Underground Construction - June 2021 - 40

DCA 60th Anniversary
The 1975 convention was also held in Key Biscayne, immediately
before the PLCA convention. C.J. Gauthier, chairman of the
American Gas Association, predicted continued growth of the
nation's distribution system and outlined prospects for new gas
supplies. Pipeline Inspection Co. held its first annual gin-rummy
tournament.
Dick Comstock was elected DCA president in 1975. Other
officers were Dale Michels, Michels Pipe Line Construction Inc.,
first vice president; Bob Bricker, second vice president; William
Snelson, Snelson Inc., treasurer.
15th annual convention
The association's 15th annual convention was held at the Marco
Island Hotel and Club, Marco Island, Fla., in January 1976.
Delegates were told that upgrading of older distribution systems
would be an increasing source of business for distribution
contractors. Representatives of Caterpillar Tractor Co. gave
practical suggestions for increasing productivity through
equipment maintenance.
New officers elected at this convention included Dale Michels,
president; Bob Bricker, first vice president; Rolland B. Lyons,
Michigan Trenching Service Inc., second vice president; and Noel
Coon, Northern Pipeline Construction Co., treasurer.
The 1977 convention was again held in Key Biscayne. Officials
of the American Gas Association and Midwest Gas Association
presented optimistic outlooks for the nation's gas industry,
providing realistic incentives for increasing gas production that
could be maintained.
DCA officers for 1977 were Bob Bricker, president; Rolland
B. Lyons, first vice president; Gene R. Spencer, G.R. Spencer
Construction Co., second vice president; and Thomas B. Poole,
The Hallen Construction Co., treasurer.
Attendees at the 1978 convention, in Las Vegas, were urged
to political action by Fred Culpepper of Ford, Bacon & Davis
Inc., who was convinced that businessmen could have a great
influence on legislation. He suggested that contractors get
involved with political action committees to make their voices
heard. A panel discussion by insurance agents was also part of
the convention program.
Officers elected at the convention were Rolland B. Lyons,
president; Gene Spencer, first vice president; Thomas B.
Poole, second vice president; and Robert Cooley, Distribution
Construction Co., treasurer.
The growth of DCA continued in 1978, with the addition of
seven regular and seven associate members.
Safety was a key topic of the 1979 convention, in Newport
Beach, Calif. A representative of the Office of Pipeline Safety
Regulation reviewed the Department of Transportation's
new regulatory procedures, including frequent and easily
understandable publication of new regulations.
Gene Spencer was elected new president of the association. Other
officers were Tom Poole, first vice president; Bob Cooley, second
vice president; and Dale Miller, Miller Pipeline Co., treasurer.
Work for DCA members increased during 1979, but operating
costs increased, as well. The gas industry enjoyed growing
demand in residential, commercial and industrial markets,
including a large number of oil-to-gas conversions.
Major topics of discussion at the 1980 convention, in Miami
Beach, included controlling fuel costs, obtaining new supervisory
personnel, and stopping equipment theft.
Members elected Tom Poole, president; Dale Miller, first vice
president; William Snelson, second vice president; and James
Miller, Mueller Pipeliners Inc., treasurer.
20th Anniversary
The association's 20th anniversary convention was held at
Mountain Shadows Resort, Scottsdale, Az., in February 1981. In
attendance were 17 of 19 past presidents and four new regular
members were welcomed into the association
New officers elected at the convention included Dale Miller,
president; William Snelson, first vice president; James Miller,
second vice president; and James Donaldson, Donaldson
Construction Co., treasurer.
The 1982 convention was held in Miami Beach immediately
following the PLCA convention. Outgoing president Dale Miller
praised the association for its successful negotiation of labor
agreements, but said there was room for improvement, especially
regarding wage rates tied to other agreements that have nothing
to do with distribution construction. He also pointed out that
DCA was most effective as a forum for communication between
contractors, supplies, unions and utility representatives.
Bill Snelson was elected president; Jim Miller, first vice president;
James Donaldson, second vice president; and George Franz,
Midwestern Contractors Inc., treasurer.
Economic conditions were generally depressed in 1982, but this
varied from area to area. The association added five regular mem40
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Underground Construction - June 2021

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