VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia – Aug. 3, 2022 – Virginia Natural Gas is getting in the trenches alongside the National Excavator Initiative (NEI) and bringing along one of America’s most trusted personalities, executive producer, Emmy-winning host, bestselling author, podcaster and skilled-trades advocate, Mike Rowe. Mike’s animated alter ego, Micro Mike Rowe, joins to spread the word on the importance of contacting VA811 before you dig.
Known for the hit TV series, “Dirty Jobs,” “Somebody’s Gotta Do It” and his groundbreaking Facebook show, “Returning the Favor,” Rowe and his animated sidekick highlight the critical importance of underground utility infrastructure. With some earthy humor, they share what can — and likely will — go wrong if homeowners and contractors don’t contact Virginia 811 before digging.
Through the National Excavator Initiative, Rowe connects with industry experts who help educate the public and professional excavators about the 811 process. The campaign includes radio, print, online media and billboards.
“Virginia Natural Gas is excited to work with the National Excavator Initiative to feature Mike Rowe and Micro Mike Rowe’s voices to amplify our messaging around the importance of contacting Virginia 811 before you dig,” said Robert Duvall, president of Virginia Natural Gas. “We are committed to the safe delivery of natural gas to our more than 310,000 residential and business customers across Southeast Virginia. This collaboration will promote safe digging and help build awareness of the damage prevention laws that keep our community safe.”
Contacting VA811 at least three business days before starting any digging project is free and is required by state law. When homeowners and contractors contact 811, it notifies the appropriate utility companies of the intent to dig. Professional locators are then sent to the requested dig site to mark the approximate locations of underground lines with flags, paint or both.
Virginia Natural Gas encourages homeowners and contractors to always dig with C.A.R.E:
Learn more about natural gas safety at https://www.virginianaturalgas.com/safety/digging.html.
About Virginia Natural Gas
About Southern Company Gas
About the National Excavator Initiative
The National Excavator Initiative aims to raise awareness of underground infrastructure and the importance of contacting 811 before digging. NEI is supported by over 70 companies across the country, including those operating pipelines and electric transmission lines, local electric, gas, water and waste utilities, manufacturing, excavation, construction companies, industry associations, and 811 organizations. Public service announcements featuring Rowe and Micro Mike Rowe, as well as informative video content with industry experts can be seen at www.safeexcavator.com.
Media Contact:
Rick DelaHaya
o: 757.616.7510 | c: 757.323.7366
rdelahay@southernco.com | www.virginianaturalgas/pressroom