NMUCA

NEWS

December 2025

Upcoming Dates


December 23-26 Office Closed 


January 1st - New Year's Day


January 20th Session Begins (30 Day)


January 8th - Planning Committee


January 14th - Safety Committee


January 15th - Board Meeting



From the Executive Director's Desk




Thank you all for your membership in NMUCA and another successful year for your Association and your business! I'm looking forward to working with you in 2026 and for the endless possibilities for us to succeed, learn, and support our industry.


You should have received your renewal notice in the mail last week. We have added member benefits and events for 2026. I hope that you will renew your membership.


However you celebrate the holidays, I hope that you are able to enjoy your time with family and friends, and enjoy some time away from work.



Jane Jernigan

Join NMUCA!


Join the New Mexico Utility Contractors Association, the premier association for utility contractors and their partners, dedicated to elevating the construction industry through collaboration and support. We provide a collective voice that advocates for your interests, while offering essential resources for safety, education, and professional development.


 By becoming a member, you will benefit from exclusive networking opportunities, engaging social events, and a forum to share best practices and foster mutual success.


Together, we’ll preserve, protect, and promote the vital work we do, empowering each member to thrive irrespective of competition. Connect, learn, and grow with us as we champion the utility contracting industry and work towards a safer, more prosperous future for all.


Join us today and be part of a community that genuinely cares about your success!

Your 2026 NMUCA Board of Directors & Staff

Contact Us - Staff and Board of Directors

President, Damon Wicketts, 4Rivers Equipment 505 884 2900


Vice-President, Jenice Gallegos, Groundwater Partners


Secretary/Treasurer,  Kelley Fetter, E2RC 505 867 4040 


Past President, Dale Armstrong, TLC Plumbing & Utility 505 761 9696


Troy Otero, Groundhog Construction Services 505 243 2133


Director Darrin Howells, AUI Inc. 505 242 4848


Director Joe Menicucci, Downey & Company 881 0300


Director Reinee Peacher, DuCross Construction 575 636 3023


Director John Theiler, DH Underground


Director Clay Blair, Prime Contracting Solutions


Director Russ Collins, RMCI Ind. 505 345 0008


Director Sam Stribling, 814 Solutions 505 872 0846


Director Tim McWenie, Spear D Construction



Executive Director, Jane Jernigan 505 888 0752


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Jane Jernigan, Executive Director

New Mexico Utility Contractors Association 

505 888 0752 Phone

505 362 8950 Cell 

nmuca@nmuca.org Email

Jane.NMUCA@Gmail.com 

WWW. NMUCA.ORG 


Congratulations to NMUCA Member Guzman Construction Solutions


The 2024 Cooper Award was presented at the 2025 New Mexico Regional Common Ground Alliance Damage Prevention Expo in November. The Winner, Guzman Construction Solutions, LLC, was presented the award by the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission's Jason Montoya:

 


Thank You 2025 Platinum Investment Sponsor

Our New Webpage—Designed With You in Mind

We are currently developing a new webpage designed to be a valuable resource that enhances your NMUCA membership. You’ll soon be able to download documents, register for meetings, view photographs, read newsletters, and much more—all in one convenient place.


The site is partially functional now, and we look forward to launching the fully completed version at the beginning of the year.

Upcoming in your mailbox..............

  • 2026 Membership Renewal Dues
  • Best of 2025


What's New For 2026?

  • Event in Santa Fe
  • Philanthropy Event in July
  • Two Hour Safety Consultation
  • Meet the Associates - Associate Member Appreciation Luncheon
  • Focused Government Relations Committee
  • Tailgate for NM United
  • Tailgate Event with NM Lobos Football
  • Increased Scholarship Awards
  • More focus on local level politics



Welcome New Members


Andres Garcia, President 

Capra Bank 

505-415-0905

Email: agarcia@caprabank.com

Address: 5171 Lang Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109 

Clay Blair, Owner

PCS


Meet The Generals

February 19, 2026 4:30pm - 8:00pm

Sandia Resort and Casino


Click Here To Register Online

NMUCA Photos

Preserving Our History, Showcasing Our Activities


NMUCA has a new and better way to share photos from our events, meetings, and occasions. We are now on the Flickr. You don't have to log-in or create an account to view photos. I am working on uploading and transferring our historical photos.


