Your Chance to Save Big for the 2018 MWDPTC!
On May 14, early bird registration will open for the sixth annual Midwest Damage Prevention Training Conference (MWDPTC). Hosted by title sponsors Indiana and Kentucky 811, the 2018 MWDPTC will return to the iconic French Lick Resort in French Lick, Ind., Wednesday, Nov. 14 through Friday, Nov. 16. Once again, MWDPTC attendees will have the opportunity to hear from dynamic and innovative speakers, attend a comprehensive training session schedule and visit an exhibit hall of leading industry subject matter experts. Attendees can also look forward to networking opportunities at several different events, including golf, turkey shooting and horseback riding. Register to take advantage of early bird discounts, which could save your organization hundreds of dollars if you’re sending multiple people to the conference. Visit www.midwest811conference.com to learn more about the 2018 MWDPTC and to register starting May 14.
811 in the Classroom
Indiana 811 and Marathon Pipe Line LLC recently visited third grade students at Carl G. Fisher Elementary School in Speedway, Ind., to present safety information as part of the Marathon Oil Pipe Line Safety Program. Students learned the importance of contacting 811 before digging, how to prevent a pipeline leak, what to do in an emergency and more. Each student also received an 811 T-shirt, and the students and program were featured in a recent issue of the Speedway Town Press West Side Messenger.
National Safe Digging Month Gets Some Buzz in Indiana
Despite unseasonably cool weather this April, digging season was very much underway, and in recognition of National Safe Digging Month, the damage prevention community promoted 811 on TV, radio and more. In Fort Wayne, Chuck Muller, Indiana 811’s Director of Member and Public Relations, explained the process of contacting 811 on the WPTA-TV (ABC 21) program INSight. Chuck also discussed digging safety with Pat Sullivan and Denny Smith on WIBC-FM’s Saturday morning program “Home and Garden” in Indianapolis. Throughout Indiana, stakeholders celebrated National Safe Digging Month through a proclamation from Gov. Holcomb announcing April as Indiana Safe Digging Month, as well as local community events.
Safe Digging Makes an Appearance at Community Events Across Indiana
This spring, the message of safe digging has already been making its rounds at community events across the state. On April 21, Indiana 811 participated as an exhibitor at the Earth Day Indiana Festival at Military Park in Indianapolis and provided attendees with resources about safe digging as they prepare for outdoor spring projects. On April 27, in celebration of Arbor Day, Indiana 811 also attended the annual Indy Free Tree event hosted by DPW Forestry and Indiana Power & Light Company (IPL), which took place at Monument Circle in front of the IPL building in downtown Indianapolis. The event attracted more than 1,000 attendees and included safety information, a giveaway of 1,000 free Carolina Buckhorn trees, food, music, various entertainment and a speech from the mayor.
INPAA CORNER
INPAA Welcomes Kelli Martin
A familiar face has recently joined the Indiana Pipeline Awareness Association (INPAA) team! Kelli Martin is the new INPAA program manager. With a wealth of industry knowledge from across the damage prevention industry, including recent work at the one-call center Miss Utility of Maryland and Washington, D.C., and local public awareness work with an Indiana 811-member company, Kelli is already bringing great energy and expertise to INPAA. In her role, she will be responsible for INPAA training programs, providing auditing support, baseline compliance activity, assistance with INPAA member outreach across all four stakeholder audience groups, and Indiana 811 damage prevention activities. Please join us in welcoming Kelli to the team!
DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know, for the third consecutive year, the MWDPTC will offer 115 complimentary two-night registration packages to first-time attendees through its scholarship program, sponsored by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission? The application period is open now, and professionals who work in Indiana can visit www.811scholarships.com to apply. All applications must be received by June 29, 2018. For more information about the 2018 MWDPTC scholarship program, please visit www.midwest811conference.com.