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Innovation and networking at MLICA convention

Jan. 14, 2014 – Land improvement contractors from across Michigan gathered in Lansing from Jan. 12-14 for networking, educational seminars and a little entertainment at the annual meeting and convention of the Michigan chapter of the Land Improvement Contractors of America (MLICA).

The conference kicked off on Sunday, Jan. 12 at the Ramada Lansing Hotel and Conference Center, with a board of directors meeting and dinner – the perfect way for attendees to fuel up before a full day of events on Tuesday, Jan. 13. Delegates had the opportunity to chat with their peers and circuit the trade show floor over coffee and breakfast before hearing from Mike Perry, an environmental attorney with Fraser Trebilcock Davis & Dunlap PC, who provided an update on Michigan wetlands and private drainage and the legal implications involved for Michigan drainage contractors.

Mike James, attorney at Fraser Trebilcock Davis & Dunlap PC, followed with a presentation on health care for small business owners. After a lunch and networking session, Scott Everett, MLICA’s legislative consultant and the director of legislative affairs at Fraser Consulting, provided a legislative update to attendees, including progress made on house bills and tax return advice. The 2014 MLICA annual meeting was called to order in the afternoon, during which attendees received committee and executive reports.

After official business was adjourned, conference delegates put their thinking caps on during the Geeks and Dirt discussion on technology, innovative ideas and tricks of the trade. Highlights included Russ Talaski’s tip on using a ladder rack on his secondary pickup, Mike Cook’s innovative 15-inch boot for feeling pipe, Nate Cook’s smartphone tricks and Joey Schlatter’s Google Maps tips.

The always-entertaining annual banquet and auction wrapped up the day, and delegates were treated to a tour and demonstration on Tuesday morning at AIS. Watch for more news highlights and photos from the MLICA conference in the May 2014 issue of Drainage Contractor.