Volvo has a long history of support for NUCA, the national trade association working solely for the excavation and utility construction industry, and this year Volvo stepped up to become a Gold National Partner, supporting in a bold and novel way the industry trade association that speaks on behalf of utility contractors and excavators.
One highlight of Volvo's year-long support of NUCA was helping raise money for recovering wounded soldiers by sponsoring a benefit concert by singer/songwriter Josh Kelley at NUCA's annual convention. Some of the evening's proceeds also went to NUCA's Scholarship Fund, which helps graduating high school seniors meet college expenses. "We wanted to support NUCA and our military, while creating a fun evening for everyone at the convention," says Volvo VP, Energy Segment, Lewis Long.
At the concert in Ft. Worth, TX, Volvo National Account Manager Keith Rhodus told the crowd, "Volvo is proud to sponsor this outstanding young performing artist. We are also honored to be part of an effort to raise funds for two worthy efforts -- NUCA's Scholarship Fund and Comfort for America's Uniformed Services or 'Cause.' For more than three decades, NUCA's Scholarship Fund has helped more than 100 children of NUCA members attend college. And Cause is doing great things for our returning soldiers who face months of medical care and rehabilitation often far from home and family." Cause organizes programs that promote recreation, relaxation and resiliency for members of the US Armed Services recuperating from injuries received in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. After the concert, convention attendees enjoyed the chance to have photos taken with Kelley and Cause's Brianna Broad, and an impromptu passing-of-the-hat showed the group was not done expressing its appreciation and support for the work of Cause.
Volvo Construction Equipment (CE) is one of the world's largest manufacturers of construction machines. "A class act," is how NUCA member Alex Paris of Alex E. Paris Contracting Company in Pennsylvania, describes Volvo. "They have a great commitment to the industry," adds Paris. "In the last five to 10 years Volvo has taken a very serious approach to the underground utility industry and put a lot into research. They really look at operator comfort, too," Alex says, noting his company has been using Volvo equipment for at least the last 10 years.
"I have been a longtime Volvo customer," saysd NUCA member James King, President of Dekalb Pipeline in Georgia. "I have found both the quality of their equipment as well as the importance they place on relationships to be a strong influence on my equipment purchases."
