Among the biggest topics members discussed during the PDCA Gulf Coast Chapter June meeting were Chapter by-laws and cofferdams. It all took place on June 26 at the L'Auberge Casino & Hotel in Baton Rouge, where attendees enjoyed a social hour with an open bar, a buffet style dinner, industry networking, a Chapter business discussion and a technical presentation. The June meeting received support of three generous sponsors, including: Sealevel Construction, PVE Equipment USA, and Pile Solution LLC.

 In its business meeting, the Gulf Coast Chapter members held a vote to reaffirm the Chapter by-laws and established that their next step will be to ensure the governing document is in alignment with it's website and other marketing tools, especially as it relates to Chapter membership.  President Scott Williams indicated that the group will meet again in August and that members should attend because they will be voting on additional governing matters and perhaps amendments to the by-laws.

Other matters on the business agenda included ongoing discussion of the March 2026 Engineer's Conference, a biennial event from the Chapter. It was noted that organizers are arranging presenters to share their subject matter expertise for this impactful event. New business included discussion two regional, high-profile projects, the Mobile Bay Bridge and the Lake Charles Bridge. There was a desire by some Chapter members to explore learning opportunities that might become available through these massive construction jobs. Pres. Williams said that plans are underway for an August 28th meeting that is expected to take place on the Mississippi Gulf Coast (venue TBD), as well as a clay shoot that will happen one of the first two weeks of November at Covey Rise in Louisiana. 

Following the business portion of the meeting, Chapter Secretary Scott Gros, a senior estimator at Orion, selivered a presentation to attendees that discussed design consideration for cofferdams, a subject that elicited engagement from the audience.  

The PDCA Gulf Coast Chapter thanks all who attended the June 26th meeting; watch this website and your inbox for announcements about future Chapter events.

The PDCA Gulf Coast Chapter thanks all sponsors and players who participated in it's 2025 Golf Tournament & Scholarship Fundraiser; Chapter leadership reports that it has secured an estimated $3,000 to put toward its scholarship program that will benefit students pursuing construction careers. On April 4th, around 60 golfers found their way to the Carter Plantation Golf Club near Springfileld, LA where the Chapter event took place. Attendees were provided breakfast upon arrival, and then all foursomes fanned out around the course to their assigned starting hole to begin promptly at 9:00 am. Throughout the 18 holes, golfers encountered several exhibitor tents which offered games, giveaways, food, drink, and an opportunity to make a new friend in the industry. Holes without an exhibitor generally had a generous sponsor sign to remind the golfers of all the benefactors who were supporting the event and cause.

Once golf was done, attendees gathered in the Carter Plantation banquet room where a buffet lunch, a cash bar, and air conditioning, all awaited the competitors. Once all golfers were assembled for lunch, Chapter President Scott Williams thanked all supporters, and gave a special mention to Chapter Treasurer Scott Gros who led the organization and planning for the tournament. Williams then called to order a short Chapter meeting to discuss 2025 business matters for the organization to consider. PDCA Executive Director Frank Peters attended and briefed the attendees on upcoming events and initiatives that PDCA is coordinating this year. When the meeting adjourned, President Williams and Treasurer Tyler Roberts announced the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers in the competition. They also recognized two golfers who would take home prizes for the 'Closest to the Pin' and 'Longest Drive' contests.

In addition to the golfers, the support from the following event sponsors helped make 2025 Golf Tournament a success:

Sponsors - Desoto Treated Materials, Sealevel Construction, PVE USA, JD Fields & Co., Nucor, Junttan, Lodge Lumber, Orion, and Baker Pile Driving & Site Work.

Hole Sponsors - Meever USA, Bell Lumber & Pole, Northwestern Mutual - Pat DiCerbo, MKT Manufacturing, and Steel Pipe Fabricators.

See who was SPOTTED at the event in the following PHOTO DUMP:

The month of April brings a variety of learning, networking, and competitive events to PDCA Chapters.

Gulf Golf, April 4th
If golf is your your game, don't miss the PDCA Gulf Coast Chapter Golf Tournament, happening April 4th at the Carter Plantation Golf Club, near Springfield, LA. The four-person scramble begins at 8:00 AM with registration and breakfast, tournament play starts at 9:00 AM. Proceeds from registrations and sponsorship benefit future Chapter programming and the Chapter's scholarship fund. The event concludes with an onsite lunch and Chapter business meeting. To reserve a spot for yourself, your twosome or your foursome, click the button below to Register.

 

Lone Star Learning, April 22nd
Are you looking for further education on the manufacturing and distribution processes of steel piling? Consider attending the PDCA Texas Chapter Lunch & Learn on April 22nd at Eagle Point Golf Club in Mont Belvieu, TX. The professional development opportunity begins at 10:30 AM with a welcome speech and buffet lunch. Shortly thereafter, you will hear two separate presentations on steel piling by subject matter experts from CPS Houston and JD Fields & Co. Once the program finishes, Texas Chapter leaders will update attendees on events and initiatives the organization is pursuing in 2025. Lunch & Learn proceedings will conclude at 1:30 PM, at which time there is space reserved for attendees to play an optional round of golf. The deadline to register for the optional golf portion of this event is April 17th. For more details and registration, click below: .  

Collecting in Cali, April 25th
To finish out the month, you can support the next generation of foundation professionals while you kill some birds in California. The Pacific Coast Chapter Scholarship Shoot happens on April 25th at Birds Landing Hunting Preserve. Shooters will arrive at the course for 8:00 am registration and breakfast. Raffle ticket sales will be available at this time as well. The shooting competition begins at 9:00 and is expected to last four hours. Once all shooters have finished the course, attendees will gather for lunch, prizes, a live auction, and a Chapter update. Proceeds from the Scholarship Shoot support Chapter programming and the annual scholarship awards to regional students pursuing engineering and construction education. To learn more and to register for this event, now in its 14th year, click the button below: