16 AUGUST 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Do You Have What it Takes to Win The National Equipment Operators Championships? Adapted from Information by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) The Utility Expo and the National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) are partnering to host the National Equipment Operator Championships during the upcoming Utility Expo October 7-9, 2025, at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky. A truly unique experience, the new National Equipment Operator Championships will challenge skilled equipment operators from around the country to compete in a series of hands-on events designed to test precision, control, and safety in utility-related tasks. Using construction equipment, operators will compete in games such as cornhole, hole-inone putting, and soccer, in addition to a pipe placement challenge. “This partnership with NUCA adds an exciting and interactive new dimension to The Utility Expo Experience,” said Brianne Somers, Show Director of The Utility Expo. “Our industry thrives on skill, ingenuity, and community, and these championships put all three front and center. It’s a great way to celebrate our workforce, recognize operator mastery, and give attendees a real sense of what utility professionals do every day.” Using a bracket-style format, the two-day competition will begin with qualifying rounds on October 8, with first, second, and third place finishers awarded on October 9. Finalists will be ranked by cumulative points and time, with a sudden-death round and time extension possible in the event of a tie. “Competition can be fun in the construction industry, and The Utility Expo is an exciting opportunity for NUCA and AEM to come together for a challenging, safe, and enjoyable event that showcases the skills of operators,” said Ed DeNeale, NUCA Director of Safety. “We will have some of the best equipment operators in the United States competing for the top prize - more importantly, bragging rights. We're really pleased to have the opportunity to bring something different to this well-known show.” Participants will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the equipment and event configuration on Tuesday, October 7, during open practice hours. Official judging will be provided, and safety guidelines will be strictly enforced. For more information and to register for the 2025 Utility Expo, visit www.theutilityexpo.com WWDR will be there! CONST Smith Cont’d from page 14. 2 Learn to forgive sooner rather than later or never. Need more reasons? 2 Start using more common sense in relationships with others and less stupid rationales, poor emotional maturity, or just plain stubbornness. 2 Live in the now, not the past or future. And finally, 2 Tell the people who you care about that you care about them. Don’t keep stuff hidden. 2 Embrace what you have now and let go of the need for what you don’t have or want. I’ll bet there is someone in your life who you need to reconnect with - I’m not talking about an e-mail or text - I’m talking about real connection. Do it before it’s too late. Billy Bob Contact him via e-mail to michele@worldwidedrillingresource.com
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDk4Mzk=