Senior Safety Consultant for NTCI, provided information on DOT Audits, new regulations, hours of service and general education about the rules and regulations that are out there and how it can impact DCA Members and their companies. Dee fielded questions from our members and was able to direct them on how to keep and stay within compliance to their state and within federal regulations.
In addition to an informative business schedule, an exciting slate of optional activities were available to appreciate and explore the unique culture of Santa Fe; such as a Geocaching Challenge, a Ghost Walk Tour, Outdoor Cooking Class and Wine Making and Tasting, Native American Ruins Adventure at Puye Cliffs, White Water Rafting, Beginning Oil Painting and a Ropes Challenge Course.
At the end of the Mid Year Meeting, the staff requested the attendees turn in their recyclable name badges in order to be eligible for a $100 VISA Gift Card. After returning to the DCA office, Rob Darden drew the winning badge: Morgan Heinen, daughter of Jon and Tricia Heinen of Vermeer Corporation.
Numerous comments from the members indicated they thoroughly enjoyed the unique culture of Santa Fe and have now returned home with memories of a fun and productive summer meeting.