A Pile of News - May 2023
A Pile of News: May 2023
A briefing on news and information from the pile driving contractors,
associated manufacturers, construction suppliers and affiliated engineers
who comprise PDCA.
By Matt Bisbee, PDCA

Originally sent May 1, 2023
Top of the Pile
From the Association & Chapters
Mark your calendars!
News and PHOTOS from the PDCA Blog:
Congratulations, Heron Wolf, you are this month's winner! Send an email to marian@piledrivers.org before the end of the month to claim your prize!
News from PDCA Companies
Anniversaries:
  • Scott Bridge Company, Inc. celebrated its 90th anniversary in April; among the highlights were BBQ dinners, team building events, a crane rodeo and more. The company has deep roots in the southeast starting in Thomasville, GA in 1933. A leadership transition led to the company's migration to Opeleika, AL in 1957, where it remains today with the founder's grandsons at the helm.
  • Arthur R. Henry, Inc. turned 75 years old in 2022, and reflects on a unique history in NJ. The Egg Harbor Township family business is led by third generation president, Ralph Henry Jr. The longtime pile driver has installed many foundations in the New Jersey region, particularly during the 1980s casino boom and subsequent 2000s expansions in Atlantic City. Today, they drive pipes, sheets, timber and even composites. Special thanks to PM Grant Achey for this historical submission.
  • Cajun Industries, LLC reaches 50 years. Lane Grigsby founded the company in April 1973 in Baton Rouge, LA. The company has been generous to PDCA for years, providing staff to fill important, voluntary roles on committees and Gulf Coast Chapter leadership teams. Past PDCA president Scott Callaway is a current Cajun SVP. The company has also won multiple PDCA Project of the Year awards.

Giving back:
Recognitions:
Governmental relations:
  • Mohawk Northeast leaders Allan Heinke, David Schill and a who's who in Connecticut politics announced a $7M US-DOT grant for an industrial marine complex. The contractor starts work in New London this year. US Sen. Blumenthal, US Rep. Courtney and others were on hand.
  • ICE International Construction Equipment machinery is SPOTTED on a Rhode Island job site of a $60M upgrade at the Port of Davisville. Gov. McKee visited to observe pier rehab work.
  • Nucor hosted U.S. Sen. Britt at the Tuscaloosa steel mill. Alabama's junior senator toured the facility, met with workers and learned more about the company's work and culture.
  • ECS Mid-Atlantic, LLC participated in an Investing in America event in Washington, D.C. in April; as VP Harris mingled with attendees, Brian Laymen from the firm stood in a photo with her.
  • Tectonic helped make NYC streets safer by servicing a $231M infrastructure project. Several local government officials, including city council member Bottcher, attended a photo opp.
People on the Move
Transitions:
  • Scot Evans retires as SVP/CFO at Bowen Engineering Co., where he has spent 29 years. He is credited with overseeing financial operations during 17 years of exceptional business growth.
  • Yung Phang elevates to manager of U.S. operations at DFI Piling, as Warren Baker becomes VP operations. Phillip Jordan is promoted to TSD at the company's TX office.
  • Sarah Crane is the new admin at Dissen & Juhn Company on Maryland's eastern shore.
  • Jim Blaue at Bull Moose Tube's Gerald, MO plant reaches a rare 50 years with the company! Elsewhere, Richard Morales, P.E. is the new manager of field application engineering.
  • Rob Schmitt assumes a territory of eastern Ontario, Quebec and the Canadian Maritimes as new regional director at Interpipe Inc. Canada, replacing retiring Rejean Fleury.
  • Stine Knight joins ESP Associates, Inc. as new director of safety.
  • W. Shawn Sullivan, P.E. is a VP and manages the Raleigh, NC office for Geo-Technology Associates, Inc. (GTA), which relocated to 530 Hinton Pond Road, Suite 104 in Knightdale.
  • Ben White, P.E., a 20-year staff engineer, is the new manager of the Ohio branch of GRL Engineers.
  • Julia Trombetta onboards at Meever USA as Jacksonville, FL-based inside sales associate.
  • Matthew Shuler onboards as a new engineer with RACE Coastal Engineering in Connecticut.
  • Stewart Laney, P.E., DBIA, named president, chief operating officer at S&ME, Inc; director Matt Moler, P.E. elected president of PDCA partner Geoprofessional Business Association.
  • Barry Keller in the Baton Rouge office reaches 31 years with Southern Earth Sciences, Inc. Elsewhere, the firm adds Kody Knott, Zachary Revis, Dwayne Warner.
  • Kimberley Michaels named new COO at PDCA law firm member, Jimerson Birr in Florida.

Recognitions:
On the Job
Black River Solar has been installing piling for a large, public solar farm near Rantoul, IL. Crews mitigated thick farmland mud; they also dodged several deadly April storms that marched through the Midwest.

Mason Construction is expanding Valero's DGD3 Port Arthur, TX refinery to produce sustainable aviation fuel; this is believed to be one of the first projects in the country stemming from the federal Inflation Reduction Act enacted in November '21. Flexicore of Texas and DP Concrete Products are supplying PSC piles that will be driven with APE, Inc. hammers to specifications drafted by Tolunay Wong Engineers.

Massman Construction and its JV partners performing the 30 Crossing project in Little Rock, AR finished the initial demo; the interstate widening project is still on target to complete in late 2025.

Orion Marine Group finished pile driving in a limited time at Seattle's Vigor Shipyard development. The contractor used an APE, Inc. hammer to drive full-length, coated steel piles from JD Fields & Company.

Russell Marine LLC is on the Texas/Louisiana border, driving 46 ea. 18" by 75' square concrete piles as part of the USCG Cutter Pier Repair Project. Elsewhere, their crew in nearby Port Arthur installs large diameter steel pipe piles for a new Howard Energy logistics dock, completing this month.

SJ Hamill Construction begins a ditching project for the South Carolina State Ports Authority.

Taylor Marine Construction, Inc. shares video footage of a crew driving 48" x 122' pipe for a combi wall at JBS Packaging in Port Arthur, TX; see the APE, Inc. D46 hammer mounted on a Liebherr LBC.

CPS Houston needed the wide lens to get this pic of a Galveston-bound load of 150', 82K lb. pipe piles.

Junttan USA shows a rig on the job in the Philly Navy Yard; see the PMx28 drive 80-foot pipe on a batter.

Nucor Skyline pipe piling finds its way by barge to the Puerto Rican jobsite where it will be installed for a port improvement project.

Pile Dynamics, Inc. continues an active schedule training clients, conducting ongoing R&D and delivering tech support; VP Michael Morgano, P.E. joins the education team to help oversee these functions.

Trinity Products convened dozens of foundation contractors for the 14th Annual Pipe School, this year at Ameristar Casino in St. Charles, MO. Among the presenters was Rob Wendt of Sheet Pile, LLC. The three-day event provided attendees 13 hours of continuing ed.

ESP Associates provided site planning, testing, inspections and more for a new East Coast amusement park; Carowinds Aeronautica Landing is on 4.9 acres near Charlotte, features regional aviation history.

Soil Consultants, Inc. provided inspection and testing for teams building the new St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church in Charleston, SC. Doors opened at this majestic house of worship in April.
Media Hits
Crothersville Times in southern Indiana highlights a ribbon cutting at Scottburg's new wastewater treatment plant. Greg Turner of Bowen Engineering is pictured with Mayor Amick and other officials.

ABC 30 in the Fresno, CA market reports on flood prep underway in the South Valley before expected snow melt. Footage shows Foundation Constructors crews driving sheets around utility installations.

PlayMakers Talk Show host Steve A. Klein interviews McCarthy southern region pres. Bryan Kuster.

