Page 3 - MS811 2022 issue 4

from the desk of
Sam Johnson
It is just hard to imagine. Already November, the holiday season just around the corner and this year has almost passed us by.
If you were not at our Damage Prevention Summit in Biloxi
on November 2 - 4, you missed a tremendous event. Great sponsors, exhibitors and sessions. More than 350 damage prevention professionals gathered in one spot and created some exciting conversations. The sessions were well attended and there was great interest in the session led by Sandy Sanford that outlined the proposed legislative changes to be introduced in the upcoming session. You’ll hear much more about those proposed changes, but you heard it first at the 2022 Summit. I hope you’ll make plans to be with us back in Biloxi in 2023.
I also want to thank all of the participants involved with the many MDPC meetings held across the state this past year. And especially the Committee Chairmen who kept the dialogue
moving forward. Much good has been accomplished this year as the result of their efforts and much of what was discussed will serve as a foundation for discussions beyond this year.
We welcome our first-time advertisers in this issue, and we truly appreciate those of you who have been with us for many years, some from the beginning. You have made it possible for us to communicate to our members regarding issues of importance to them. The magazine has also given us another outlet supporting the “Call Before You Dig” message.
It has been a busy year for us at Mississippi 811. Overall, our call volume increased more than 12% over last year. It is our privilege to work with you to protect our families and communities. If your experience with Mississippi 811 is not up to your expectations, be sure and let us know how we can improve.
As we look at the upcoming holidays, I realize there is more to do than we have time to get done this year. With that in mind, we anticipate an exciting 2023, a year that will see significant progress in protecting our underground infrastructure. We believe that is good for Mississippi.
Enjoy the holiday season with your family and friends. I hope to see you in the near future. Until then, let me remind you that before you dig in Mississippi, make that call to Mississippi 811 and dig safely.
It’s not just the law... it’s the right thing to do!
Sam Johnson
President Mississippi 811
2022, Issue 4
Mississippi 811 • 1