CGA Announces First 811 National Launch Campaign Partnerships

John Deere, The Associated General Contractors of America First To Sign On to New Public Safety Education Campaign

WASHINGTON, D.C. — With less than 100 days until the national launch of the new 811 "Call Before You Dig" campaign, the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) today announced two new national launch campaign partnerships that will support the ongoing public safety education campaign over the next year. The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and John Deere have agreed to donate in-kind services and resources to the new national effort aimed at saving lives and protecting America's underground infrastructure.

811 is the new FCC-designated national N-11 number created to eliminate confusion of multiple "Call Before You Dig" numbers across the country.  This quick and efficient service connects callers with local One Call Centers who notify the appropriate local utilities, who then send crews to the requested site to mark the approximate location of underground lines. The entire process is easy and at virtually no cost to the professional excavator or DIY homeowner.  The number will be officially launched to the public on May 1, 2007 in Washington, D.C.

"The 811 campaign is designed to raise awareness about the new number and encourage professional excavators and homeowners to always call before they dig. Our first two national launch campaign partners have broad name recognition and credibility among our target audiences," said CGA President Bob Kipp. "Their activities, in conjunction with CGA, will help us reach every aspect of the digging world, and we are proud to call them partners."

"Calling 811 before any digging project makes for smart, safe business practice and AGC is committed to protecting the safety of our members," said AGC CEO Stephen E. Sandherr. "We strive to provide our membership with valuable ways to protect and benefit their businesses; I believe 811 does that."

"John Deere is committed to helping our customers be more successful," said Bob Brock, Sr. Vice President, Sales and Marketing, John Deere Construction & Forestry Division. "811 will help our customers prevent problems before they occur. We highly value this partnership with CGA; it is consistent with our company's core values."

National launch partners will participate in the 811 campaign in a variety of ways, including 811 logo placement on equipment; distribution and/or broadcast of the 811 public service announcement; participation in the national consumer launch event; inclusion of 811 in existing publications and events; and incorporation of the 811 logo in key safety materials and resources that will remind members and consumers alike to call before they begin any digging project.

"With more than 680,000 incidents each year causing lost revenue to the utility industry and more importantly, injury to the professional excavating community and homeowners, spreading the word about 811 is more important than ever," added Bob Kipp, "AGC and John Deere are key partners in this campaign, and with their support, it is our hope that more people will call before they dig – saving money and lives nationwide".

The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) is the largest and oldest national construction trade association in the United States. AGC represents more than 32,000 firms, including 7,000 of America's leading general contractors, and nearly 12,000 specialty-contracting firms. More than 13,000 service providers and suppliers are associated with AGC through a nationwide network of chapters.  Visit the AGC Web site at www.agc.org.  AGC members are "Building Your Quality of Life."

Deere Company (NYSE:DE) is the world's leading manufacturer of agricultural and forestry equipment, a major manufacturer of construction equipment, and a leading supplier of equipment used in lawn, grounds and turf care.   John Deere also manufactures and markets engines used in heavy equipment and provides landscape and worldwide financial services. Since it was founded in 1837, the company has extended its heritage of integrity, quality, commitment and innovation around the globe.

CGA is a member-driven association of nearly 1,400 individuals, organizations and sponsors in every facet of the underground utility industry.  Established in 2000, CGA is   committed to saving lives and preventing damage to American underground infrastructure by promoting effective damage prevention practices.  CGA has established itself as the leading organization in an effort to reduce damages to underground facilities in North America through shared responsibility among all stakeholders.  For more information, visit CGA on the web at www.commongroundalliance.com.

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