CLICK HERE to check out the NMUCA Albums.

Membership Benefits

 

ZIA Partnership with OSHA

Lobbyist Working For You and Our Industry

Safety Awards

Student Scholarship Program

Employee Scholarship Program

Safety Training & Safety Training Network

Construction Safety Coalition

Education Courses and Seminars

Tool Box Talks in English and Spanish

Listing on NMUCA's Web Page

New Mexico Regional Common Ground Alliance

Monthly e-Newsletter

Membership Meetings

Last Ditch Open Golf Tournament

Washington Report & Legislative Alerts

Safety Committee and Resources

Human Resources Committee and Resources

Planning Committee

Philanthropy Committee & Volunteer Opportunities  

Legislative Committee and Resources

Member to Member Support and Mentorship

Rules and Regulations – Keeping you updated

Network Network Network

DIG TALKs

Lunch and Learns

Meeting Space free to use for members

Social Events

Associate Appreciation Luncheon

Construction Night at Isotopes Park

Safety Consultation included in Membership

Sponsorship and Advertising Opportunities

 

PROMOTE     PROTECT     PRESERVE

THIS IS YOUR ASSOCIATION!

Muddy Work Areas Safety Talk

Muddy Work Areas Safety Talk


Weather can create many hazards and slow down production for construction sites and other work sites that are outdoors. This is especially true when rain creates excessively muddy conditions. There are many different hazards to consider if work is going to take place in muddy conditions.

Hazards and Injuries Created by Muddy Work Areas

  • Equipment/ vehicle crashes or over-turn. Traction and control are greatly reduced when operating on mud.
  • Slips, trips, and falls. Walking around or getting into equipment in the mud can lead to slipping or falling.
  • Sprains/ strains. Many people will pull muscles due to getting their boots stuck in the mud and trying to yank them out. Also, falling over with your feet stuck in an awkward position can lead to suffering a sprain or strain injury.

Best Practices When Working in Mud

  • The single best practice is eliminating work in excessively muddy areas until it clears up or work areas are addressed.
  • Dress up areas with equipment such as a bulldozer to get down to more solid ground.
  • If work is continuing in an area that is muddy, stop when needed to dress it up again. It takes less time to fix an area to make it safer than it does to pull out stuck vehicles or equipment that tips over.
  • Never drive into excessively muddy areas or down slick slopes. Getting stuck creates more hazards due to other personnel having to come into the field to pull out your vehicle or equipment.
  • If you get your foot stuck in the mud, slowly work it out by moving your foot back and forth. Yanking on it is not very effective and can result in injury.
  • Maintain clean steps on equipment and remove mud off of your boots before climbing up and down equipment. Always use three points of contact.

Summary

While these safeguards seem like common sense, many injuries and property damage incidents occur every year due to poor site conditions. Use your best judgment when working in the mud. Do not put yourself in a situation where you make a bad situation worse. Always adjust work plans to site conditions.

Discussion point:

-What other hazards or considerations do we need to take into account when dealing with muddy site conditions?




Information Provided by Safety Talk Ideas

Safety Focus

Holidays


The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and spending quality moments with loved ones. However, amidst the festivities, it’s important to prioritize safety to ensure that accidents and injuries don’t dampen the holiday spirit. In this blog post, we’ll explore some common holiday safety tips to help you and your family have a safe and enjoyable season.

1. Decorate with Caution

Holiday decorations can add a festive touch to your home, but they can also pose risks if not handled carefully. Here are some decorating safety tips:

– Use stable ladders and proper tools when hanging lights and decorations.

– Inspect holiday lights for frayed wires, damaged sockets, or loose connections before use.

– Keep decorations away from open flames, such as candles and fireplaces.

– Use flame-resistant or non-flammable decorations when possible.

2. Fire Safety

The warm glow of candles and the crackling of a fireplace create a cozy holiday atmosphere. However, these sources of heat can lead to accidents if not managed safely:

– Never leave candles unattended, and keep them out of the reach of children and pets.

– Use a screen in front of the fireplace to prevent sparks from escaping.

– Ensure your smoke detectors are working correctly and have fresh batteries.

