Page 3 - West Virgina 811 Magazine 2021 Issue 1

from the desk of
Tom Taylor
Welcome to the 2021 pipeline safety issue of West Virginia 811 Magazine! Even though this is a brand-new year, we’re still reeling from 2020’s impact. The COVID – 19 pandemic has changed the way the world does business and West Virginia was no exception. Most all meetings during the course of 2020 were either postponed, cancelled or held virtually. That has already carried over to 2021 as the West Virginia Construction and Design Expo has cancelled their March meeting. Previously, we’d always look to see many of you at the largest trade show of its kind, but not this year.
Even though many businesses have been impacted the construction work has remained steady and ticket volumes have held their own as compared to the previous year. That is an amazing testimony to the locators and excavators working across the state. Even in these times of difficulty, they’ve found a way to overcome obstacles to get their jobs completed in a safe manner.
As our enforcement process matures, the enforcement board will receive more and more alleged violations. Be sure to keep up with the latest enforcement activity in each issue of the magazine. Take a moment in this issue to look at the enforcement data to be reminded of the importance of calling before you dig and making that locate in a timely fashion. It is now not just the right thing to do, it is the law, and the law is enforced.
I want to take a moment to thank all the supporters of the magazine. Your continued support through advertising helps make it possible to have a high level of communication with the damage prevention industry like we’ve never experienced before. We hope you find value by advertising in the magazine. As a reminder the magazine is sent out to
the users and members of West Virginia 811. It includes mayors, county and state road departments, members and excavators routinely working in our communities.
Be safe!
Tom Taylor Executive Director West Virginia 811
2021, Issue 1
West Virginia 811 • 1