Oswego County Today in upstate New York reports Mohawk Northeast begins a seventh year of partnership with Flack Racing and driver Dan Kapuscinski, the team moves to the 350 supermodified division.

WCBI-TV in northern Mississippi interviews Kevin Morris of the Atlas Tube relief team that took the parent company's food truck to Amory, MS, to provide meals to people displaced by severe storms.

Savannah Business Journal publishes announcements from Thomas & Hutton on recent promotions; those include new VP's Trent Thompson, P.E., Jason Chambless, P.E. and Kevin Shoemaker, P.E.
Notes from the Field  Summer's comin' edition
Are you planning a family vacay to the Capitol? If so, you can observe a PDCA contractor who is "shaking up" Congress. Clark Construction is in a JV to update 115-year-old Cannon House Office Building, where roughly a third of U.S. House Members have offices. The phased construction plan limits disruptions to capitol business. Creatively seeking new access, DC lobbyists were seen filling out labor applications.
 
If your travel plans take you overseas  consider Japan. If you find yourself in The Land of the Rising Sun, stop in Konan City and see The Museum of Piling Machines; stakeholder Giken says the building's main structure is made of steel sheet piles.
 
Movies can help you beat the heat. If you remember the flux capacitor from a summer blockbuster of yesteryear, it might explain how a truck from one supplier's fleet 70+ years ago reappeared in their parking lot this year, complete with original body and an antique version of their logo. An online advertisement revealed the existence of a 1949 Chevy from Hoffman Rigging and Crane. Tim Watters, president of Hoffman Equipment Co., tells his story about this recent historical purchase.
 
Baseball is a longstanding, summer pastime  do you remember The Iron Man and The Knuckleballer?  Baseball legend Cal Ripken, Jr. was among the distinguished guests at a Baltimore fundraiser for the Boy Scouts of America; D.W. Kozera, Inc. welcomed the city's favorite son as an event sponsor. Further north, Red Sox great Tim Wakefield took in a game at Fenway with a group from the Boston office of GeoEngineers Inc. 
 
And it's not too early to start talking football  For the second consecutive year, JD Fields & Co. has signed an NIL deal with a standout, SMU Mustang; Roderick Daniels, Jr. is known as a 'speedster' wide receiver with a resumé that includes All-American credentials. At press-time, SMU WR and Fields' NIL signee last season Rashee Rice, was declared for the NFL draft and waiting to learn his football future. If your company has joined the movement of supporting college athletes through NIL deals, please tell us!
 
While we hope you find time for a summer break, PDCA will continue delivering member benefits to you and your colleagues. Watch for announcements about monthly installments of the Value Driven Webinar Series, a virtual learning program that provides FREE PDH's to representatives of member companies. Several PDCA Committees will meet, why not join in? There will be at least one Chapter meeting, while another Chapter will host an annual Sporting Clays fundraiser. Make sure to visit the PDCA Events Calendar regularly. In June, you will receive Issue #3 of PileDriver magazine and in August, the publication will reveal the 2023 Project of the Year Award winners. And, A Pile of News will continue to hit your inbox on the first working day of each month this summer. Be sure to send us your announcements that you want us to broadcast for you. If you're still not a member, it's not too late to JOIN PDCA. Enroll today and don't miss out on all that is available this summer.
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Copyright © 2023 Pile Driving Contractors Association, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you are an industry leader in the piling community and
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Posted in A Pile of News PDCA Monthly e-newsletter.

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MKT Manufacturing, Inc. Wins March #PDCADriven Contest

Posted in A Pile of News PDCA Monthly e-newsletter.

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A Pile of News - April 2023
A Pile of News: April 2023
A briefing on news and information from the pile driving contractors,
associated manufacturers, construction suppliers and affiliated engineers
who comprise PDCA.
By Matt Bisbee, PDCA

Originally sent April 3, 2023
Top of the Pile
A "Top of the Pile" shout-out to our new and returning members; the following enrolled during Q1 2023:
  • Contractors Live Flyer Inc.; Crisson Construction Limited; Veit & Company, Inc.
  • Associates The Loren Group; Dawson Construction Plant, Inc.; MotoCut Ltd.
  • Engineering Affiliates CMK Engineering, PLLC; H&H; Terracon-Louisiana
  • Affiliated Services Heron Wolf
  • Student Juan Camilo Villamizar Saenz at Georgia Institute of Technology
 
Not a member yet? You've got a month to join so you qualify to enter one of your impressive 2022 piling projects into the 2023 Project of the Year Awards Program (entries due May 5). Besides, why wouldn't you join? Caroline Théorêt who leads contracting company PRECO-MSE gave PDCA this unsolicited endorsement on LinkedIn where, in bilingual capacity, she touts 12 different member benefits she and her colleagues enjoy! Remember, your dues are prorated in your first year, so join today and pay membership dues for April-December. (We will invoice you in December for 2024 dues, in-full). JOIN PDCA TODAY.
 
A fellow member needs your help - If you can deliver, you'll get a $200 gift certificate for steak dinner. Make sure you read to the end of this newsletter to learn more. But that should be easy because, as usual, you called in, sent and/or posted great company news in March giving us plenty of interesting content to populate this 'Pile.' PDCA thanks its members for your continued participation!
From the Association & Chapters
Mark your calendars!
News and PHOTOS from the PDCA Blog:
  • PDCA members and friends were SPOTTED throughout the expansive, 2023 CONEXPO grounds in Las Vegas. March Madness and St. Patrick's Day themes were present at the busy, and record-breaking show.
  • Northeast Chapter members hosted the annual Professional Development Course at the offices of George Harms Construction Company; a team from Mueser Rutledge Consulting Engineers was among the presenters during the successful, day-long event.
  • March brought Women in Construction Week 2023; we posted a photo montage of some of the women who make great contributions to the driven pile industry. Thank you!
  • DFDTA, a seminar and proficiency test offered twice a year with Pile Dynamics, Inc., completed the first 2023 installment in Orlando. Watch for another opportunity in Cleveland this fall.

Industry News:
You WIN!
Congratulations, MKT Manufacturing, Inc, you are this month's winner! Send an email to marian@piledrivers.org before the end of the month to claim your prize!
News from PDCA Companies
Acquisitions & expansions:
Giving back:
Recognitions:
  • GROUP Contractors earns national awards for the post-hurricane rebuild of a Louisiana middle school and pile installation at a functioning industrial plant.
  • Nucor tops the Fortune Magazine list as World's Most Admired Company in their industry for the second year in a row.
  • Shannon & Wilson, Inc. recognizes staff technical expertise. Hamid Nouri, Ph.D., PE, AM.ASCE, and Jeremy Butkovich authored the publication that won first prize in an internal contest. It explores the foundation performance in the Millennium Tower in San Francisco. Runners up with separate publications were James Walters and John Cary. 

