In January, 2022, the PDCA Texas Chapter formally incorporated with a slate of officers and aspirations to affiliate with PDCA. The Board of Directors quickly and enthusiastically voted to bring the regional organization into the international trade association, and the new Chapter has had its figurative foot on the gas ever since. Under the leadership team of President Brandon Bicknell, VP Condon Verble, Treasurer Arjin Dogan, and Secretary Armando Guajardo, the PDCA Texas Chapter hosted two Mixers, a Lunch and Learn and contributed to an industry technical program in Houston. It developed a new logo, launched a quarterly newsletter, established an online form for membership application, and quickly added a membership roster of a Who's Who in the Texas pile driving industry. Ultimately, it has revamped an industry presence in the state which hasn't had an active chapter in several years.
Building a viable and thriving organization is job for experienced builders, and the leadership team at the Texas Chapter has delivered an important product to the region. But the rapid growth and success did not come without its challenges. Sadly, Treasurer Guajardo (pictured) succumbed to a fatal illness in October, immediately prior to the Chapter's first Lunch and Learn. Recognizing him as a key player in establishing the Chapter, those assembled at the event paused for a moment of silence to honor the significant contributions he made which helped pave the way for the very event they were attending. "Armando was a man of strong character who did not back down to a challenge," said VP Verble. "With these qualities and his good-natured personality, he was highly influential in helping reform the Texas Chapter. We are grateful for his tremendous contributions and will miss his talents moving forward."
As a new year begins for the PDCA Texas Chapter, members will gather for a January 18th organizational meeting at 6:00 PM CST at the offices of Russell Marine LLC in Channelview. During that gathering, they will vote to elect a new Secretary and Treasurer, as Bicknell and Verble will serve another year at the helm. Members have begun submitting nominations. The January meeting and elections are the start to a new year that will feature a series of activities taking place over the following months. Read the notice to members about the nomination process and 2023 events.
PDCA stands ready to continue providing administrative and other peripheral support to the PDCA Texas Chapter and the other regional Chapters. Thank you for supporting PDCA through membership and participation in these organizations.