What an exciting time as that which everyone has known as Missouri One Call, also known as Dig Rite, is changing the brand, and becoming Missouri 811!
Why? What’s coming along with this?
For the most part, it’s a mark of change. Many things are changing about Missouri One Call and it warrants a new set of clothes. One of the first changes? Allow me to introduce myself. I am Randy Norden, your new Executive Director of Missouri 811. I took over the helm of Missouri One Call in June 2022, and since then, I’ve been reviewing everything about the operations, transparency, communications, and general viability of Missouri One Call. The new year has been a portal of changes not to mention being rebranded Missouri 811.
Becoming Missouri 811 demonstrates a certain level of update, a certain level of solidarity with the growing damage prevention industry, and an expression of opening ourselves to ensure the safety of our member-utility’s infrastructure and the people who excavate within our state. Nearly 80% of all locates are done online, not by calling. When we call, we should be supporting the national 811 network. Looking around us, for instance, it is Kansas 811, Kentucky 811, Okie 811. The shovel and 811 portion of our new logo come from the National Common Ground Alliance with whom we partner.
I remember the days when Missouri One Call used county maps to provide locates. Missouri One Call has done a tremendous job advancing the industry. When this began in 1986, one could stand in many places within Missouri and say, “There’s nothing here.” This is no longer the case. Underground infrastructure is everywhere. Together, utilities, excavators, and the notification center, must work together to make the system work better and be safer for everyone.
Come with me; let’s go. Let’s make it better.