Governmental relations:
  • American Engineering Testing, Inc. engineer Katie Zadrozny, P.E. participates in state and federal advocacy and attended the ASCE Legislative Fly-In in Washington, DC. That team visited Sens. Klobuchar and Smith and Reps. Omar and Stauber. According to the photos, they even received a wave from the big guy as the presidential motorcade drove by.
  • Terracon VP and senior geotech in Savannah, GA, Guoming Lin, Ph.D., co-authored an article about driven PSC piling that Richard Goettle, Inc. installed with a Junttan rig, and other ground improvement measures that were performed for a major Georgia ports project. Gov. Kemp says the Mason Mega Rail yard helped alleviate national supply chain challenges.
  • UBC Pile Drivers and Divers' Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council was onsite at the West Virginia State Capitol for Trades Day; Delegate Stroch of the Republican Labor Caucus visited their booth she even used their VR technology to explore training facilities in Las Vegas.
People on the Move
Transitions:
  • Megan deArrigoitia, Maria Modesto elevate to project managers at South Florida ASAP Group.
  • Kaajal Charitra is the newest project coordinator at CS Marine Constructors, Inc. in California.
  • Warren Baker becomes VP operations at DFI Piling Inc. He will relocate from Canada to Houston where he expects to encounter "great weather, BBQ and football."
  • Mike Cain joins the team at GeoStructures, Inc.
  • Esteban Orellana-Castanada, EIT moves over to GTR, Inc.
  • Cody Alford rejoins Mason Construction, LLC as safety manager in East Texas.
  • Stephen Borgmann new BDM Northeast Region for Morris-Shea Bridge Co.
  • Regan Tolley rises to Midwest South-Central sales manager at CZM Foundation Equipment.
  • Keithe J. Merl, P.E. onboards at DuroTerra to serve Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern U.S. clientele in the "rapidly expanding" market for Ductile Iron Piles.
  • Erica Ferens joins JD Fields & Company as new business development manager in Houston.
  • Andrew Harris elevates to general manager at Houston-based Lodge Lumber, Inc. In this new role, he'll assume duties for HR, fleet and facilities and maintenance.
  • David Toups joins Pipe & Tube Supplies, Inc. as new Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. He most recently held the same position at Stupp Corp. and has 30+ years of industry experience. 
  • Dean Barley tapped to lead Tadano America Corp. as new CEO; he joined in 2019 to integrate Demag into the brand. Elsewhere, Hutton Strader transitions to manager of all terrain cranes.
  • Daniel Cimino, P.E. promoted to asst. manager, New Orleans branch of Ardaman & Associates.
  • Brian Looney, P.E. rises to president at Alaska-based CRW Engineering Group
  • Sheetal Gordon, Teresa Matozzo onboard at ECS Limited in Texas and New Jersey, respectively.
  • Chad Roe, P.E. named new project manager at Eustis Engineering.
  • Amanda Wall elevates to talent acquisition manager at GZA GeoEnvironmental.
  • Gary Watters, credited for creating viability of PND Engineers Canada, retires after 26+ years. 
  • Matthew Wadner, Brent Sellers, new techs at Mobile office of Southern Earth Sciences.
  • Carlos Mercado, M.S., P.E. named principal at newly rebranded UES.

Recognitions:
  • Daniel Sprunk announces the birth of his second son on March 14; the Cajun Industries PM, mom and big bro welcome Lewis "Lewie" Taylor Sprunk to their Baton Rouge home.
  • Cody, Gibb and Mike were among the awardees at the Company Wrench product support meeting in West Virginia; attendees celebrated their 2022 achievements.
  • Ryan Moore gets a public honor from employer Contractors Steel Co., see his SPOTLIGHT.
  • Jeff Tallent of ESP Associates volunteered his survey expertise to Cincinnati technical school; he demonstrated GPR to find unidentified graves at a cemetery from 1843.
  • Ivorie L. in EXP business development named "Changemaker" at transportation organization.
  • Melvin Williams, F.SAME, FACEC of Terracon has been named Engineer of the Year by the Charleston Engineers Joint Council.

In sympathy:
  • Joseph F. Watters, longtime owner of Hoffman Equipment in Piscataway, NJ, passed away on March 1. PDCA extends its warmest sympathies to his wife of 64 years, Mary Jane, his son and successor at Hoffman, Tim Watters, and an extensive list of family, friends and colleagues.
  • Dylan Riley, a 29-year-old equipment operator at Morris-Shea Bridge Company, has passed. Please join us in wishing the very best to the young family he leaves behind in Cherokee, AL. 
On the Job
Blue Iron Foundations & Shoring uses a Giken Silent Piler to install a permanent sheet pile wall to separate nearby residents of Davenport, FL, from a roadway expansion.
 
CS Marine Constructors installed concrete and steel piles and other components to build walkways and a deck for Amports in the California Bay Area.
 
Foundation Constructors crew under PM Dylan Honaker and Supt. David Howard completed a tricky installation of permanent sheet pile shoring along a storm-damaged road in Hayward, CA.
 
PRECO-MSE is building one of Quebec's newest Walmarts; see the photo spread of dozens of piles from Interpipipe Inc., boldly standing at attention to the sunrise on a Canadian winter morning.
 
Trevcon Construction shows progress driving steel piles from JD Fields for NYC's Ferry Homeport II site. Full project story coming in Issue 3 of PileDriver!
 
GeoQuip/HPSI vibros adorned the oceanfront for spring breakers in Myrtle Beach, SC.
 
Lodge Lumber Co. dispatches hundreds of truckloads from its Houston yard each year; it converted to CNG vehicles in 2014 and shares first-hand perspectives on benefits to fueling with natural gas.
 
Service Steel Warehouse in Houston loads H-piles and shoring products for a truck ride to Dallas where they will be installed for expansion of the Silverline in the DART public rail system.
Media Hits
ENR details a $2.8B contract for a dock replacement at Hawaii's Pearl Harbor; the U.S. Navy awarded a JV involving Hawaiian Dredging and Orion. The construction is expected to be completed in 2028.
 
Marine Construction Magazine writes about JD Fields' first delivery under an exclusive distribution agreement of a HZ-M combi wall for the Greenville Yard bulkhead; Weeks Marine will install the steel.

Marine Construction Magazine quotes McCarthy engineer Sarah Johnson about unique steps the firm took to complete a wharf rehab at the Port of Beaumont (TX). Hint, an uncrewed vessel is involved.
 
The Gothamist updates construction progress on the Paulsboro Marine Terminal on the Delaware River in New Jersey, which is expected to go online this year. It'll support the burgeoning, regional wind power industry. Commerce Construction has the four-year, $160M contract for its new wharf.
 
Jacksonville Daily Record reports Balfour Beatty Construction was given a green light to purchase steel exceeding $25M to expand the Jacksonville, FL, airport. While it's unclear if driven pile work will be performed for this initiative, let it be noted that PDCA uses this airport frequently to come see you.

Utah Construction & Design Magazine features a spread on the $25M design-build Porter Rockwell Bridge Project by Ralph L. Wadsworth Construction.
 
KNBN-TV, News Center 1 broadcasts a story about a job fair in Rapid City, SD. The reporter references struggles the construction industry faces in filling positions. American Engineering Testing (AET) was at the event; geotech and local office manager Kristen Yates, P.E. gave a media interview.
 
Nicholls State University College of Business launched a digital campaign prominently featuring PDCA member Sealevel Construction; 12 alums are on staff at the deep foundation construction powerhouse, and they are featured in social media from the NSU. John Ford provides a testimonial.
Notes from the Field
The 2023 baseball season is here let's salute famed NCAA baseball coach Paul Mainieri who led the 2009 LSU squad to a College World Series Championship. Fast-forward to now, the Tigers are atop the current rankings, and despite being out of coaching, Mainieri can still inspire. He led a group of young professionals from Baker Gulf Coast Industrial on a tour of LSU's Alex Box Stadium in Baton Rouge.
 
Alamo rhymes with "Sussudio" British rocker Phil Collins is fascinated with the Alamo in San Antonio and has collected numerous historical artifacts. Clark Construction, through a JV, built a new visitor's center near the solemn grounds; it opened last month and is the new home to Collins' collection.
 
Money can buy me a boat, a truck and a Yeti 110 did you know that multi-talented engineering firm Dewberry has the Yeti brand as a GC client? Now you do.
 
Las Vegas has been described as a "brilliant cluster of jewels" referring to nighttime views of the city's glowing lights. At least one PDCA member found its name in the sparkling display during CONEXPO; Tadano appeared in name and crane likeness on the marquee at the Sahara. Nice work, Patrick Snow!
 
