National LICA’s virtual committee meetings continued throughout May and June, bringing together land improvement contractors, Associate members, Executive Directors, and industry partners from across the country to discuss the issues, challenges, and opportunities impacting our industry.
National LICA is entering a new phase, one focused on building meaningful industry relationships and contractor-driven programs that deliver real value to members in the field.
Over the past four months, LICA has worked to strengthen relationships with national manufacturers and fleet providers that understand the day-to-day realities of LICA contractors. The goal is not simply to add more discounts, but to create programs that help contractors operate more efficiently, stay competitive, and gain access to programs that can directly support their businesses.
LICA’s spring virtual committee meetings are off to a strong start.
The Convention Committee and On-Site Waste Committee recently kicked off the spring committee schedule with strong participation from contractors, Executive Directors, Associate members, and leadership from across the country. While the topics varied, both meetings reflected the same thing: great conversation, practical ideas, and members who care deeply about the future of the association and the industries LICA represents.
LICA committees don’t just meet at Convention, they work year-round.
Through scheduled virtual meetings, members can stay involved, contribute to discussions, and help move initiatives forward without waiting for in-person events.The National Office coordinates each meeting, making it easy to participate from anywhere. Meeting links will be sent via email in the days leading up to each session.
Efficiency, safety gains make compact equipment indispensable tools for land improvement professionals
By RICK ZETTLER, Caterpillar Trade Press Consultant
In today’s market, contractors must maximize use of every tool in their fleet to stay ahead of the competition. “Gone are the days when a contractor will bring a piece of equipment onto a site to trench and then park it until it’s needed again,” says Greg Worley, market professional for Cat® mini hydraulic excavators. “Fleet management practices have evolved to where all machines are expected to be versatile and to keep working.”
By DENNIS MIKULA, JR., CEO, National LICA
Ten years ago, I got involved with LICA because I believed in what it stood for. Not as a title, not as a résumé builder, and not because I needed another commitment, as I already had plenty. I got involved because I grew up in this industry, and deep down I knew I owed it something back.
That year, I was asked to serve as Vice President of NJLICA. I didn’t take it lightly. I saw it as both an honor and a responsibility. And looking back now, I realize that was the moment my journey toward national leadership truly began, not because I knew where it would lead, but because I said yes to service.
By CAROLINE KRUG, Editor, The LICA Contractor
Adam Faeth grew up on a family farm in Seneca County, Ohio, where working the land was simply part of everyday life. Long before he ever ran an excavator for a living, he was a kid who loved playing in the dirt and learning how things worked. That early connection never left him.
After graduating from New Riegel High School, Adam went to work for a local electrical company while continuing to help on the family farm. Like many contractors, his path into excavation didn’t begin with a formal business plan. It started with a backhoe, a few small side jobs, and a growing realization that there was an opportunity to build something of his own.
National LICA participated in CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 in Las Vegas, marking the seventh consecutive show where the association has maintained a presence at the largest construction trade show in North America.
Throughout the week, National LICA officers and staff manned the booth, meeting with contractors, industry partners, and potential new members. The booth served as a central point for conversations about the association’s programs, member benefits, and opportunities to get involved with LICA at the national and state levels.
National LICA will hold its Summer Committee meetings virtually this year as part of the regular committee schedule leading up to the Virtual Board Meeting on Monday, July 20. The Spring Virtual Committee meetings brought strong engagement and productive conversation, and we look forward to continuing those discussions this summer. These meetings allow committee members and interested participants to stay involved, review committee business, and help move initiatives forward. All members are welcome to join. National LICA will promote the meetings through all National communication channels and will coordinate scheduling, set up the virtual platforms, and distribute meeting links prior to each committee’s scheduled date. Previous committee minutes can be found under the “About” tab on the main menu of LICANational.org for those who would like to review past discussions and topics.
National LICA staff members Caroline Krug and Allison Hack recently attended the Ohio LICA Winter Convention, held at the Embassy Suites in Dublin, Ohio. The convention offered eight (8) continuing education (CE) hours as part of registration, with the hours approved by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH).