Colorado 811 Celebrates 30 Years of Damage Prevention 

Keeping Colorado’s infrastructure safe for three decades

Colorado 811 is celebrating its 30^th year anniversary and we wish to express a heartfelt appreciation to our members, the excavating community, Colorado residents and all other industry stakeholders. Over the past 30 years our industry has evolved in a way we could only hope for.

Shared industry accomplishments include:

• Fostered an atmosphere of wellness, family culture and work-life balance to maintain an engaged and successful workforce
• Mandatory One-Call membership for utility owners in the State of Colorado
• Civil penalties for non-compliance with One-Call legislation
• Pipeline Safety Act of 1992
• Accountable Pipeline Safety and Partnership Act of 1996
• Establish telecommuter program for workforce
• State Damage Reporting (Colorado was the first state to mandate damage reporting to the One-Call Center in 2001)
• Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002
• Designed and built new headquarters facility in 2004
• Implemented digital mapping and polygons for member notifications/transmissions in 2004
• Designation of 811 3-digit dialing by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 2004, implemented in 2007
• Development of nation’s only County Damage Report Card in 2008
• Formation of Colorado Damage Prevention Action Team (CDPAT) in 2008
• Implemented an enhanced asset management and capital planning tool in 2009
• Purchased our own software company (Norfield Data Partners) in 2014
• Designed and created Damage Prevention Liaison Department in 2014
• Partnering with E911 and the Governors Office of Information and Technology (OIT) in 2015 to receive better GIS data

Thank you to all our stakeholders who have united with Colorado 811 to improve safety and damage prevention to keep our state protected from underground utility damages. We plan to continue our work as an industry leader by utilizing technology and partnerships and providing outstanding customer service.

Sandy Samuelson Retires After 26-Year Career   
Colorado 811 Says Goodbye to a Damage Prevention Pioneer

Member Services Announces the Release of Expedite
New database allows excavators to manage tickets in one central place

The Expedite program was developed for CO811’s Excavator Membership. Its purpose is to allow excavator members to view all tickets that were called into 811 or processed online by one or all employees in a central place.

Expedite also allows the excavator to update a ticket with a click of a button as well as view positive responses on a ticket. Expedite holds 30 days worth of data, which can be quickly and easily accessed.

Excavator membership is a $100 fee, due annually. Join Colorado 811 Excavator Membership to gain access. For more information on Expedite, please contact Member Services at member-services@co811.org

JJ Harrison Spreads the Safe Digging Message

Board of Director Spotlight: Ryan Echer

How did you get involved with Damage Prevention?
I started being involved in Damage Prevention in 2005. I had been promoted into a job at the time that Damage Prevention was a high priority. I instantly realized how important Damage Prevention was to the industry as well as the public.  If we can save one life or prevent one injury by promoting safe digging practices and 811, we have successfully accomplished what we are striving for.What is your vision for damage prevention in the future? 
The vision I foresee in a one word is ZERO!
Zero people getting injured or worse.
Zero impacts that impact the operations of all the utility companies and their customers.I also envision a mindset within the excavation community where picking up the phone and calling in for locates is as normal as putting your seatbelt on while getting into a vehicle.  While Colorado 811 has been a leader in education for Damage Prevention we can still do better.  At CO811 we will always continue to push for Zero!

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
I love playing golf, hunting and spending time with my family. I hit my first and only “hole in one” last year. I would like to say it was skill, but anyone who has golfed with me would strongly disagree.  I also enjoy being a volunteer coach for my son’s football team.

Ryan Echer is the Sr. Manager (Northern Colorado Operations) for Black Hills Energy and represents Gas Distribution members.

Employee Spotlight: Jennifer Wilson

How did you get started working at Colorado 811?  
A staffing company referred me to Colorado 811 five years ago when their Administrative Assistant position was available. JD, Jose and Marty were scrambling to fill the position given the late notice of their previous assistant. Talk about being in the right place at the right time!What is your favorite part about your role in damage prevention?
My favorite role in the damage prevention industry is having the ability to assist everyone within and outside of the office. I work with so many wonderful people, including our staff members, board members and the general public. Bringing everyone together and accommodating the needs of others is very rewarding.What interests do you have outside of work?
Hiking, biking, rafting, spending time with my family and friends, and sipping on wine. I have always loved being adventurous and trying new things.Tell us an interesting fact about yourself. 
I love adrenalin! Anything from rollercoasters, to sky-diving, bungee jumping, traveling to new places and eating at new places has always been exciting for me.Jennifer Wilson is Colorado 811’s Administrative Assistant, she has been with CO811 for five years.