As much of the construction industry was in the Neon City Gerdau North America ventured south to Silicon Hills, or Austin, TX. Reportedly, it was "the only steel company official partner" of South By Southwest (or SXSW), the country's largest annual event highlighting creativity, trends and innovation.
 
The Midwest is America's breadbasket and PDCA members in the region show us why. The staff at Contractors Steel Co. in Indiana and Ohio baked pies for their colleagues on National Pi Day (you know, 3/14). Then in Michigan, Koppers had a chili cook-off; winner Jared Loukus poses with his unique prize!
 
Getting hungry? How about FREE steak? Baltimore engineer D.W. Kozera, Inc. is in the market for a new engineering field technician. Reach out to firm president Shana Opdyke-Carroll with any referrals; if your candidate works out, she'll give you a $200 gift certificate to Ruth's Chris.
 
You've made it to the end, thanks for reading this round-up of news from the pile driving industry. Remember, you've got one more month to enter the 2023 PDCA Project of the Year Awards Program; don't let this FREE contest pass without your entry. Your incredible project completed in 2022, along with those from the other winners, will be revealed in the August 2023 PileDriver magazine. You must be a member to enter, so you need to act quickly and JOIN PDCA TODAY.

Meantime, keep your news coming; it is a benefit of your membership to have your company news broadcast here at NO COST. Also, there are a lot of PDCA and chapter opportunities coming this spring that we'll be covering we hope to see you at one or more of them.
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Copyright © 2023 Pile Driving Contractors Association, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you are an industry leader in the piling community and
may be a member of the Pile Driving Contractors Association.

Posted in A Pile of News PDCA Monthly e-newsletter.

 Comments (0) | Leave a Comment

A Pile of News - March 2023
A Pile of News: March 2023
A briefing on news and information from the pile driving contractors,
associated manufacturers, construction suppliers and affiliated engineers
who comprise PDCA.
By Matt Bisbee, PDCA

Originally sent March 1, 2023
Top of the Pile
Special coverage from the 2023 PDCA Annual Conference: thanks to all of you who made this event possible through your attendance, sponsorships, exhibition, presentations and ongoing support of PDCA. Make sure and read this newsletter to the end as we offer a special "closing commentary" on the 2023 conference. But first, there's plenty of event coverage and photos from San Diego on the PDCA Blog:
From the Association & Chapters
Mark your calendars!
News and PHOTOS from the PDCA Blog:
Industry News:
Congratulations, Marco Lessard, you are this month's winner! Send an email to marian@piledrivers.org before the end of the month to claim your prize!
News from PDCA Companies
Acquisitions & expansions:
Giving back:
Recognitions:
Anniversary:
  • ECS Limited reaches 35 years! The Virginia-based engineering firm opened in 1988 with its first project, Market Square, in Washington, DC. PDCA treasures its relationship with the firm, which has supported a volunteer board member (thanks Karl Higgins) and earned a Project of the Year Award. With 80+ U.S. offices, ECS has a recognizable and trusted brand in the engineering space.

Governmental relations:
  • ESP Associates, Inc. department manager Toynia Gibbs wins appointment from Gov. Cooper to the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors. She is the first female surveyor to gain a position on this board, on which she will serve at least one five-year term.
  •  
  • PND Engineers, Inc. co-founder Roy Peratrovich, Jr. is the son of the late Elizabeth Peratrovich. Since 1988, Alaskans have celebrated her legacy. On Feb. 16, 2020, the U.S. Mint issued a coin with her likeness. Last month, the U.S. Senators Sullivan and Murkowski passed a resolution honoring her civil rights work; she led Alaska's Anti-Discrimination Act in 1945.
  •  
  • GeoEngineers, Inc. has done some preliminary investigative work on what will become the I-10 Calcasieu Bridge Reconstruction near Lake Charles, LA, one of only nine US projects to get a "mega grant." US-DOT Undersecretary Monje is from the Bayou State... is this a coincidence?
  •  
  • TRC Companies, Inc. joined client City of Maysville, NC to receive US EPA Administrator Regan, who announced a $2B grant for the community to address drinking water problems.
  •  
People on the Move
Transitions:
  • Darin Murayama is promoted to VP Finance and Manu Bermudes elevates to VP Human Resources and DEI at Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company.
  •  
  • Jorge Otero joins Morris-Shea Bridge Company as logistics coordinator.
  •  
  • Jamie Martin appointed CEO, Shawn Dennison named CFO; both men join leadership at the Contractor's Steel parent company, UPG Enterprises, as it scales Chicago-based operations.
  •  
  • Regan Tolley elevates to Midwest South-Central sales manager at CZM Foundation Equipment.
  •  
  • Erik Ellingsen, P.E. brings extensive experience in deep foundation installation and testing to GeoEngineers, Inc., where he is a new senior geotechnical engineer.
  •  
  • Chris Brazell rises to COO at EMC Engineering Services; other promotions include Alec Metzger to SVP, Joel Womack, Kip Goodbread, Vin Pinkston, Nash Austin.
  •  
  • Jorge Robles onboards as new geotechnical engineer at GZA Geo Environmental in Connecticut.
  •  
  • Russell Nipper makes 39 years at Southern Earth Sciences, Mobile; Shaun Yeung new to Tampa.
  •  
  • "Ms. Rose" receives a warm sendoff from Aggregate Technologies, Inc. as she enters retirement.

Recognitions:
  • Jon Beck of American Deep Foundation reaches 47 years in pile driving, 22 with the Atlanta-based company.
  •  
  • Brad Bierwagen, Matt Lash, Pat Stanford earn unique annual awards for exemplary work in various areas of the expansive, diverse Bowen Engineering Corp. operation. Meantime, Brooke Chitwood, who operates the intern program, has become a certified HR professional.
  •  
  • Hunter Arrighi, Todd Shiflett of GROUP Contractors named ECC Future Leaders.
  •  
  • Vern Dettman of J. Fletcher Creamer & Son has spent nearly 25 years improving Mid-Atlantic infrastructure; he is a newly elected VP of the Maryland Utility and Transportation Association.
  •  
  • Anthony Turner is employee of the month and John Trumbull coins phrase, "safety is a team sport"; staff at RJ Gorman Marine Construction gain accolades from employer.  
  •  
  • Tom Greco and the Elkhart, IN Bull Moose Tube team earn the Lord Paul Award for Excellence for 2022; the trophy goes to the plant that demonstrates safety, quality and improvement.
  •  
  • Fred Kahn, president/CEO at Kansas City-based Kahn Steel, celebrates 40 years in the family biz.
  •  
  • Chris Carley from Eustis Engineering and his son volunteered at a "TreeCycling" event; they took donated trees out in Louisiana's Barataria Basin to dampen waves and reduce coastal erosion.
  •  
  • Azure Dee Sleicher, a VP at RACE Coastal Engineering, joins the board for the Connecticut Association of Flood Managers, which promotes subject matter education and public policies.
  •  
  • Brittany O'Sullivan, Terri DeGross from the Universal Engineering Sciences Orlando offices win second place in a local construction industry chili cookoff.

In remembrance:
  • Mueser Rutledge Consulting Engineers PLLC (MRCE) principals established a scholarship with the foundation at New Jersey Institute of Technology to honor the life and legacy of colleague and friend, David R. Good, P.E., who passed unexpectedly in January. A noted professional and valued PDCA member, Good maintained a close relationship with his alma mater, NJIT.
  •  
  • Dr. David K. Crapps, a towering figure in deep foundations, has passed at age 83. A renowned geotechnical engineer, he completed his doctoral dissertation under Dr. John Schmertmann on the use of wave equation theory for pile driving when it was still a new idea. Later, he rewrote the deep foundation section of the Florida DOT Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction, including dynamic testing (PDA) and other major updates. Paul Bullock of Fugro USA says he was a lifelong mentor who "had a big impact on the pile driving industry."
On the Job
Black River Solar ventured away from the Midwest's plush prairies and sprawling farmlands to install piling in the Big Bend region in far southwestern Texas near the Mexico border.
 
