Built by LICA for CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026, the Earthmoving & Site Development Education Track showcases the innovations and best practices transforming the construction industry. With sessions on drones, mobile crushing, machine control, trench safety, dust management, and next-generation equipment, this track delivers actionable insight contractors can take straight back to the field.
By Caroline Krug, Editor The LICA Contractor
For more than two decades, Jerry Biuso, Sr. was the face of the Land Improvement Contractors of America. To many, he’ll always be the “Godfather of LICA,” a nickname born from his unmistakable personality, his Jersey confidence, and the way he looked after this association as if it were his own family. As he retires at the end of the year, the LICA community is taking time to reflect on the incredible impact he has had on the organization, its members, and the people who had the privilege of working beside him.
By: Caroline Krug, Editor, The LICA Contractor
The end of the year is when most contractors take stock of what worked, what didn’t, and what needs to change. For land improvement contractors, the path to a more profitable 2026 isn’t just about buying new iron or adding another crew. It’s about getting more out of the equipment and people you already have, smarter use of machines, tighter control of time and costs, and a return to the fundamentals that keep every job productive.
A Community Steps Up
What began as a six-week idea grew into a remarkable outpouring of generosity as hundreds gathered on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the Lovettsville Game Protective Association for the first-ever Top Gun Construction Rodeo, an event benefiting 11-year-old Pierce Cole, who is fighting T-Cell Acute Lymphoblast Leukemia. More than $25,000 was raised, with additional donations still coming in and every dollar will be given directly to the Cole family.
Seasoned industry leader and business executive to begin January 1, 2026
Lisle, Illinois — November 18, 2025— The National Land Improvement Contractors of America (LICA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dennis Mikula, Jr., as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2026.
Mikula joins National LICA with nearly three decades of leadership experience in the land improvement, construction, and business sectors. As President of Mikula Contracting, Inc., a third-generation, family-owned excavation, demolition, and environmental services company established in 1946, he has guided the organization through consistent growth while modernizing operations with technology and best practices. Mikula will assume the role of Chairman of Mikula Contracting as he commences his duties as CEO of National LICA.
November 12, 2025 – Rolling Meadows, IL
– Origin Specialty Underwriters Agency, LLC (“Origin Specialty), a leading national Managing General Agent (MGA) and partner company of Beyond Risk, and the Land Improvement Contractors of America (“LICA”) today announced a strategic partnership designed to provide LICA members with comprehensive insurance solutions for the site preparation (“site-prep”) industry. The program will be delivered through McGriff, a Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC company.Lisle, Illinois — September 23, 2025 — The Land Improvement Contractors of America (LICA) has announced a new national partnership with Red Wing Shoes, naming Red Wing the official work boot of the association. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to supporting contractors who build and protect America’s land and water resources, while also giving LICA members access to durable, high-quality footwear built for demanding jobsite conditions.