The army has a saying that applies here:
"Time spent on reconnaisance is seldom wasted."
Before you "drop & run," I strongly suggest you make a visit there. Plan on at least a week. During that week you should be able to get an idea of the "lay of the land;" that is, the sort of work available, local practices that may differ from what you are accustomed to, who the local players are, etc.
When you first arrive (to stay), your first steps should be to aquire local credentials, get copies of local codes and PoCo rules, and the like. If you can qualify for a contractors' license- get one! Even if you do not plan on opening your own shop, it will show you're serious.
If you're a union member- well, that's what Union hall is there for. If you're not, you'll have to find out who the other contractors are.
Your best bet will be to spend a "busy season" working for a large contractor. While there, your co-workers will be a fountain of information as to other jobs, other contractors- and what their plans are when the seasonal layoffs begin. The "layoff time" is an opportune time to link up with one of the better outfits...and your rep during the busy season will go before you!
(Two of the best outfits I've worked for called me -unsolicited- after I was laid off for the season. While both were fully legit -one had a bond limit right up there with Donald Trump- both were small shops that were neither members of trade groups, nor were they in the phone book).
Good luck, and good hunting!