Orion Marine Group, which is building the NASA Causeway Bridge in Florida that you read about in a past PileDriver magazine, reports that Florida State Rep. Sirios and Brevard County Commissioners back legislation that would name the new span after Sally Ride, the first woman to go to space in 1983.
 
R. Kremer & Son Marine Contractors installs a composite bulkhead along the Arthur Kill near the Raritan Yacht Club in Perth Amboy, NJ.
 
Pacific Pile & Marine completed a highly complex pile driving project at the Ketchikan Airport Ferry Layup facility, an Alaska DOT job. New dolphin structures supporting a concrete float have Nucor Skyline steel, among other materials; ICE-International Construction Equipment, Inc. machinery was on the install. PND Engineers, Inc. provided the project design.
 
EXP expands its business relationship with the City of Atlanta, wins design contract for renovations at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
 
GeoEngineers, Inc. caps nearly 10 years of geotech and environmental services in its complex scope for the "Summit" expansion at the Seattle Convention Center. Kyle Smith, Katy Atakturk and Matt Smith attended a recent open house at the facility that will host the DFI Annual Conference this fall.
Media Hits
NOLA.com|The Times-Picayune publishes a story about a substation overhaul project completed by the Cajun Industries Infrastructure Business Unit that delivers a reliable power source in Grand Isle, LA. The buildout includes mitigation design for inevitable future storms. Great write-up and job site photos.

Vanguard Law Magazine chronicles Manson Construction in-house counsel Laurie A. Pinard's visits to various company jobsites around the country. 
 
Los Angeles Business Journal names McCarthy senior manager Megan Fairley a Woman of Influence; also, Dredgewire publishes interview with company engineer Sarah Johnson on Texas port expansions.
 
Birmingham's Real Talk 99.5 FM carries a Saturday show called Truitt News Radio; on Feb. 11, Richard Shea III of Morris Shea Bridge Co. appeared on the program to discuss Alabama construction.
 
The Contributors podcast interviews Colin Osborne, president/CEO of Samuel Roll Form Group parent company. Among topics discussed are sustainability initiatives aiding talent recruitment/retention.
 
The Houston Chronicle publishes story about JD Fields' relocation to award-winning Houston tower.
 
NJ Spotlight News broadcasts a story about an initiative of local reps of the UBC Pile Drivers and Divers. Students at JFK High School in Paterson, NJ learn carpentry skills and gain a "foot in the door" on a high-demand job; local union carpenters provide instruction. The video clip features quotes from students, administrators, Mayor Sayegh, and local council representative Tomasz Wyzga.
Notes from the Field
Things we learn from SC members, #1 - how to be a pile driving alpha dog: You've got to hear the outgoing message on the office phone lines at Parker Marine Contracting in Charleston, SC; it qualifies Kent Parker as THE alpha dog. Call 843-853-7615 and listen yourself, you won't be disappointed!
 
Things we learn from SC members, #2 - how to disguise your bromance on social media: If you're a contractor who has a good relationship with a geotechnical engineer, give a shout-out during National Engineers Week. You'll convey your adoration while supporting his industry. 😉
 
A circular firing squad around the company co-owner is not typical formation for a geotechnical team, but the staff at Premier Geotech and Testing did this. It played laser tag during a company retreat with the goal to "accurize their focus" for 2023. As it turned out, all laser-shooters accurized on Mike Juneau.
 
When I was young, I used to eat ketchup sandwiches (just Google it) - McCarthy's team in Kansas City was draped in red and gold when it attended the Chiefs' Super Bowl victory parade.
 
It's March Madness time will your team be dancing? GROUP Contractors extracts dual interpretation from a quote by the late, great John Wooden, who coached his UCLA Bruins basketball teams to TEN NCAA National Championships. "Flexibility is the key to stability," said the coach; the Baton Rouge contractor borrowed the quote to caption a social media photo of a sheet piling job it completed.

And you've finished another installment of 'A Pile of News,' thanks for reading. We wanted to include a few more comments concerning the 2023 Annual Conference that completed in February. First, many thanks to Mark Weisz, one of six volunteer leaders who comprised the Past Presidents panel for the Closing Keynote at the event. During his comments, he singled out this publication as a 'must read' for him. Paraphrasing, he said he "loves to read A Pile of News!" We are humbled by this endorsement.
 
This leading West Coast contractor and Past President of PDCA clearly pays attention to what we publish, do you send us your company news? Do you purchase ad space? Maybe you should! Inclusion in this publication is FREE to PDCA members and open to a limited number of advertisers. Contact our partner Lester Publications to discuss ad sales, but send us your news tips to matt@piledrivers.org. Yes, we get a lot from your social media, but send the big items to make sure we don't miss those. Not a PDCA member? Well, you can JOIN TODAY and we promise you will get a shout-out in the Top of the Pile for the April newsletter when we thank all Q1-2023 New Members.
 
Finally, we hope you enjoyed the several photo collections we shared at the beginning. We want to give photo credit to Mark Skalny who has been a regular photographer at PDCA and other industry events for several years. We appreciate his quick work to make sure that you can see what happened...or what you missed. Please join us next time!
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A Pile of News - February 2023
A Pile of News: February 2023
A briefing on news and information from the pile driving contractors,
associated manufacturers, construction suppliers and affiliated engineers
who comprise PDCA.
By Matt Bisbee, PDCA

Originally sent Feb. 1, 2023
It's here! The PDCA 24th Annual Conference starts next week, will we see you in San Diego at Mission Bay Resort? There's the golf tourney, committee meetings, Project of the Year ceremony, exhibit hall, keynote presentations, elective courses, receptions and much more. Have you registered as an exhibitor or attendee? If not, there's still time. Serial procrastinators can even show up at the door (not ideal), and we will try to accommodate you on the spot. We want you there! 
  • JUST RELEASED: The first 2023 issue of PileDriver magazine can make for good reading while you travel so check out the digital edition.
From the Association & Chapters
Mark your calendars!
NOW - May 5: The PDCA Project of the Year Awards Program is open for entries to members only. Send your submission as an electronic file share by May 5, and you're in!

Feb. 9: Value Driven Webinar Series, 23 PM EST. Past PDCA presidents will sit on a panel for a keynote presentation to Annual Conference attendees in San Diego. It will be simulcast as a webinar. If you can't be at the Conference, you are encouraged to remotely attend the event. It is FREE to members, $50 for non-members.

Feb. 16: South Carolina Chapter dinner meeting, 6:30 PM at Town & Country Inn, Charleston.

Feb. 23: DEADLINE for IFCEE 2024 abstracts. Aspiring presenters, act now!

Feb. 27 - March 1: Deep Foundations Dynamic Testing & Analysis Course (DFDTA): Doubletree Airport Hotel Orlando, one-day seminar, two-day workshop, optional proficiency test at the end.

March 2: Gulf Coast Chapter quarterly meeting and Topgolf event in Baton Rouge. Pres. Dylan André and leadership vow to "spice things up" for 2023 events.

March 14 - 18: CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023, Las Vegas PDCA is once again a supporting organization for the largest construction show in North America.

News and PHOTOS from the PDCA Blog:

PDCA executive director Frank Peters speaks at UBC Millwright & Pile Driver Conference.

South Carolina Chapter hosts 17th Annual Oyster Roast; see who was SPOTTED.

Texas Chapter elects new leadership; Mike Leal is now secretary and Derek Brodnax is the new treasurer. Returning as president is Brandon Bicknell, Condon Verble repeats as VP.

