2018 Statement of Affairs
Jane Jernigan, Executive Director
New Mexico Utility Contractors Association
The Association continues to be well respected in the industry and has strong ties and working relationships with other construction associations and agencies. NMUCA’s voice is also well respected and sought out by legislators and community organizations regarding legislative issues. Members are very loyal to the association and are positive with their experience. There is confidence in the leadership of the organization.
The Executive Director has a good relationship with members and continues to seek personal meetings as often as possible by visiting with members and calling them. We have excellent, strong, and respectful relationships with AGC, ACNM, ABC, ASA, PRC, SMACNA, NAIOP, NMRA, NMBC, MCA, PSB, NMHBA, CWCC, NM811, Water Authority, CICA, OSHA, NMRCGA, CID (Crane Council) and A.C.H.E. NMUCA has initiated a working relationship with NM DOT.
This (2018) is the fourth year of being an independent state association (not affiliated with a national group). The financial stability of the association has seen significant growth in the last four years. Cash flow is excellent and there have been no withdrawals from the association’s investment account. The association once again deposited a total of $10,000.00 in 2018 into the investment account and enjoyed some gains in the market. The goal for the investment account is to have one year of operating expenses available if needed.
Programs and trainings have been well attended in 2018. It was recommended that the association have four membership meetings each year rather than five, so the October membership has been eliminated.
NMUCA had a positive meeting in Las Cruces in 2018 and meetings are being scheduled in Las Cruces for 2019. This is an opportunity for NMUCA to have a broader presence in the southern part of New Mexico while also providing a potential for membership growth.
Membership retention is healthy. Membership growth is stagnant. A very strong recommendation for 2019 is to make membership growth a top priority. NMUCA rarely loses a member for dissatisfaction in the association, but we have seen a drop in membership due to companies closing or moving out of state over the last several years.
The Zia Partnership has five members (one less than 2017 due to a business shutting down).
The scholarship program was fully funded and awarded in 2018. It might be prudent to consider more funds for the scholarship program in 2019 because interest has peaked and costs for college expenses has increased.
NMUCA was instrumental in several legislative victories in 2018 including ten bills chartered in the 2018 legislature, changes to the New Mexico One Law that benefits the industry and advances damage prevention; and right to work laws at the county level – 8 counties thus far, 3 actively in discussions.
NMUCA has representation on the boards and/or committees of the Construction Safety Coalition, Construction Industry Crime Alliance, New Mexico Regional Common Ground Alliance, New Mexico Contractors Comp Trust, Albuquerque Coalition for a Healthy Economy, and Women in Construction New Mexico.
Marketing funds in 2019 were used to purchase bumper stickers for fleet vehicles, note pads for meetings and trainings, pens, and association handbooks. NMUCA also sponsored several events including Safe Digging Month, Gubernatorial Forum, and the 1st Annual Health and Safety Fair.