I want to take this opportunity to announce the many new and exciting changes happening within the UMCA. These changes include the recent update of the association’s name, launching of a new website, the addition of a new executive director and an exciting new member service.

NEW NAME
The association, previously known as the National Submetering & Utility Allocation Association (NSUAA) has changed its name to Utility Management & Conservation Association (UMCA). The name change was done to better represent the management and conservation services of our membership.

NEW WEBSITE
In addition to the name change, the UMCA just launched a new and improved website (http://www.utilitymca.org/) which once completed, will contain up-to-date information about what’s happening in the industry as well as provide an innovative database with regulatory and compliance information on a federal, state and county level.

NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
I am pleased to announce that Thanya Gonzalez (Tgonzalez@utilitymca.org) has joined the UMCA as the new Executive Director. Thanya comes to us with many years of experience conducting legislative research at the local, state and federal level. She has spent countless hours researching state laws and ordinances and participated in nationwide research, including a few international jurisdictions.

In her previous position, Thanya was instrumental in compiling and maintaining a legal database which consisted of a 50 state and county interactive compliance chart which enabled new and existing companies to maintain a good legal standing with the Secretary of State’s office as well as other regulatory agencies. In coordination with our members, Thanya will be working to create the best shared database in the industry for utility billing regulations and practices.

NEW MEMBER SERVICE
As an added feature and new service to our members, our Executive Director will be conducting research per member's request. Each member will now receive two free hours of personalized legislative industry research per month. Additional hours can be purchased for a fee of $35.00. Research requests can consist of any industry related topic specific to your needs and should be directed to the Executive Director.

MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
For membership information or questions about the organization, please email Thanya Gonzalez at - Tgonzalez@utilitymca.org.

I am very excited about the new changes and look forward to a successful and prosperous new year for the UMCA.

Sincerely,
Cary Frieden
Chairman