Strategic planning 2023 brought the PDCA Board of Directors to Clearwater, FL, in January to chart a path of continued growth, refined operations and a strengthened industry. PHOTOS.

BONUS COVERAGE of Strategic Planning 2023: Brian Heck begins second term, Brad Roberts gets new role, Harold Baur to chair committee, the Battle of the Blue and WWE legend sighting.

Do you want to present at PDCA DICEP 2023 or IFCEE 2024? Send in your abstract proposals.

ICYMI: Two new policies won board passage in 2022 a Member Code of Conduct and a Standing Committee Operation Policy.

Industry News:

New Statutory Payment Regime for Public and Private Works in Virginia PDCA legal author Anthony LaPlaca, who recently made partner at Seyfarth Shaw LLP, updates a new Virginia law which nullifies the "pay-if-paid" defense; subs must be paid, regardless of timely payments by project owners to GCs. It took effect Jan. 1, and varies slightly for public and private contracts.

ABC Construction Confidence Index; specialty trades up 3.2%, heavy/civil engineering up 1.9%.

Orange County, TX, chosen for energy plant expansion; officials expect $51B economic impact.

Mississippi River levels at historic lows in 2022 are on the rise; not expected to last.
Congratulations, Pete Kolb, you are this month's winner!
Send an email to marian@piledrivers.org before the end of the month to claim your prize!
News from PDCA Companies
Anniversary:
Acquisitions & Expansions:

RJ Gorman Marine Construction adds Southwest Florida to its service area; the Panhandle-based contractor appointed Tyler Marks as the point of contact in Fort Myers.

GEOKON announces its acquisition of 30-year partner Swiss Precision Turning, Inc., a machining company based in Vermont that serves the geotechnical industry, among others.

Governmental relations:

Bowen Engineering Corporation is prime contractor for a job at the U.S. Navy Surface Warfare Center near Crane, IN; it's developing an Underwater Launch Test Project. Gov. Holcomb visited in January to learn about the new capabilities of the base and stand for some photos.

Giving back:

Clark Construction aligns an annual Week of Service with Martin Luther King, Jr. Day each year; in January, employees offered more than 2,000 hours of community service nationwide.

Trevcon Construction contributes to Billion Oyster Project, a nonprofit initiative working in tandem with New York Harbor School, to revitalize the oyster population and enhance the marine habitat off Hudson River Park's Gansevoort Peninsula.

GZA GeoEnvironmental is a leading 2023 benefactor for the Justin S. Monaghan, PE Fund for Geotechnical Engineering; it supports URI students in the name of a late, beloved colleague.

Haley & Aldrich staff collectively bundled $50K for the firm's holiday donation program. Funds are benefitting Feeding America and Engineers Without Borders International.

Recognitions:

Conti Civil, LLC celebrates its Jersey City Floodwall project team for successful operations over nine months without a "recordable." The milestone called for a feast on the house!

Orion Marine Group, like all PDCA members, values employee safety. The company recently transitioned to a new safety helmet for heavy civil teams; the KASK model is rated ANSI Type 2, includes a chin strap and self-absorbing foam on the interior.
People on the Move
Transitions:

Harold Baur promoted to VP of piling and marine construction at Boh Bros. in New Orleans.

Eric Stenman assumes the role president/CEO for Building & Civil at Balfour Betty US in April; Mark Konchar steps into the role of president, Civil.

Elizabeth Brown elevates to sr. project manager at ASAP Group, which announced a series of promotions in January. Others include Jonathan Barreto, who becomes pre-construction manager, Luisana DeSousa to lead estimator and Jessica Daza to estimating manager.

Gordian Ulrich promoted at Equipment Corporation of America to VP, BAUER Product Sales.

Peter Gustavo moves from metals recycling to director business development at Gerdau Next.

Marco Lessard, CPA, CMA is new VP at Interpipe Inc., after five years at PRECO-MSE in Montreal.

Anna Sellountou-Rausche, Ph.D., P.E. becomes the new director of global sales at Pile Dynamics, Inc., following more than a decade with the company, where she has championed global R&D.

Marisa Weber elevates to VP environmental services team at Lloyd Engineering in Houston.

Tony Canale, P.E. named principal at Mueser Rutledge Consulting Engineers. Other promotions are Aaron Saks, P.E. to sr. associate, Leszek Czajkowski, P.E. and Mike McMaster, P.E. to associate. 

Bennett Dulaney, P.E. rises to principal at S&ME, Inc. Huntsville, AL, office.

John Liautaud, Russell Perez, Charles Purvis, Daniel Jones, Dante Piccini are among the newest hires at New Orleans and Mobile, AL, offices of Southern Earth Sciences, Inc.

Mark Harrison earns promotion to principal at the Chattanooga, TN, offices of Terracon.

Don Suplicki retires from Flexicore of Texas, caps a 30+ year career in concrete manufacturing.

Recognitions:

Shane Kirkpatrick, GROUP Contractors president, sworn in as board member for ABC Chapter.

Eddie Heredia, a barge foreman for Manson, earned a compliment from Manson project sponsor Matt LaRue, who said, "Eddie and the VALKYRIE crew [Tony Diaz, Vincent Diaz, Ricky Sanchez] are one of the best pile driving crews in the industry," in an inspiring company story.

Alexis Woodward of Flores Automation & Machine Control serving the Southeast, welcomed a baby girl Oct. 31. See custom PPE she wears when she and mom got "happily back to work."  

Katie Zadrozny, P.E. at American Engineering Testing, named liaison to Minnesota Infrastructure Alliance, a coalition advocating safety and sustainability, increased infrastructure investment.

Seth Hamblin, P.E. of Geosciences Testing and Research, Inc., Greg Canivan, P.E. of S&ME, Inc. named new co-chairs of the Driven Pile Committee for the Deep Foundations Institute.

David Schoenwolf reaches 45 years at Haley & Aldrich; congrats David and go Illini!

Aaron Unterreiner is marketing manager at PND Engineers, Inc. and on the PDCA Communications Committee. Recently, SMPS-Alaska spotlighted Aaron in a member profile.

Hailey Simpson, of RACE Coastal Engineering in Connecticut, joins a national network of leaders in waterfront planning after earning the WEDG® credential from the Waterfront Alliance.

Wes Lowder gave inspiring words to grads of the NC State College of Engineering; as speaker for Fall '22 commencement, the S&ME VP emphasized continuous learning and living for today.

Mark Ohlstrom, VP Federal Programs at Shannon & Wilson, Inc. in Seattle, has been named a new Fellow in the Society of American Military Engineers.

Matt Coaker, P.E. of Southern Earth Sciences earns honor from Mobile Area engineers' group.

In remembrance:

Jason Auck (Dec. 13, 1977 Jan. 20, 2023), a valued employee of Kokosing Construction in Ohio. Please keep his young family, friends and coworkers in your thoughts.

Chuck Mason (Nov. 8, 1949 Jan. 8, 2023), third-generation operator of Mason Construction in Beaumont, TX. Field crews, shop and office staff saluted him with equipment horns.

​​​​​​​Alfred Harold Karchmer (Sept. 21, 1920 Dec. 30, 2022), founder of Bigfoot Pipe & Piling. The company offices and yards closed on Jan. 6 in honor of the WWII veteran and Bronze Star recipient.
On the Job
ASAP Group installs steel sheets and H-piles from Nucor Skyline to form a circular combi wall. The finished project will become a new bridge near The Villages, FL.
 
Baker Gulf Coast Industrial shares a blueprint on its approach to risk, cost and hassle reduction. Sure, it's a marketing piece, but it provides a good reminder of the basics to which the Louisiana contractor adheres.
 
