The Annual Meeting of JULIE, Inc. will occur in Joliet, IL for JULIE members on Thursday, August 1, 2024 at the Holiday Inn & Suites – Joliet Southwest. A virtual attendance option will be available for JULIE members. At that meeting, the membership will be provided with highlights from 2023, an overview of the 2024 Strategic Plan for the organization, and participate in Board elections for those expiring officer and voting director seats.
Understanding that many members may not be able to join us for the meeting each year, it is the desire of the JULIE Board of Directors to create and make available this Annual Report in advance to the full membership.
In addition to Illinois excavators requesting in 2023, for the fifth consecutive year, over 1.5 million utility locate requests, this past year was also significant for our organization in two significant ways. The JULIE Board and Staff focused on a variety of initiatives to introduce or improve technologies to improve the efficiency of administrative operations at JULIE or enhance our already effective methods of reaching utility and excavation stakeholders with advertising and/or education related communications. Those efforts are outlined throughout this report.
In addition to addressing numerous technology enhancements, our 2023 Strategic Plan also continued to focus on one of the biggest issues for our membership…the need for important updates to the Illinois Underground Utility Facilities Damage Prevention Act (JULIE Law). JULIE’s Governmental Affairs Committee met throughout 2023 to thoughtfully consider and craft draft language to improve our state’s damage prevention law and assist members with meeting the ever-increasing level of utility locate requests.
JULIE is fortunate to have a very dedicated Board and Staff that remains committed to our organization’s mission of providing a “…continuously improving one-call message processing and damage prevention education service…”. On behalf of the JULIE, Inc. Board of Directors, the staff and management, I am privileged to present this 2023 JULIE, Inc. Annual Report.
Mark A. Frost Executive Director
JULIE MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of JULIE, Inc. is to provide Illinois excavators and underground utility facility owners with a continuously improving one-call message processing and damage prevention education service for the safety and protection of underground facilities and the community.
LOCATE REQUESTS
BY THE NUMBERS
CALL TICKET ENTRY METHODS
Farm Progress Show 2023
The Farm Progress Show is called the “Super Bowl of Agriculture” for good reason. It is the nation’s largest outdoor farm event, offering hands-on experiences and opportunities to learn about the latest developments in every facet of the agriculture industry. Between 150,000 and 200,000 visitors funneled through Progress City USA in Decatur, Illinois over three days in August.
Seconds Later, kiosks and an interactive Energy Transfer agriculture display. The prize wheel, bean bag game, water, popcorn and give-a-ways were popular. The Peterson Brothers (farmers and digital influencers) also made a guest appearance and drew a crowd. We also coordinated a geo-fencing campaign at the show. These digital ads were served to attendees to drive them to our tent. Additional ads retargeted those attendees for an additional 30 days, resulting in over 750,000 impressions. The event returns to Illinois next year.
Working with several member companies, including Ameren Illinois and Marathon Pipeline, JULIE reached thousands of attendees at our Farm Safe 811 tent. The tent featured the 811 Bike, a theater area showing the award-winning film, Three
Year in Review 2023
Proposed Changes to the State Law
JULIE’s Governmental Affairs Committee met several times and discussed proposed changes to the Illinois Underground Utility Facilities Damage Prevention Act (Act). HB2263 was introduced in February 2023 and it was determined that additional meetings with stakeholders were
needed before moving forward. Based upon stakeholder feedback, the JULIE Board of Directors approved a modified proposal to overhaul the Act in December 2023 with a goal to introduce a bill in spring 2024.
Throughout 2023, JULIE team members met with stakeholders across the state to present information, review compromises to the language and address concerns. Education materials, including a fact sheet, explanation of substantive changes with a QR code and graphical timelines were developed and distributed at meetings and conferences. A new landing page was created on our website to provide updates, highlight key areas in the proposed legislation and gather comments. Articles were included in eblasts and a presentation was created. In the fall, nine in-person workshops and one virtual webinar were held to review the proposed substantial changes to the existing law.
Marketing Initiatives
The Marketing and Communications team completed several initiatives, including personalized streaming video commercials and digital campaigns; weather trigger campaign; and a municipality toolkit with messaging tools. We developed new, creative videos targeting homeowners and contractors.
Roger Watwood explained proposed law changes.
During Safe Digging Month in April, statewide marketing initiatives included strategic partnership activations, traditional and digital advertising, inserts in member utility bills, billboards, media interviews, email marketing and education eblasts, social media and Public Service Announcements. We created a print version of the Excavation Safety Resource and redesigned the Homeowner’s Guide and Agriculture brochure.
For August 11 (8/11 Day), we partnered with Chicago Billboards to secure 50 community digital billboards in northern Illinois at no cost. As part of a national initiative, we did a takeover of the Chicago Cubs, White Sox and St. Louis Cardinals websites. More than 1.1 million fans saw our messages.
Advocacy Award Recipients
Two years ago, the Board of Directors created the Gina Meehan-Taylor Damage Prevention Advocacy Award. The award was created in memory of Gina, a damage prevention professional with Ameren Illinois, who was passionate about protecting underground utilities. Gina had also served on our Board of Directors and Public Education Committee.
Nominations included those who demonstrated leadership in the industry and who had made a positive impact through outreach, education and advocacy. The recipients of the Gina Meehan-Taylor Damage Prevention Advocacy Award were Kevin Basham of NPL for the Great Lakes Region; Zach Billings of the Wheaton Sanitary District; and Tom Somerville with Apex Landscaping
Online Flag Messaging Toolkit
To promote damage prevention, we created a new educational initiative for our member utilities. A helpful toolkit on our website includes suggestions for changes to utility marking flag designs that can educate the public on the importance of safe digging. Several members ordered these flags with a QR flag to our website on the design.
