LANSING, MI – MISS DIG 811 is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Safe Digging Awards and the MISS DIG 811 Partner of the Year.
The award winners were announced during an awards ceremony at the Great Lakes Damage Prevention Conference & Expo in Lansing on February 4, 2026. The 2025 Safe Digging Awards recognize contributions made during the 2025 calendar year.
2025 Safe Digging Champion – Trevor Westbrook, SEMCO
2025 Safe Digging Leader – Brenda Ezell, Consumers Energy
2025 Safe Digging Leader – Mike Todd, Consumers Energy
2025 Safe Digging Steward – David Bushe, International Controls and Equipment
2025 Safe Digging Steward – Nick Stipech, Baraga Telephone Company
2025 Safe Digging Steward – Kenneth Harris, Washtenaw County Road Commission
Additional honors presented during the ceremony included:
2025 MISS DIG 811 Partner of the Year – American Rental Association
2026 Board of Directors Service Award – Chuck Muller, Metronet, 2021-2026
2026 Board of Directors Service Award – Holly Bowers, Consumers Energy, 2021-2026
2026 Keynote Speaker Award – Aaron Witt, BuildWitt
The Safe Digging Awards recognize individuals and partners who have demonstrated extraordinary contributions to the field of damage prevention through proactive communication, industry leadership, and a commitment to safe excavation practices. These recipients embody the shared responsibility that protects Michigan’s underground infrastructure and communities.
Through leadership in the field, innovation in processes, and dedication to education and compliance, this year’s recipients demonstrate how collaboration prevents damages before they occur. MISS DIG 811 congratulates each award winner and thanks them for their continued efforts to advance damage prevention across the Great Lakes region.
About MISS DIG 811
MISS DIG 811 is Michigan’s Underground Utility Safety Notification System. Our mission is to safeguard the public, environment, property, and infrastructure through educational outreach and the advancement of damage prevention statewide.
SAFETY IS IN YOUR HAND. EVERY DIG. EVERY TIME.
Nick Stipech from Baraga Telephone Company