3. Safe Gift-Giving

When exchanging gifts, consider safety in your choices:

– Choose age-appropriate toys and gifts for children, checking for small parts that could be choking hazards.

– If you’re giving sports equipment, provide appropriate safety gear, such as helmets and pads.

– Be cautious with pets and holiday decorations, as pets might chew on or ingest small, harmful items.

4. Food Safety

Food plays a central role in holiday celebrations, but improper handling can lead to food-borne illnesses:

– Wash your hands and cooking utensils frequently.

– Cook meats to the recommended temperatures.

– Refrigerate leftovers promptly to prevent spoilage.

5. Travel Safely

If you’re traveling during the holidays, take precautions:

– Ensure your vehicle is well-maintained, with functioning brakes, tires, and lights.

– Buckle up and use age-appropriate car seats for children.

– Avoid drinking and driving; designate a sober driver if needed.

6. Stay Active and Healthy

Don’t forget about maintaining your physical and mental health during the holidays:

– Stay active with outdoor activities, weather permitting, or indoor exercises.

– Manage stress through relaxation techniques and self-care.

– Seek medical attention promptly if you’re feeling unwell or have symptoms of illness.


By following these holiday safety tips, you can minimize the risk of accidents and injuries and ensure that your holidays are filled with happiness, good health, and cherished memories. At Insight, your well-being is our priority, and we wish you a safe and joyful holiday season.


Suicide Prevention - Dial 988


Did You Know?


OSHA's construction infrastructure webpage provides resource for employers, workers and others involved in the job of improving and building our nation’s infrastructure. It includes information about common construction hazards and how to better identify and control them using safety and health programs.


¿Sabías?


La página web de OSHA sobre la construcción de infraestructuras proporciona recursos para empleadores, trabajadores y otras personas implicadas en el trabajo de mejora y construcción de las infraestructuras de nuestra nación. Incluye información sobre peligros habituales en la construcción y sobre cómo identificarlos y controlarlos mejor mediante programas de seguridad y salud.


2026 Dates


January 2026

8th Planning Committee

14th Safety Committee

15th Board Meeting

20th Legislative Session Begins

 

February 2026

4th Santa Fe Summit

5th NMCSC – NM Construction Fatality Report & Lessons Learned

12th Planning

19th Board Meeting  

19th Meet the Generals joint meeting with ABC, ASA, & AGC

 

March 2026

11th Safety Committee

12th Planning Committee

19th Board Meeting

25th Lunch and Learn – Crises Management

 

 April 2026

8th Safety Committee

9th Planning Committee

16th Membership Meeting

16th Board Meeting

24th Tinnin Clay shoot

 

May 2026

7th Construction Safety Coalition

14th Planning

21st Board Meeting

21st Social

27th Lunch and Learn – NM811 Law Class

  

June 2026

10th Safety Committee

11th Planning

18th Board Meeting

18th Membership Meeting

20th Isotopes Game

 

July 2026

16th Social

Philanthropy event

 

August 2026

11th 811 Day

12th Safety “Committee

13th Planning

20th Board Meeting

20th Membership Meeting & Associate Member Appreciation

26th Lunch and Learn - Conducting an Internal Investigation HR

 

 

September 2026

3rd Construction Safety Coalition – Situational Awareness

17th Planning Committee Lunch at Golf Course

18th Last Ditch Open Golf Tournament @ Sandia

24th Board Meeting

24th Social

 

October 2026

7th Safety Committee

8th Planning

15th Board Meeting

20, 21, 22 NM Regional Common Ground Alliance

 

November 2026

5th NMCSC

6th End of Year Social

11th Safety Committee Breakfast

12th Planning Committee Lunch

19th Board Meeting & Planning Session

 

EVENTS

Meet the Generals

Legislative Wrap-up Membership Meeting

Associate Appreciation Lunch

Santa Fe Summit

Safety Award Luncheon

Tinnin Clay Shoot

Construction Night at Isotopes

Last Ditch Open Golf tournament

End of Year Social

NM Construction Safety Coalition

NM Regional Common Ground Alliance

Philanthropy Event

United Tail Gate

NM811 Day

Lobos Game Meet & Tailgate

 

Training/Lunch and Learn:

NM811 Law Class

Crisis Management

Conducting an Internal Investigation HR

Bonding

Requested Training