JULIE Essentials Learning Management System Courses
The Education Department continues to promote our new online training options offered through our Learning Management System (LMS) and develop new courses to meet the needs of the Illinois damage prevention industry. JULIE Essentials for Out-of-State Excavators launched in April 2023 and was promoted to our membership and to excavators who are using contractors and sub-contractors from outside of Illinois.
Reorganization
A plan was developed to implement a reorganization of JULIE to meet current needs and align resources with needs while increasing efficiencies. On January 1, 2023, two new departments, Education and Marketing & Communications were created as a result of reimagining the former Public Relations Department. In addition, changes went into effect in the Member Services Department, formerly known as the Computer Operations Department.
Brian MacKenzie discussed safe digging practices.
The JULIE message was played prior to Chicago White Sox games.
Members can now use the online flag toolkit for education.
Dave Van Wy spoke at the Illinois Arborist Association conference.
Technology Enhancements and Maintenance
The Member Services Department identified and implemented a multi-factor cyber security plan across the organization. Our Norfield (JULIE’s ticket entry software) server was moved from North Carolina to Oak Brook and our legacy internet was replaced with a Comcast solution. New computers were set up and distributed in the Call Center to increase efficiency. A new electronic Annual Mailing to members was implemented in the fall.
New Payment Portal for Members
The Finance Department unveiled a new payment portal for members. A promotional handout was created and included in the electronic Annual Mailing.
Anniversary
A 50th Anniversary Committee was established and met regularly to discuss ideas for a year-long marketing plan in 2024. In the fall, we began filming for a 50th Anniversary video. Our objective was to celebrate JULIE and its 50 years of helping keep the people of Illinois safe when digging and
to build pride in what JULIE and its members do for Illinois residents. We also designed an anniversary logo.
& Fishing Days in September 2023.
JULIE sponsored the Butterfly Garden at Brookfield Zoo.
JULIE attended the Southern Illinois Hunting
JULIE was the Education Partner of the Chicago Wolves.
Fans enjoyed give-a-ways at a Gateway Grizzlies game.
Brian MacKenzie met fans at a Peoria Rivermen game during Safe Digging Month.
JULIE attended the La Grange Fire Department open house. Damage prevention managers attended various expos and trade shows.
Kevin Chmura with the Schaumburg Boomers mascot.
Roger Watwood educated students at Progressive Ag Safety Day.
New Members
JULIE Welcomes Our Newest Members
Woodland School District
MR Systems Wireless
Dynacoil, Inc.
South Front Networks, LLC
Quad State Internet
Grundy County Highway Department
Sapphire Sky Wind Energy
Sifi Networks
Financial Numbers
Ahern Community Solar LLC
Rise Broadband
East St. Louis School Dist. 189
Summit IG LLC
Communication Innovators
Terreva Countryside Rng, LLC
Ameresco Brickyard Rng, LLC
Mapei Corporation
As of December 31, 2023, JULIE membership is 1,998 strong.
In 2023, the Finance Department created an in-house digital storage for permanent record solutions. The Department engaged the services of Clifton Larson Allen as our organization’s independent auditors. To maintain fiscal responsibility, the Finance Team also upgraded our existing accounting software.
*
* Budgeted spend down of excess Strategic Reserves as approved by BOD in July 2022
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is the governing body of the not-for-profit corporation. The 34-member Board represents each underground facility industry, including seats for non-member excavators and contract locators as of December 31, 2023.
OFFICERS
Board President (as of July 2023) - Andy Hamilton, Representing Grafton Telephone Co. Outgoing Board President - Kevin Cavenaile, President Representing AT&T
Secretary - Jonathan Jones, Representing Western Utility Contractors, Inc. Treasurer - Aaron Hoerchler, Representing Kinder Morgan Inc.
CABLE TELEVISION
Brad Bushma, Vice President Representing Metronet
Donavan DeMay, Director Representing Mediacom
Aaron Powers, Vice President Representing Comcast
COMMUNICATION
Daniel Moreth, Vice President Representing AT&T
Jennifer Uridil-Dolman, Director Representing Northern Illinois University
CONTRACT LOCATOR
Gerald Johnson, Director Representing USIC
Ted Troyner, Vice President Representing Meade, Inc.
Mike Reese, Vice President Representing Staking Center Locating
Steven Rienks, Vice President Representing American Surveying & Engineering
ELECTRIC
Erin Halley, Vice President Representing Wayne-White Electric Cooperative
Kelley Heinz, Director Representing ComEd
Alan Meissner, Vice President Representing Corn Belt Energy Corp.
NON-MEMBER EXCAVATOR
Orlando Duran, Vice President Representing D Construction
Gary Klein, Vice President Representing Tecnica
GAS
Daniel Cempel, Director Representing North Shore Gas
Kent Kowalske, Vice President Representing Ameren Illinois
Chuck Mueller, Vice President Representing Ameren Illinois
Leticia Quezada, Vice President Representing Nicor
MUNICIPAL
Fred Kreinbrink, Director Representing City of Naperville
Matthew Oldenburg, Vice President Representing City of Galena
Patrick Sheeran, Vice President Representing Lake County DOT
PIPELINE
Tom Hobson, Director Representing Marathon Pipe Line LLC
SMALL UTILITY
Toby Rinehart, Vice President Representing City of Flora
Cory Sheehy, Director Representing City of Marshall
Matt Streicher, Vice President Representing Glenbard Wastewater Authority
WATER & SEWER
Randall Jessen, Director Representing Village of Plainfield
Bernie Sebold, Vice President Representing Illinois American Water Co.
Dean Swingler, Vice President Representing E.J. Water Cooperative
Sean Walsh, Vice President Representing City of Wheaton
EMERITUS
Gene Barney, Vice President Representing Tri-County Locating
