The Annual Meeting of JULIE, Inc. will occur in Joliet, IL for JULIE members on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM at the Holiday Inn & Suites – Joliet Southwest. JULIE members are invited to join us in-person or via a virtual attendance option. At this meeting, the membership will be provided with highlights from 2025, an overview of the 2026 Strategic Plan for the organization, and an invitation to participate in Board elections for expiring officer and voting director seats. Our guest speakers for this year are representatives from One Call Concepts, Inc., our new ticket entry / message delivery software vendor. They will be providing an overview on their software solution that JULIE is implementing within our call center starting in 2027.
Understanding that many JULIE members may not be able to join us in-person for the meeting each July, it is the desire of the JULIE Board of Directors to create and make available this Annual Report in advance to the full membership.
2025 will be remembered as the implementation year for the many significant changes to overhaul the Illinois Underground Utility Facilities Damage Prevention Act, commonly referred to as the JULIE Law, as well as the year that JULIE members and excavators raised their awareness of the concept of Positive Response and their respective responsibilities under the JULIE Law to utilize it starting in January 2026.
As you will see within this report, there were a variety of methods used to educate and inform our JULIE members and Illinois excavators of not only the changes to the JULIE Law, but also of the many on-line and in-person resources that are available to further damage prevention education. All of these enhancements have the same common purpose: to reduce service interruptions and personal injury related to excavation activities across our state.
As all of these efforts were underway, collectively we realized year-end volume that exceeded 1.6 million utility locate requests. This is the third time in the last five years that we have exceeded that volume threshold.
JULIE’s success starts with a dedicated Board and Staff that remains committed to our organization’s not-forprofit 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 2025 JULIE, Inc. Annual Report.
Mark A. Frost Chief Executive Officer
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.
Ending 12/31/2025
Year in Review
New JULIE Law Takes Effect
On January 1, 2025, significant changes to the Illinois Underground Utility Facilities Damage Prevention Act (JULIE Law) officially took effect, reshaping how JULIE and stakeholders across the state approach damage prevention and excavation safety. The changes impact several key areas, including notification timelines, pre-marking requirements, Positive Response procedures, reasonable control measures, and service lateral responsibilities.
Recognizing the broad industry impact of the new legislation, JULIE’s Education and Marketing teams launched an ambitious and comprehensive statewide outreach initiative to ensure all stakeholders were informed, prepared, and compliant. The result was a highly successful 116-touchpoint New Law Education Plan reaching homeowners, excavators, utilities, municipalities, contractors, and industry partners through multiple communication channels and learning opportunities. The campaign included a robust Learning Management System (LMS) online education series, statewide workshops, industry conference participation, instructional videos, webinars, e-blasts, public service announcements, presentations, in-person training sessions, and refreshed online toolkits.
A dedicated pre-marking awareness campaign was also developed to reinforce one of the law’s most important operational changes and help stakeholders better understand their responsibilities before excavation begins. In parallel, JULIE developed a comprehensive communications strategy addressing additional law changes scheduled to take effect in January 2026, ensuring stakeholders remained informed well ahead of future implementation deadlines.
Through these coordinated efforts, JULIE reinforced consistent and proactive safety messaging across all audiences while strengthening statewide awareness of safe digging practices and legal compliance requirements. JULIE remains committed to supporting its members, protecting underground infrastructure, and promoting public safety throughout Illinois with continued education and outreach initiatives.
Newly Redesigned JULIE Website
In August 2025, JULIE launched a newly redesigned website, JULIEBeforeYouDig.com, creating a more modern, user-friendly experience for homeowners, excavators, members, and stakeholders across Illinois. The updated site features improved navigation, enhanced search capabilities, and streamlined access to important safety information, resources, and online tools.
A key focus of the redesign was developing audience-specific pages tailored to the unique needs of different users. Whether visiting as a homeowner planning a backyard project or as a professional excavator seeking detailed compliance information, visitors can more easily find relevant content, educational materials, and guidance designed specifically for their role or project. The redesigned website supports JULIE’s ongoing commitment to accessibility, communication, and promoting safe digging awareness throughout the state.
Our newly redesigned website delivers a modern, user-friendly experience
JULIE Law is a legislative milestone focused on increasing safe digging in Illinois
Year in Review (continued)
New Online Courses and Refresher Series
To expand on-demand learning opportunities, JULIE introduced a new series of Quick Dig Refresher Courses available through JULIEessentials.com. These short, interactive modules provide focused education on key topics including Pre-Marking, Notification Timelines, Positive Response, and Joint Meets.
JULIE developed a new Joint Meet Course featuring real-world scenarios and best practices to strengthen planning and communication between excavators and utility representatives. In addition, new Positive Response training modules were created for members and excavators to support understanding of response codes, system expectations, and compliance responsibilities.
Member Education Workshops
JULIE continued to prioritize education and industry engagement through 12 Member Education Workshops held throughout the year, including 10 in-person sessions and two virtual offerings that reached nearly 1,300 attendees across Illinois.
The workshops provided practical guidance on topics such as member responsibilities, Positive Response, online training opportunities, and recent law changes impacting the damage prevention industry. These sessions also encouraged collaboration and discussion while reinforcing JULIE’s commitment to communication, outreach, and safe excavation practices.
Farm Progress Show
JULIE partnered with member utility companies to deliver a successful Farm Safe 811 presence at the 2025 Farm Progress Show in Decatur. A new high-traffic tent location boosted visibility and engagement, attracting attendees with interactive safety displays, educational exhibits, games, and giveaways.
