The National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) recently awarded Renee Nutter its “We Dig America” award in recognition of her support of Dozer Day, an innovative program introducing utility construction careers to the nation’s youth.
“NUCA is honored to present Renee Nutter our top industry award,” says Doug Carlson, CEO of NUCA. “Dozer Day provides an unforgettable experience for children, sparking their interest in engineering, construction, and teamwork. Renee has been the driving force behind these exciting events, and her support of our industry and our employees today and for the future has been inspirational.”
As a founder of the Nutter Family Foundation, Nutter has been committed to making a positive impact on the lives of children and families. The Nutter Family Foundation was founded by Jerry and Renee Nutter in 2008. To date, it has given back $2.2 million to the community in support of unique and enjoyable events like Dozer Day. The nonprofit focuses on the needs of children, believing that when children are allowed to develop their talents, society thrives.
Nutter and her foundation have partnered in recent years with NUCA of Washington, NUCA of Eastern Washington & North Idaho, NUCA of Middle Tennessee, NUCA of Nebraska, and NUCA of the Greater Kansas City Region, among other industry organizations, to support and promote Dozer Day events in their respective areas.
Dozer Day is a unique experience where kids get up close and personal with construction equipment. Held annually, this event allows children to explore bulldozers, excavators, and other heavy machinery in a safe and educational environment. The event is an opportunity for kids to learn about the utility construction industry, discover the science behind these powerful machines, and even sit in the driver’s seat.
The “We Dig America” award was presented to Nutter during NUCA’s annual convention and exhibit on March 23.
NUCA’s “We Dig America” award was first presented in 1972 to then-Rep. Jim Blatnik of Minnesota. Since then, recipients have included notables such as President Ronald Reagan (1982), Rep. Bud Shuster (1996), Indiana Gov. Joseph Kernan (2004), the industry’s renowned Brenda Reigle (2020), and most recently, former House infrastructure committee chairmen Rep. Peter DeFazio (2021) and Rep. Sam Graves (2023).
The award is presented to a non-NUCA member who has made a significant contribution to NUCA and America’s underground utility construction and excavation industry. The achievement must have national impact and the recipient must have national stature, requirements that perfectly fit Nutter and her support of the nation’s future generations.