CS Marine Constructors, Inc. did a massive clean-up on an iconic waterfront in California's Bay Area. A photo/video montage of the Crocket Marina chronicles 12 years of its evolution.
 
H.B. Fleming updates progress on piling installation in the development of a sewer plant in Lynn, MA. First was a 40-foot-deep cofferdam for the pump station, then a grid of piles to support the slab.
 
Morris Shea Bridge Co. shares progress on a new Memphis factory it's building for Ford Motor Company, future home of the F-150 Lightning EV. Photos of shoring work and the tryout pit.
 
Poseidon Dredge & Marine updates two south Florida projects: 1) PSC pile installation using a HPSI/GeoQuip Power Systems vibro, at the Las Olas Marina project in Ft. Lauderdale; 2) sheet pile installation and concrete cap for the restoration of a Pinellas Park Channel.
 
O'Quinn Marine Const. posts photos of a demo job that date-stamps beach erosion off the South Carolina coast; the structure on timber piles stands strong after 30 years but has become inaccessible.
 
Russell Marine installed 18ea., 30" by 100' pipe pile supports to hold a new, 400K+ dock structure at the new GT Logistics terminal in Port Arthur, TX. Flexicore of Texas provided pile caps for this project.
 
Weeks Marine teams up with Lloyd Engineering, Inc., which followed seismic requirements, to construct Petro Terminal's Ship Dock 2 in Panama. ESC Steel LLC supplied the pipe for this remote project.
 
GeoQuip, Inc. brightens the winter landscape on a South Carolina DOT bridge project over the Wateree River; see its assortment of red equipment from the HPSI and Pileco Inc. lines.
 
Gulf Coast Pre-Stress Partners says its teams have produced 1,500 (30", 24" and 18") PSC pilings, some spliced up to 215 feet, for the Louisiana DOT rebuild of LA 1, a major roadway to Port Fourchon.
 
Eustis Engineering is on an historically significant project in New Orleans; it is the GOR for a restoration at Chalmette National Cemetery, which sits adjacent to the site of the last major battle of the War of 1812.
 
Universal Engineering Sciences is providing geotechnical exploration, vibration monitoring, materials testing, among other services for a forthcoming, new town hall in Jupiter, FL.
Media Hits
14 News, TV Evansville, IN aired a story about career day at a southern Indiana high school. Students learned about construction and other industries. Notably, the B-roll shows personnel from Bowen Engineering Corporation (logo shirts and all) presenting to the teenagers.
 
Marine Construction Magazine publishes a wide-ranging interview with longtime friend to PDCA and recognized steel piling expert, Dean Abbondanza of JD Fields & Company.
 
KTTU-TV, Alaska's News Source, carries coverage of a recent transportation fair in Anchorage; making a cameo on the video footage were CReW members from local firm CRW Engineering Group, Inc.

ENR Midwest updates construction of a replacement lock for two of the decommissioned Soo Locks in the Great Lakes. Kokosing is part of the JV that is starting the final, $1.9B phase of the federal project.
 
Georgia Trend magazine quotes Caroline Smith, Caroline Whitehead of Dewberry and Sam McCachern of Thomas & Hutton in an article that gives perspectives from the building sector on anticipated federal funding that will address current, "much needed" infrastructure optimization throughout the state. 
Notes from the Field Annual Conference Edition
Seen at the Dallas Safari Club convention in January was this beautifully mounted black bear exhibit. Outdoor-enthusiast Kevin Gourgues, president at Louisiana-based Patriot Construction & Industrial, harvested the 430-pounder in Ontario last June. He let his proud taxidermist display it at industry shows, including one in Nashville this month. Ask Kevin about the experience when you see him at the Annual Conference.
 
As you pack your bags for San Diego, one of your carry-ons should be a Murph's. This new line of tote bags is made from recycled materials. Business New Hampshire Magazine tells the story of Liam Murphy, son of GZA GeoEnvironmental COO John Murphy, who founded the start-up as a college student while coping with COVID interruptions to his engineering studies.
 
Need a good book to pass time on your flight? Check out Foundational Leadership by Robert L. Griggs. The Trinity Products chairman of the board published the manuscript chronicling the company's journey over 44 years. He shares fascinating business perspectives and a resulting report of 118% annual growth.
 
A three-time NCAA golf champ at Yale who later won five amateur titles in Texas and a spot on the 1923 Ryder Cup Team is the late, George V. Rotan, great-great-grandfather of Mac Rotan, a steel salesman at Apex Steel Pipe & Piling in Houston. The Texas Golf Hall of Fame is producing a documentary about the elder Rotan, one of the most accomplished golfers. To Texans playing in the PDCA golf tourney next Tuesday, bring your game your state has a proud golf tradition!
 
We look forward to seeing you at the Annual Conference next week in San Diego; your March 1 "A Pile of News" will contain more news and information from the industry (thanks to your tips and social media), as well as coverage from the conference. As always, thanks for reading. If you have any colleagues or friends who may like to receive this publication, they can subscribe at THIS LINK. You should also invite them to JOIN PDCA!
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Copyright © 2023 Pile Driving Contractors Association, All rights reserved.
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may be a member of the Pile Driving Contractors Association.

Posted in A Pile of News PDCA Monthly e-newsletter.

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A Pile of News - January 2023
A Pile of News: January 2023
A briefing on news and information from the pile driving contractors,
associated manufacturers, construction suppliers and affiliated engineers
who comprise PDCA.
By Matt Bisbee, PDCA

Originally sent Jan. 3, 2022
A Top of the Pile Happy New Year, and welcome to 2023! First, some final notes on 2022:
  • December brought 2022's last PileDriver magazine Issue #6; don't miss this themed publication which examines driven pile foundations mitigating natural disasters.
  •  
  • PDCA welcomes new Associate Members in Q4: Scott Equipment Company, THI Pipe & Piling.
  •  
  • Not a Member? JOIN PDCA TODAY and begin the new year supporting driven pile advocacy for the entire industry. Thank you to existing members who have already paid 2023 dues.
From the Association & Chapters
Mark your calendars!
News and PHOTOS from the PDCA Blog:
  • As noted above, PDCA is now accepting your entries for the 2023 Project of the Year Awards. As inspiration to participate in the premier recognition program for driven pile projects, check out the trophy case on display at the Baltimore office of Kokosing Industrial! 
  •  
  • Several PDCA Members in New England attended the annual Holiday Social hosted by the regional, Foundation & Marine Contractors Association. The event included a charity drive for Boston-area shelters and food banks; PDCA contributed $250 to the cause. EVENT PHOTOS
  •  
  • South Carolina Chapter promotes a technical education event at The Citadel in 2023.
  •  
  • They need to hire a publicist! Tallying-up the '22 media exposure for South Shore
  • Pile Driving.

Industry News:

In Alabama Stakeholders in years-long discussions about a replacement bridge for the current I-10 structure connecting Mobile, AL, to points eastward gained a significant ally when ALDOT went on record in December to state that the $2.7B project is 'financially viable.'
Congratulations, Rick Sadler, you are this month's winner!
Send an email to marian@piledrivers.org before the end of the month to claim your prize!
News from PDCA Companies
Acquisitions & Expansions:
  • Atlas Tube parent company completes acquisition of EXLTUBE from SPS Companies, Inc., availing it to new manufacturing and warehousing space in the Kansas City region.
  •  
  • Equipment Corporation of America (ECA) is underway with an expansion at corporate HQ in Pittsburgh. The larger space will accommodate a new, inside shop for techs to work on larger models in the ECA portfolio.
  •  
  • Junttan, through a new partnership, has begun offering piling equipment with the factory option of built-in groundworks machine controls.
  •  
  • Haley & Aldrich expands its California footprint through purchase of Cal Engineering & Geology, a regional expert in geotechnical water infrastructure.
  •  
  • Universal Engineering Sciences welcomes Dan Brown and Associates into its growing family of companies. The high-profile, Tennessee firm brings more 'depth,' according to an UES statement.
  •  
  • GEOKON becomes 100% employee-owned. President Chuck Chamley says the move for the Lebanon, NH, instrumentation specialist 'resists this trend' of venture capitalist consolidation.
  •  
  • ASAP Group closes on a new Giken Silent Piler. We like to promote members doing business together, especially when they credit PDCA events for connecting them! Join PDCA today.