With more than 180,000 attendees, the event provided an excellent opportunity to promote safe digging awareness and strengthen industry partnerships. JULIE also launched a geo-fencing digital marketing campaign during the show, followed by 30 days of retargeting, generating more than 750,000 ad impressions and significantly extending the reach of the Farm Safe 811 message.
The August event was successful for JULIE and its member partners, increasing awareness, engagement, and collaboration while building momentum for future shows.
Member Education Workshops demonstrated JULIE’s ongoing support for members and highlighted key program updates, including Positive Response
New on-demand training courses enhanced learning opportunities through interactive, topic-focused modules for members and excavators
Participation in the 2025 Farm Progress Show strengthened engagement, visibility, and safe digging awareness
Year in Review (continued)
Gina Meehan-Taylor Advocacy Award
Four years ago, the Board of Directors established the Gina Meehan-Taylor Damage Prevention Advocacy Award
The award, established in memory of Gina, a dedicated Ameren Illinois professional and longtime champion of underground utility safety, recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, advocacy, and commitment to protecting underground infrastructure. Gina also served with distinction on our Board of Directors and Public Education Committee.
The 2025 recipients of the Gina Meehan-Taylor Damage Prevention Advocacy Award were Kim Kennedy of Electric Conduit Construction and Brian Hovanes of M&J Underground. Selected from a statewide pool of nominations, both recipients were recognized for their tireless efforts to advance the principles of damage prevention and champion safe excavation practices.
Marketing Campaigns
JULIE launched three integrated marketing campaigns focused on reducing utility line damages and educating key stakeholder audiences across Illinois.
APRIL
Campaign targeted excavators reinforcing that pre-marking is required by Illinois law prior to excavation.
Direct mail toolkit included: pre-marking flag samples, educational posters, and links to landing pages offering downloadable English and Spanish resources
AUGUST
Second multi-channel media campaign, aimed at excavators, launched. Emphasized the importance of contacting JULIE before every excavation — to help reduce damages and improve safety outcomes
NOVEMBER
Introduced a targeted awareness campaign directed at members and plumbing contractors.
Communicated upcoming legislative changes requiring service laterals to be locatable beginning January 1, 2026
RESULTS
Delivered more than 25 million digital ad impressions
Generated nearly 350,000 email opens
Drove more than 53,000 website visits
Reached more than 300,000 professional excavators throughout Illinois
Brian Hovanes of M&J Underground — Advocacy Award Recipient with Mark Frost
Kim Kennedy of Electric Conduit Construction — Advocacy Award Recipient with Andy Hamilton and Mark Frost
JULIE Welcomes Our Newest Members
Ameren Missouri
Ameresco - Lee County RNG LLC
Bayles Lake Homeowners Association
Douglas Pipeline Company
Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
GHB Enterprise, LLC
Hickory Solar
Illinois Winds
Lumos Fiber of Illinois
New Lenox Highway Department
Pleasantville Solar Prairie Solar 1, LLC
Ripple Fiber, LLC
Segra
Top Hat Wind Energy, LLC
Tully Solar IL 1, LLC
Union County Housing Authority
Wolf Run Solar
Yellowhead Township
As of December 31, 2025, JULIE membership was 2,026 strong.
JULIE’s financial statements are audited annually by CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP), and we have consistently received an unmodified (clean) opinion, affirming that our financials are fairly presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is the governing body of the not-for-profit corporation. The 33-member Board represents each underground facility industry, including seats for non-member excavators and contract locators as of December 31, 2025.
OFFICERS
Board President – Andy Hamilton, Representing Grafton Technologies, Inc.
Secretary – Sean Walsh, Representing City of Wheaton
Treasurer – Aaron Hoerchler, Representing Kinder Morgan Inc.
CABLE TELEVISION
Donovan DeMay, Director Representing Mediacom
Aaron Powers, Vice President Representing Comcast
Ryan Egan, Vice President Representing Metronet
COMMUNICATION
Jennifer Uridil, Director Representing Stratus Networks
Daniel Moreth, Vice President Representing AT&T
CONTRACT LOCATOR
Mike Reese, Director Representing Stake Center Locating
Gerald Johnson, Vice President Representing USIC
Ted Troyner, Vice President Representing Meade, Inc.
Steven Rienks, Vice President Representing American Surveying & Engineering
ELECTRIC
Kelley Heinz, Director Representing ComEd
Erin Halley, Vice President Representing Wayne-White Electric Cooperative
Alan Meissner, Vice President Representing Corn Belt Energy Corp.
GAS
Leticia Quezada, Director Representing Nicor
Daniel Cempel, Vice President Representing North Shore Gas
John Bozarth, Vice President Representing Ameren Illinois
NON-MEMBER EXCAVATOR
Jonathan Jones, Director Representing Lindblad Constrution
Orlando Duran, Vice President Representing D Construction
Chuck Mueller, Vice President Representing Utilitra
Steve Brazel, Vice President Representing Johns Burns Construction
Bernie Sebold, Vice President Representing Kamex, Inc.
MUNICIPAL
Fred Kreinbrink, Director Representing City of Sandwich
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, Director Representing City of Flora
Cory Sheehy, Vice President Representing City of Marshall
Matt Streicher, Vice President Representing Glenbard Wastewater Authority
WATER & SEWER
Randall Jessen, Director Representing Village of Plainfield
Dean Swingler, Vice President Representing E.J. Water Cooperative
EMERITUS
Kent Kowalske
Roger Watwood, Andy Hamilton, and Mark Frost
Carl Parks, Jake Dukett, Dan Moreth, Gerald Johnson, and Lucy Martinez