Governmental relations:
Giving back:
Recognitions:
People on the Move
Transitions:
  • Cameron Toups promoted to senior project manager at Russell Marine in Channelview, TX.
  •  
  • Jordan Adams elevated to President of SJ Hamill Construction, in 2022; it was a strong finish to his first year leading the Charleston, SC, contractor, capped-off with procuring an upgraded fleet of trucks.
  •  
  • Jose Gonzalez retires after 43 years at Bull Moose Tube in Chicago Heights. Company staff celebrated his well-earned exit and recognized him with a plaque, cake and a fond farewell.
  •  
  • Barrett Rahn becomes Director of Sales and Marketing North America at CZM USA Foundation Equipment, where he most recently was Factory Sales Manager.
  •  
  • Chris Ellison has joined the Florida office of Equipment Corporation of America while Kevin Sharp has begun a new role at ECA Canada.
  •  
  • Alexandre Guy elevates from parts sales rep to the planer team at Gilbert Products; in his new role, he will coordinate with customers on machine upgrades.
  •  
  • Stephen Scott and Tom Ponnwitz onboard with the outside sales team at GMS Piling Products.
  •  
  • Herald Wattenberg transitions to Meever to start the new year as strategic director for the steel supplier. A longtime friend to PDCA, he spent the past 17 years in piling machinery.
  •  
  • Darin Werts takes his nearly 30 years' experience at MKT Manufacturing to an exciting new role outside of the driven pile industry, we wish him the best. The St. Louis equipment manufacturer taps VP of Engineering Nick Whisler to assume Darin's former oversight role.
  •  
  • Amy Blomeke, Nikki Landry, Christina Colman, Alex Ong, Stephen Williams, Michael Platz, and Catherine Sobchuk are among the newest faces at the various offices of GeoEngineers, Inc.
  •  
  • Alexandra West Jeffries, PE, Corey Roche, PE, SE, Tyler Bradshaw, PE, and Sean Sjostedt, PE, are all promoted from senior engineers to principals at Alaskan offices of PND Engineers, Inc.
  •  
  • Philip Erbland, PE, and Aaron Goldberg PE, D.GE, earn promotion to technical principals at S&ME, Inc. Also, Glenn Raybon retired after 42 years as a Charlotte-based tech at the firm; coworkers celebrated him for leaving a legacy of 'leadership, humor and wisdom.'
  •  
  • Carolyn Wright reaches 30 years at Universal Engineering Sciences in Gainesville, FL.

Recognitions:
On the Job
Blue Iron Foundations and Shoring uses Hammer & Steel equipment to drive PZC 26 60' steel sheets from Meever for a new intake and pump station in Northeast Florida.

Farrell Brothers Marine Construction shares another case where a driven pile foundation has maintained its integrity through coastal storms. Check out the Jacksonville Beach dock/bulkhead.

Foundation Constructors, Inc., shares a vibrant view from the air of ongoing construction at the Mokelumne Bridge on Interstate 5 in Sacramento County, CA. Crews install 48" and 24" pipe piles using a land-based LBC.

H.B. Fleming, Inc. crews drive 41K linear feet of steel piling for a new waterfront, residential community in Revere, MA. The job includes a permanent sheet pile bulkhead and two cofferdams.

Hal Jones Contractor refurbishes moorings at the Jacksonville, FL, shipyards to accommodate a docking home for the historical Navy destroyer, the USS Orleck. The ship is a new museum in the city.

J. Fletcher Creamer & Son, Inc., is underway with construction of a new wastewater treatment plant in Plainsboro, NJ. The $56M upgrade is expected online in late 2024. We love to see PDCA members get strategic media coverage, look at the backhoe in the photo on NJ.com from the Dec. '21 groundbreaking.

Kokosing is part of a JV retained to build a $3.5B plant in Fayette County, OH; automaker Honda commissioned the project to build a facility that will manufacture batteries for electric vehicles.
Media Hits
The Cape Gazette of coastal Delaware publishes an article and photos showing the Sun Pile Foundations crew and machinery on a residential job in Rehoboth Beach. A PVE Equipment hammer is spotted in the pics; the contractor installed 29 steel I-beams, 20 feet into the ground.

The Day newspaper serving southeastern Connecticut mentions Weeks Marine for building the $70M Pier 32 at the Naval Submarine Base near Groton. A host of Navy brass and U.S. Rep. Courtney attended to celebrate a 'climate resilient' modernization for the base waterfront.

Charleston Regional Business Journal spotlights Ken Henegar, the newest member of the design team at the Thomas & Hutton Civil Department in Mt. Pleasant, SC.

The Zweig Letter Podcast examines Colleen Martindale's 'non-traditional path into construction.' She says it was several 'happy accidents' that led her to a thriving career at McCarthy. We want to know if Colleen's phrasing pays homage to a song lyric from The Turnpike Troubadours?

The Taft Bulletin profiles notable alumni of the Connecticut school; in her feature, Lysandra Reed, PE, of Haley & Aldrich states that geotechs 'are essentially the first step' in building a major structure.
Notes from the Field
Possible necktie scandal, EXPOSED! Word's out, revered geotech and longtime PDCA technical contributor Billy Camp is a free agent. After 34 years at a South Carolina firm, he is pursuing new challenges. His LinkedIn announcement shared some old photos, prompting friends and admirers to offer glowing comments. A post from Duane Bents of Morris-Shea raised our eyebrows: he claims that years ago, he lost a paisley necktie identical to the one Billy was wearing in a circa 1991 picture. Is this a coincidence??? 😉 Wishing you the best, Billy we hope you maintain connection with PDCA!

What's in a name? Perhaps 'Drop it Like It's Hops' was inspired by an old drop hammer, or maybe rapper Snoop Dogg's similarly-titled, hit single; only Brad Roberts knows. He and Boston brewmasters at GZA GeoEnvironmental create an annual, exclusive, uniquely-named beer for limited client distribution. The 2022 version is a carbon neutral beverage with 7% ABV in 16 oz. cans. Please drink responsibly!

Will the real green monster please stand up?  Baseball fans, check out the social media post from International Construction Equipment showing pics from a Boston jobsite outside Fenway Park. You will notice the green, ICE 44 vibro installing H-pile against a backdrop of the street-side view of the famous Green Monster. Great photo, ICE!

An observation that likely has no real relevance to your workday four different PDCA member representatives share the same name, phonetically speaking that is. John Peirce is the founder/owner of Pennsylvania-based Peirce Engineering and his son John Peirce III is the VP. In Virginia, John Pierce coordinates manufacturing at Atlantic Metrocast and in New York, John Pierce is a manager at Contractor Member C.D. Perry, Inc. Anybody else?

What's new on the web? Your online presence builds this monthly summary of PDCA news and info, so we really like to visit your web and social sites. At least two Contractor Members have recently unveiled sharp-looking, redesigned websites American Pile and Foundation and Weeks Marine.

Shout it from the rooftops if you install driven piles, and don't make a liar out of this classic meme, from Island Piling. We need your voices loud and proud to advocate pile driving. If you aren't a current member, JOIN PDCA today and support the only organization that coalesces industry voices and exclusively promotes the driven pile. Thanks for reading 'A Pile of News,' and Happy New Year!